Compiled by: Etienne Bruwer, Ruan Gagiano, and Renier Bothma, Agronomists at Kynoch

Dryland agriculture, where crops rely on natural rainfall instead of irrigation, demands meticulous soil management and precise nutrient strategies—particularly for maize and soybean production. A critical framework to achieve optimal yields is the 4Rs of nutrient management: applying the right source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Additionally, managing soil compaction—a prevalent issue in dryland systems—is essential to ensure sustainable crop performance.

The 4Rs of Nutrient Management

1. Right Source

Selecting the appropriate fertiliser type is vital for maximising nutrient efficiency. Maize thrives with nitrogen-rich fertilisers, whereas soybeans—being nitrogen-fixing crops—require sufficient phosphorus and potassium to reach their full potential.

For Maize: Nitrogen-based fertilisers, such as coated urea, are recommended for their ability to minimise nutrient losses due to volatilisation.

For Soybeans: Phosphorus and potassium applications are essential for promoting robust growth. Additionally, inoculants can enhance nitrogen fixation, which plays a key role in supporting plant health and productivity.

2. Right Rate

The fertiliser application rate should be based on soil test results to address nutrient deficiencies effectively.

For Maize: Fertiliser quantities must be adjusted according to soil test data, historical yield patterns, and projected rainfall.

For Soybeans: Although soybeans require less nitrogen due to biological fixation, soil analysis should inform the optimal application of phosphorus and potassium to support growth and yield.

3. Right Time

Applying fertiliser at the appropriate time is particularly important in dryland systems, where water availability may vary.

For Maize: Split nitrogen applications—first at planting and later during key growth stages—ensure that nutrients are available when the plant needs them most, maximising uptake efficiency.

For Soybeans: Fertiliser should ideally be applied before or early in the growing season to ensure that roots can access nutrients crucial for establishment and development.

4. Right Place

Correct placement of fertiliser minimises nutrient loss and ensures efficient delivery to the root zone.

For Maize: Placing fertiliser close to the roots reduces losses from volatilisation or runoff, especially under dry conditions.

For Soybeans: Phosphorus and potassium should be positioned near the roots to ensure these essential nutrients are readily available as the plant matures.

Addressing Soil Compaction

Soil compaction poses a significant challenge in dryland systems, as it limits root penetration, impedes water infiltration, and reduces airflow in the soil profile. Managing compaction effectively is critical for improving water uptake and maintaining optimal yields.

Strategies to Prevent and Mitigate Soil Compaction

• Reduce Tillage: Minimising tillage preserves soil structure, facilitating water retention and promoting healthy root growth.
• Implement Cover Crops: Deep-rooted cover crops such as radishes naturally break up compacted layers while improving water infiltration and moisture conservation.
• Adopt Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF): Restricting machinery to specific paths prevents widespread compaction, allowing better root development in non-compacted zones.
• Subsoiling: In severe cases, subsoiling can help fracture compacted layers; however, this practice must be applied cautiously to avoid disrupting the soil’s moisture-holding capacity.
• Incorporate Organic Matter: Adding organic material, such as crop residues or compost, enhances soil structure and reduces compaction. Organic matter also improves the soil’s water-holding capacity, which is especially beneficial in dryland systems.

Conclusion

Achieving high yields in dryland maize and soybean production requires a dual focus on nutrient management and soil health. By applying the 4Rs—right source, rate, timing, and placement—farmers can optimise fertiliser efficiency. At the same time, managing soil compaction through reduced tillage, cover crops, and organic matter enrichment enhances soil resilience, ensuring sustained productivity under challenging environmental conditions.

The post Best Practices for Dryland Maize and Soybean Cultivation first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Regenerative Agriculture from a fertiliser company’s perspective.

Regenerative agriculture is no new concept. Farmers, agriculturists, agricultural companies, laboratories—everyone in the agricultural sector is regularly confronted with this way of farming. Its benefits are numerous. According to the FAO, not only does it save the farmer time, labour and costs, but it also improves nutrient use efficiency, soil stability and organic matter. The environment also benefits. Soil erosion is reduced, water as well as air quality is improved and there is an increase in biodiversity.[1]

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is a way of farm management focusing on ensuring food security, environmental stability and a future in agriculture. It’s no silver bullet with no recipe to follow. It requires time, trials, learning from mistakes, evaluation, adjustment, and learning. Still, South Africa took no backseat when it comes to RA. According to the database of Asset Research, by 2021, 25% of South Africa adopted Conservation agricultural practices, while 60% are practicing some form of conservation tillage.[2]

Farmers are forced by soil erosion, water runoff, and loss of organic matter or nutrients to train themselves and learn hard lessons to adopt regenerative agriculture. They learned that in order to manage your farm to ensure a future, food security and sustainability, the focus lies on soil quality, crop quality, nutritional value and environmental impact. It is of utmost importance that you know YOUR farm. The soil and climate with which you have to deal, and the outcomes you work towards.

Kynoch takes no step back from the journey farmers are on. We offer services which complement the farmers’ goals. Not only do we offer sound agronomic advice, but your precision farming needs are also looked after. Kynoch offer services where we determine the soil texture, soil chemistry and heterogeneity of the farm. We are able to determine the impact of soil properties, crop rotation, climate and management systems on soil quality (soil health) and with our knowledgeable agriculturists, your crops’ health, nutritional value and quality are tested frequently to ensure good quality crops as well as soil all throughout the season.

Not only do Kynoch’s agriculturists assist farmers in obtaining knowledge based on their farms’ soil type, soil form, and chemical characteristics through sampling and analysis, but they are also able to take biological factors into account when making decisions. Through the help of Sporatec, Kynoch’s agriculturists are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure that the biodiversity on your farm isn’t neglected. We offer products to ensure that the local beneficial microbes on your farm are happy and do what they do best.

No matter your farm management system, your crop rotation system—whether it consists of cash crops, cover crops or the presence of livestock—your objectives or your means to the end: Kynoch’s agriculturists live our slogan, enhanced efficiency through innovation, and are ready to take your hand and support your goals. We don’t just supply fertiliser to farmers’; we work together to ensure a sustainable future for South Africa’s agriculture.

[1] Benefits of Conservation Agriculture (CA), FAO

[2] Asset research, 2021

Figure 1: Cover crops as part of the crop rotation system after soyas, before maize

Figure 2: No-till intercropping on maize to achieve permanent soil coverage

Figure 3: Maize stubble on no-till soybean fields which form part of a maize, soybean, and cover crop farming system

Figure 4: A macadamia orchard in the Western Cape uses Elephant grass as a windbreak and to provide mulch, and the inter-row cover crop is mainly kikuyu and clovers.

Article compiled by: Graham Peddie, Chris Burbidge and Lunay de Kock—Kynoch Agriculturists

Kynoch:  Enhanced efficiency through innovation

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The multifunctionality of this phenomenon is evident in its roles in nutrient cycling, biological pest control, and the regulation of water and air availability, which are influenced by a combination of physical, chemical and biological factors.

The multifunctionality of this phenomenon is evident in its roles in nutrient cycling, biological pest control, and the regulation of water and air availability, which are influenced by a combination of physical, chemical and biological factors.

The complex relationship between soil health, water quality, and climate change can involve multiple perspectives, resulting in a complicated theoretical mixture.

This overview focuses on farmers and their soil at grassroots level, with sustainability in mind within our practical reality. What steps can the farmer take to begin improving soil health?

Add organic matter to the soil
In South Africa, the levels of organic matter in soils are very low, with approximately 58% of soils containing less than 0,5% organic carbon. The amount of organic matter varies depending on factors such as climate, vegetation, topography and soil texture.

Increasing the organic matter in the soil will have direct and indirect benefits for soil quality. Microbes break down plant residues in the soil to convert them into carbon.

The availability of inorganic nitrogen, soil water conditions, and temperature all have an impact on the rate of decomposition. Increased cultivation can lead to a faster breakdown and depletion of carbon. Therefore, it is recommended to minimise tillage and promote root growth by using seaweed extracts, adding calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron, as well as using humic acid (liquid carbon).

Micro-organisms in the soil
There are two main approaches that could be followed:

Add microbes to the soil: Adding microbes to the soil can have beneficial effects. This can be achieved by using granular fertiliser that is coated with microbes, applying organic material that contains microbes, or using liquids that contain microbes. Dry products can be spread evenly over the soil or placed in specific areas.

Feed microbes already in the soil: There is a large population of micro-organisms in the soil, estimated to be around 100 billion per gram of soil. When plant roots are in the soil, they come into contact with these microbes. The highest activity of microbes is typically found in the top 20cm of soil. Therefore, it is beneficial to provide carbon sources such as humic acid and fulvic acid to feed these microbes.

Add ‘housing’ for microbes
Carbon, such as biochar, organic roughs, or humic acids, can be utilised as a soil amendment to enhance crop growth by regulating soil conditions. This is due to its distinctive qualities, including a large surface area, a rich pore structure, an abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups, and a high cation exchange capacity.

Spray microbes on plants
Each plant possesses a microbiome that consists of fungi, viruses and bacteria, which play crucial roles in the plant’s functioning and survival. These micro-organisms can be found in various areas, such as the root zone (known as the rhizosphere), the internal environment of the plant (endosphere), and the above-ground surfaces (phyllosphere).

Farmers have the option to introduce microbes to the plant’s above-ground growth through foliar sprays or to the soil through soil drenches.

Irrigation
The practice of wetting soil profiles and subsequently withholding water for an adequate duration to facilitate the re-establishment of oxygen in the soil is considered a beneficial approach, as it effectively mitigates the occurrence of prolonged anaerobic conditions.

Conclusion
Lastly, it is worth noting that crop rotation is a highly effective management strategy that exerts a significant influence on microbial diversity within the soil.

Author: Dr Chris Schmidt

The post Soil health: a multi-perspective conundrum first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Regular soil testing is crucial for monitoring the status of the soil solution.

When discussing crop nutrition, the focus is often on soil nutrient levels. However, many processes and interactions occur in the soil solution, which is a dynamic mixture of water, dissolved nutrients, minerals and organic compounds present in the soil’s pore spaces.

The soil solution plays a crucial role in delivering nutrients to plant roots, supporting biochemical processes and facilitating the uptake of essential elements. Key factors affecting the soil solution include:

SOIL PH

The soil pH influences nutrient availability and mineral solubility. Outside the optimal range, certain nutrients become less soluble while others may become toxic. Acidic soils reduce the availability of nutrients like phosphorus, calcium and magnesium while increasing the solubility of toxic metals like aluminium and manganese. Alkaline soils limit the availability of essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese.

SOIL TEXTURE

The proportion of sand, silt and clay particles affects water and nutrient retention. Sandy soils have larger particles and fewer binding sites, which leads to poor nutrient retention and a higher risk of nutrient leaching.

Clay soils have fine particles and high nutrient-holding capacity but can sometimes retain nutrients too tightly, limiting their availability.

CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of a soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations) like potassium, calcium and magnesium. Soils with a higher CEC (typically clay or those rich in organic matter) can hold more nutrients, making them available to plants over time. Low-CEC soils (usually sandy soils) have a lower nutrient-holding capacity, leading to more frequent nutrient deficiencies.

SOIL STRUCTURE

Well-structured soil has better aeration and allows for easier root penetration, facilitating nutrient access. Compacted soil, on the other hand, can restrict root expansion and reduce nutrient uptake.

ORGANIC MATTER

Organic matter, including compost and decomposed plant material, enriches the soil solution by increasing nutrient availability and improving soil structure.

As organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil solution and enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, which benefits plant roots.

SOIL MOISTURE

Water is the medium through which nutrients are dissolved and transported to plant roots. Excess moisture can cause the leaching of nutrients, especially nitrogen. Lack of moisture reduces the solubility and movement of nutrients, limiting plant uptake.

SOIL MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Micro-organisms in the soil play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. They break down organic matter, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and solubilise phosphorus and other nutrients, making them available to plants. Healthy soils with active microbial communities promote faster nutrient cycling and greater nutrient availability in the soil solution.

SOIL COMPACTION

Compacted soil has reduced pore spaces, limiting water infiltration, air movement, and root penetration. This can impede the movement of nutrients in the soil solution and restrict the plants’ access to them.

TEMPERATURE

Warmer temperatures generally increase microbial activity, speeding up nutrient cycling and availability. Cold soil slows down microbial processes and reduces nutrient availability, especially nitrogen mineralisation.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS

Fertilisation aspects – such as frequency of application, nutrient concentration, chemical form, and nutrient solubility – need to be considered. Enhancing the soil solution can significantly improve nutrient availability, ensuring plants have access to the essential elements they need for optimal growth and productivity.

Email info@kynoch.co.za, phone

011 317 2000, or visit kynoch.co.za

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The post Enhancing your soil solution first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Mankind is dependent on the soil for its needs for food and fibre for humans, feed for livestock, and, of late, contributing to our energy supply with crops grown primarily for biofuels. Soil is a dynamic and multifunctional living system that exists as a relatively thin layer on the Earth’s crust. (Singh & Ryan 2015).  Soil is not an inert growing medium – it is a living and life-giving natural resource. It is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant symbiotic ecosystem (USDA).

Soil health is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans (USDA).

As world population and food production demands rise, keeping our soil healthy and productive is of paramount importance. By farming using soil health principles and systems that include no-till, cover cropping, and diverse rotations, more and more farmers are increasing their soil’s organic matter (SOM) and improving microbial activity. As a result, farmers are sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat—all while harvesting better profits and often better yields (USDA).

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) found in the living matter in soils acts as a sink that traps and stores CO₂ – a major contributor to global warming. Soils represent the largest terrestrial pool of carbon: each hectare can store up to 50 – 300 tonnes of carbon (UNCCD 2014).

By increasing crop yields and productivity on available arable land, fertilisers help protect carbon-rich forests, peatlands, wetlands and grasslands by minimizing land use changes. Increased productivity through fertiliser use has spared 1 billion hectares of virgin land from cultivation between 1961 and 2005 and saved the equivalent of 317 – 590 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions (the same as total global pre-1800 CO₂ emission levels) (Burney et.al. 2010).

With better management, farmland soil could also store up to an extra 1.85 billion tonnes of carbon each year (7 billion tonnes of CO₂): around the same amount of CO₂ emitted every year by the global transport sector (Zomer et. al. 2017).

The best way to capture more carbon on farmland is to use fertilisers to optimize plant growth and yields and leave crop residues in the field after harvest.

For every 2 – 3 tonnes of carbon stored above ground in plants, one (1) or more tonnes of carbon are generally stored below ground in the roots and root exudates.

Applying fertilisers following the 4R nutrient stewardship principles (Right nutrient source at the Right rate, at the Right time and in Right place) enhances nutrient use efficiency, which reduces nutrient losses to the environment, including in the form of greenhouse gases. Effective and efficient fertilization is a vital part of the climate-smart agricultural practices that could reduce global emissions by 5.5 to 6 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year: around the same as removing 1,500 coal-fired power plants from the energy sector (Smith et. al. 2007).

To help fight climate change we need to use fertilisers globally to grow more crops on existing farmland to protect carbon stored in wild ecosystems and increase the carbon stored in our agricultural soils (IFA 2018).

References:

• Bijay Singh and John Ryan 2015. Managing Fertilisers to Enhance Soil Health. First edition, IFA, Paris, France, May 2015. Copyright 2015 IFA.
• International Fertiliser Association (IFA) 2018. Integrated Plant Nutrient Management
• Jennifer A. Burney, Steven J. Davisc, and David B. Lobella, 2010.  Greenhouse gas mitigation by agricultural intensification.  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), June 15, 2010 107 (26) 12052-12057.
• Smith, P., D. Martino, Z. Cai, D. Gwary, H. Janzen, P. Kumar, B. McCarl, S. Ogle, F. O’Mara,  C.  Rice, B. Scholes, O. Sirotenko, 2007: Agriculture. In Climate Change 2007: Mitigation. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [B. Metz, O.R. Davidson, P.R. Bosch, R. Dave, L.A. Meyer (eds)], Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
• UNCCD (2014) The land in numbers: Livelihoods at the tipping point. 2014. Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification ISBN: 978-92-95043-90-9
• United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service: Soil Health.
• Zomer, R.J., Bossio, D.A., Sommer, R., & V. Verchot, (2017). Global Sequestration Potential of Increased Organic Carbon in Cropland Soils. Sci Rep 7, 15554.

Author: Graham Peddie from Kynoch Fertilizer

Soil Health in Sustainable Agriculture

The post Soil Health and Fertiliser first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

As a wheat farmer in South Africa, you understand the importance of optimal soil preparation and fertilisation for a successful harvest. Soil testing and targeted fertilisers are crucial components of this process, helping you identify and address nutrient deficiencies to ensure healthy plant growth. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to optimise your wheat farming operations.

Soil Testing: The First Step

Soil testing is the foundation of optimal “nutritional” soil preparation that should be done well in advance. It helps you determine the soil’s fertility status (including pH, cations, and phosphorus content, sulphur content, acidity, and silt and clay content, aka texture; as well as all trace elements), enabling you to make informed decisions about correctional fertiliser applications prior to planting, as well as the best suitable fertiliser to apply during planting. The latter will be determined by the soil status, as well as the crop demand, linked to expected yield potential. In the winter rainfall area of South Africa (Western Cape), it is also very important to measure the rock and coarse fragments in the soil sample. According to the Agricultural Research Council, soil testing every 3-5 years is recommended to monitor changes in soil health and adjust your management strategies accordingly (Agricultural Research Council, 2022). Kynoch advises testing every 3 years.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Wheat Farming

Wheat crops require a balanced mix of nutrients to thrive. In general, some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in wheat farming include:

1. Nitrogen (N): Essential for plant growth and development, nitrogen deficiency can lead to stunted plants, reduced yields, and poor grain quality.
2. Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development, phosphorus deficiency can result in reduced plant growth, poor water uptake, and decreased yields.
3. Potassium (K): Important for plant water balance and disease resistance, potassium deficiency can lead to weakened plants, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to disease.
4. Trace elements: Depending on soil conditions, deficiencies of micro-elements could be expected. If the soil is acidic, elements like molybdenum could be deficient; if the soil is sandy, elements like copper, zinc, boron, iron, and manganese could be deficient. If the soil is alkaline, basically all trace elements, except molybdenum, could be deficient.
5. Soil acidity: Wheat is very sensitive to soil acidity (expressed as acid saturation). It is imperative for wheat production to try and keep acid saturation at less than 1%. The only way to neutralise acidity is by applying agricultural lime, whether dolomitic or calcitic (depending on the soil’s calcium-to-magnesium ratio). Lime could be obtained from dedicated lime supplying companies.

Targeted Fertilisers: Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Targeted fertilisers are designed to address specific nutrient deficiencies, providing your wheat crop with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Mostly, some serious elemental deficiencies identified through the soil analysis done prior to planting could be rectified before planting by targeted fertilisers containing phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium. An element like nitrogen will always be applied during planting, with the remaining portion applied just before planting (pre-plant application), or as a top dressing 4 to 6 weeks after emergence. The planting blend, consisting primarily of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, will be made up of different ratios according to crop preference and soil conditions. For instance, in the Vaalharts-irrigation scheme, a 7:3:3 or 2:3:2 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser is popular. In the dry-land summer rainfall areas, a 4.1.0 or 8.2.1 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser could be used. In the winter rainfall area, MAP is a popular option.

Reputable Resources for South African Wheat Farmers

For further guidance on soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, consult the following reputable resources:

1. Agricultural Research Council – Small Grain Institute (ARC-Small Grain Institute)
2. Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA)
3. NviroTek Laboratories ((link unavailable))

You can find more information on these resources through online searches or by consulting with local Kynoch agricultural experts and extension services. Other laboratories in South Africa could also be found online.

Conclusion

Optimising soil preparation and fertilisation is critical for successful wheat farming in South Africa. By understanding the importance of soil testing, identifying common nutrient deficiencies, and applying targeted fertilisers, you can ensure healthy plant growth, improved yields, and enhanced grain quality. Remember to consult reputable resources for guidance and support, helping you make informed decisions for your wheat farming operations.

Note:

1. The article is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand, and is based on reputable sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or technical guide, but rather a helpful resource for South African wheat farmers and producers.
2. Wheat production and practices for the summer and winter rainfall areas differ from one another. Please note the differences in reference sources.

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The post Optimising Soil Preparation and Fertilisation for Wheat Farming first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Understanding the Crop and Soil

A key lesson learnt from experience is the importance of understanding both the crop and the medium it’s anchored in. This knowledge can unlock the full potential of the combination. Fixed recipes for a given crop won’t necessarily yield the same success elsewhere, as the specific soil, location, and crop interact in complex ways. Historically, researchers referred to this combination as a soil-crop ecotope, highlighting the need to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.

Involving a Kynoch Agriculturalist and Agent

To ensure the best possible outcomes, it’s advisable for producers to involve a Kynoch agriculturalist and agent in their planning and decision-making process. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance on the most effective fertilisers, soil conditioners, and growth stimulants for each specific crop and soil combination. Various baskets or groups of plant nutrients, bio-stimulants, and even soil conditioners can enhance any crop production system.

Liquid Fertilisers and Hydroponic Systems

Kynoch offers a range of high-quality clear liquid fertilisers, which can be used in conjunction with dry fertiliser options. Liquid alternatives are available for most dry fertiliser options, and specialised crops can be fertigated or fed through hydroponic systems. Nutritional feed for these crops requires specialised knowledge about soil and water quality, as well as the specific types of macro-, secondary-, and micro-elements needed. Managing electrical conductivity and salt indexes in the water, fertiliser solution, and wetting zones in the soil is crucial for optimal growth.

Vegetable Production

Vegetables are typically planted in rows, with fertiliser banding during planting. An Ultra-fertiliser (micro-element coated) banded during planting ensures a complementary array of nutrients within immediate access of roots. KynoKelp seaweed extract can be used as a foliar after emergence (or transplanting) to benefit early root development and growth. After emergence, Veggie Oemff, together with KynoFulvate Yellow (an uptake enhancer) as a foliar, promotes healthy growth. KynoHumate Black can be used as a soil conditioner to benefit roots and nutrient uptake from the soil.

Unlocking Potential

In row crop production, a key insight for unlocking potential is Ultra technology for vegetables. Loads of micro-elements coated onto every fertiliser granule are present and available in the soil after banding and are highly plant absorbable. Ultra can be made for planting blends with KynoPlus stabilised urea. Various Oemff products are available for foliar toppings, in association with KynoKelp seaweed extract and KynoFulvate Yellow. Sulphur-containing KynoPlus top- or side-dressing blends, with or without potassium, are available.

Permanent Crops

Permanent crops like vines, stone and pome fruit, citrus, nuts, avocado, litchi, banana, and dates are grown in South Africa. Each one can be seen as a speciality, requiring specific nutrients and care. In the basket for this group, there are multiple excellent options (dry granule, water-soluble, and liquids). For macadamia, for instance, a KynoMac range of products is available to provide specific nutrients.

Conclusion

Getting ready for a new season requires careful planning and consideration of the unique needs of each crop and soil combination. By involving a Kynoch agriculturalist and agent, and utilising the right fertilisers, soil conditioners, and growth stimulants, producers can unlock the full potential of their crops and achieve optimal growth and yields.

Compiled by Chris Schmidt on 082 885 8134, or email chris.schmidt@kynoch.co.za, and Chris Burbidge on 083 702 0760 or email chris.burbidge@kynoch.co.za.

– KynoKelp® M314 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoFulvate Yellow® M261 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoHumate Black® M350 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoPlus® K8024 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoMac® 6:0:10 (30) K11218 (Act 36 of 1947)

Read the full article: 3 minute read

The post Getting Ready for a New Season: Unlocking Crop Potential first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Most school biology students will know the importance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for healthy plant growth. However, a more in-depth study reveals that these are just three of many elements playing an essential role in overall plant welfare. Whilst these constitute the main requirement, relatively large quantities of calcium, magnesium, and sulphur are equally necessary. Although plants only need minute traces of micronutrients, these are no less crucial to ensure growing crops thrive.

The seven essential micronutrients for plant growth are:

– Boron (B) – essential for cell wall development and sugar metabolism
– Chlorine (Cl) – important for photosynthesis and water balance
– Copper (Cu) – crucial for enzyme activity and chlorophyll production
– Iron (Fe) – vital for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen fixation
– Manganese (Mn) – necessary for enzyme activity and plant defence
– Molybdenum (Mo) – essential for nitrogen fixation and plant growth
– Zinc (Zn) – important for plant growth regulation and protein synthesis

Even the nutrients in well-fertilised soil can become severely depleted by the end of the growing season. At the same time, some ground may display various mineral deficiencies even before cultivation. In the past, a farmer would have dug in a mix of farmyard manure and vegetable compost and hoped for the best. Whilst this is a long-standing traditional approach, it fails to produce the high yields necessary today. Instead, modern intensive farming relies on precisely formulated mixtures of primary, secondary, and essential micronutrients.

A fertiliser with an appropriate NPK ratio is a fundamental requirement for all plants. However, it can be dangerous to overlook the need for traces of boron, chlorides, copper, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and zinc. For example, copper plays a crucial role in enzyme and chlorophyll activity and promotes seed formation. Iron acts as an activator for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen fixation and is required for chlorophyll production. Factors such as excessive damp, cold, high pH, and heavy rainfall can quickly deplete the small traces of these and other natural micronutrients in the soil.

How to Know Which Elements Need to be Supplemented

Common deficiency symptoms include:

– Yellowing leaves (nitrogen) – conduct a soil analysis to confirm nitrogen deficiency
– Stunted growth (phosphorus) – soil analysis can reveal phosphorus levels and other contributing factors
– Distorted leaves (copper) – accurate soil analysis is crucial to determine copper and other micronutrient concentrations

To determine which elements need supplementation, conduct a soil analysis with Kynoch Fertilizer’s expert testing services. Kynoch Fertilizer offers:

– Soil analysis to measure nutrient levels and identify deficiencies
– Leaf analysis to assess plant nutrient uptake and utilisation
– NVDI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) precision services using KynoPrecise software for advanced crop monitoring and management

With accurate test results, Kynoch Fertilizer can create a tailored fertiliser blend to restore the nutrient balance. Kynoch also offers personalised solutions and a range of granular and liquid fertilisers containing selected micronutrients in various proportions.

In addition to providing personalised solutions, Kynoch Fertilizer offers a wide range of granular and liquid fertilisers containing selected micronutrients in various proportions. You are welcome to click here for more details about these and other world-class Kynoch Fertilizer products.

The post Ensure Your Plants Have Enough Essential Micronutrients first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

 One need only look at the high incidence of scurvy, rickets, beriberi and pellagra in the world’s poorest countries to spot the connection between dietary deficiencies and these heart-rending manifestations of human malnutrition. Similarly, a field of wilting and discoloured maize clearly indicates that something essential is missing from the soil. Studies have shown conclusively that numerous elements are crucial for plant nutrition. Consequently, shortfalls can lead to growth anomalies, increased vulnerability to disease, pests and drought, and low yields.

Extreme weather conditions, erosion and pH changes can leave soil lacking nutrients. Animal manure and vegetable compost are rich sources of nutrients and can help overcome such deficiencies in the growing area. However, their composition is random, inconsistent and unknown. These natural solutions can be helpful. But, their overall benefits are no match for those of the precisely formulated granular and liquid commercial fertilizers designed to optimise plant nutrition.

In South Africa, where agricultural productivity is crucial for food security and economic growth, understanding plant nutrition is vital. The country’s diverse soil types, climate, and crop varieties require tailored fertiliser solutions to optimise yields.

In South Africa, where agricultural productivity is crucial for food security and economic growth, understanding plant nutrition is vital. The country’s diverse soil types, climate, and crop varieties require tailored fertiliser solutions to optimise yields.

Fulfilling the Complex Nutritional Requirements of Plants

Although maize, cabbages and potatoes might appear to be relatively simple lifeforms, their physiology is complex. They all depend on access to air, water and selected minerals in their immediate environment. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is plentiful, and irrigation systems can compensate for water shortages during periods of limited rainfall. However, fertilisers remain the only effective way to ensure the required balance of the many essential elements in the soil. Furthermore, a plant’s needs vary at different stages in its lifecycle. For example, phosphorus is crucial to plant nutrition to promote the rapid root growth essential for establishing seedlings. Later it is necessary to aid flowering while also helping to withstand harsh weather and environmental stress.

While phosphorus is the main ingredient of suitable starter fertiliser, additional elements are essential to meet the seedlings’ immediate needs. Naturally, they require nitrogen and potassium. However, magnesium and sulphur and traces of the micronutrients zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum are also necessary at this stage. Chelation can help to ensure that zinc and copper are readily available for plant nutrition.

In South Africa, maize, sugarcane, and soya beans are among the most widely cultivated crops. Each has unique nutritional requirements, making it essential to choose the right fertiliser blend. For example, maize requires adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, whilst sugarcane benefits from added micronutrients like zinc and copper.

Offering Crops a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Other mixtures with different elements in various concentrations may be necessary as the growing crop’s needs vary. Thus the best option for farmers is to follow a fertiliser application programme that best suits a given crop. When planting in previously uncultivated or well-used ground, it might pay to conduct a preliminary soil analysis. The results will indicate which elements may most need replenishing to create the ideal balance. Like humans, crops also require a balanced diet to remain healthy.

Kynoch offers farm visits, in-depth soil analysis and a wide range of fertilisers to cover every aspect of plant nutrition. We invite you to download the profile sheets for these leading products that may interest you.

In South Africa’s varied climate, soil analysis is crucial to determine nutrient deficiencies. Kynoch’s expert soil analysis services help farmers identify areas for improvement, ensuring optimal fertiliser application. Additionally, Kynoch’s range of fertilisers is designed to address specific regional needs, such as:

– High-phosphorus fertilisers for maize in acidic soils
– Zinc-enriched fertilisers for sugarcane in coastal regions
– Balanced NPK fertilisers for soya beans in dryland areas

By understanding the complex nutritional requirements of crops and addressing regional soil challenges, South African farmers can optimise yields, improve crop quality, and contribute to the country’s agricultural prosperity.

Kynoch – Enhanced efficiency through innovation

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All green plants obtain the nutrients they need to grow and reproduce from the soil and the surrounding air. The process of photosynthesis occurs in the leaves, utilising atmospheric carbon dioxide and water drawn by the root system to produce the energy-rich carbohydrate essential for many metabolic processes. However, this crucial activity could not proceed without the elements required to synthesise chlorophyll. To ensure they are available in sufficient quantities, it is frequently necessary to introduce a fertiliser into the soil.

Types of Essential Plant Nutrients

Essential plant nutrients can be classified into three types according to the quantities required. The greatest need for all plants is for the three primary or macro-nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Next in importance are the secondary nutrients, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. While plants need less of these, the requirement is still relatively high compared to the trace quantities of additional elements, equally essential for plant welfare. Though comprising less than 1% of a plant’s dry weight, boron, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine are equally essential. There are two primary choices when applying fertiliser to replenish soil nutrients, although it’s convenient to subdivide the second.

The Main Fertiliser Options

Chemical or inorganic products are manufactured products that provide an alternative to naturally occurring elements. Next are the organic mixtures consisting purely of natural ingredients. However, some manufacturers prepare these mixtures by extracting the essential nutrients entirely from natural sources, hence the need for a third category – purely organic, heterogeneous mixes, such as animal manure and compost. However, although fans of organic foods prize the latter, they are unsuitable for intensive farming. A manufactured inorganic or organic fertiliser offers the advantage of having a known and predetermined composition.

Precision in Composition is Key

In practical terms, access to products of known composition enables growers to create the perfect balance of essential nutrients for a given species based on a preliminary analysis of their unique soil conditions. This degree of precision ensures healthy crops and high yields that are not achievable when using manure and compost.

However, a plant’s nutritional requirements can vary markedly at different stages in its development. What may be helpful to seedlings and root growth may be of little value for foliar development or flowering. Consequently, choosing a fertiliser with the precise composition required during these stages can be crucial. Understanding these changing needs and how to satisfy them requires in-depth knowledge of plant physiology that even experienced farmers sometimes lack.

Sustainable Fertiliser Practices

In addition to choosing the right type of fertiliser, it’s essential to consider sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact. This includes using fertilisers in the right quantities, choosing products with minimal packaging and waste, considering organic or natural fertiliser options, and rotating crops to maintain soil health and reduce fertiliser dependence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When selecting and applying fertilisers, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can harm crops and the environment. These include over-fertilising, under-fertilising, applying fertilisers at the wrong time or in the wrong conditions, and not considering soil pH and its impact on fertiliser effectiveness.

Integrating Fertiliser Use with Other Agricultural Practices

Fertiliser use should be integrated with other agricultural practices to achieve optimal results. This includes irrigation management, pest management, crop rotation, and soil conservation practices.

Kynoch offers the option of farm visits to perform a comprehensive professional soil analysis and compile a unique nutritional programme designed to generate maximum yields based on the results. Please click here to learn more about farm visits or here to view our world-class fertiliser range.

The post The Different Types Of Fertiliser first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.