Pula/Imvula: monthly magazine focusing on the developing farmer

GRAIN SA — 2023-11-01

Take a look at the interesting information published monthly in the Pula/Imvula magazine on GrainSA's website.

Sojaflits 4 / Soybean News Flash 4

PROTEIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION — 2023-11-01

Vanaf plant, wat die datum ook al mag wees, is dit uiters belangrik dat die boer sy lande gereeld sal besoek om sy eie vroeë waarskuwingstelsel te wees:

• Kyk noukeurig na die sojaboonland vir enige siekte, pes of plaag wat mag voorkom.
• Waar onsekerheid is oor watter probleem dit is of watter regstellende stappe geneem kan word, raadpleeg 'n kundige.
• In die "flits" van Julie is reeds melding gemaak van evaluasie van die vorige seisoen. Hierdie inligting kan nou handig gebruik word om voorkomende stappe te neem soos voortydig te begin spuit vir roes indien toestande gunstig raak – (hoë) lugvog en temperature laer as 28ºC veral gedurende blomstadium – wat baie later mag plaasvind of waar roes algemeen voorkom.
• Gereelde besoeke aan die sojaboonland sal verseker dat probleme soos stinkbesies en bolwurm betyds beheer kan word.
• Let daarop dat die aanwending van enige chemiese bespuiting insluitende onkruidbeheer, suiwer volgens die voorskrifte uitgevoer moet word. Dit sluit in die regte spuitstukke, watervolumes, tenkmengsels en veral die regte pH om optimale resultate te verkry.

SIEN OOK WESSEL VAN WYK SE VIDEO OP DIE PNS WEBTUISTE

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO BY WESSEL VAN WYK ON THE PRF WEBSITE

It is essential that farmers frequently visit and inspect their lands as an early warning system:

• Look closely at the soybean plantings so that any diseases and pests can be noted.
• If there is any uncertainty about the problem or the remedial action that can be taken, consult a knowledgeable person.
• Mention was made in the July news flash of evaluation of the past production season on the land where soybeans were to be planted in the current season. This information will now come in handy in taking preventative steps such as early spraying for soybean rust when conditions become favorable for rust infection - high humidity and temperatures less than 28 degrees Celsius especially during flowering stage - or in areas where rust commonly occurs.
• Frequent visits to the soybean planting will ensure that problems such as stink bugs and boll worms can be controlled timeously.
• Please note that instructions must be closely adhered to when chemicals are sprayed. This includes using the correct nozzles, the prescribed water volumes and tank mixtures and especially the correct pH so that optimal results can be achieved.

Sojaflits 3 / Soybean News Flash 3

PROTEIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION — 2023-10-01

Plantvoorbereiding is krities belangrik vir goeie opbrengste

• Plant verkieslik gesertifiseerde saad van goedaangepaste cultivars vir die bepaalde gebied.
• Hanteer die saad versigtig. Die val van saadsakke kan die kiemkrag en veral groeikragtigheid benadeel.
• Ent die saad vooraf met geregistreerde sojaboonentstof of dien die entstof op die saad in die planterry toe, maar maak seker dat die ry so gou moontlik met grond bedek word na toediening.
• Sojaboonentstof is 'n lewende bakterie wat gedood word deur direkte sonlig, hoë temperature en sekere chemiese middels. Vogverlies uit die entstof sal bakterieë laat afsterf en dus effektiwiteit verminder.
• Maak seker van die vervaldatum van die entstof en hoe dit gestoor is. Hitte maak entstof dood, so ook die vries van die entstof.
• Ent elke keer as sojabone geplant word.

Plant van sojabone

• Planter moet gekalibreer wees vir die spesifieke cultivar en veral vir die voorgeskrewe plantestand.
• Plant die sojabone in klam grond met voldoende water in die grondprofiel.
• 'n Plantdiepte van nie dieper as 5cm word aanbeveel.
• Plant verkieslik as grondtemperature vir meer as drie dae tussen 15-18ºC is. Hoe laer die temperature hoe langer neem die plant om op te kom terwyl dit ook minder egalig is. Saailingsiektes kan ook 'n groter rol speel waar ontkieming vertraag word.
• Ongeag die plantstand wat tussen 250 000 tot 400 000 plante per hektaar kan wissel moet toegesien word dat binne ry spasiëring nie nader as 3cm is nie. Plante nader aan mekaar word dan kompetisie vir mekaar.
• Optimale rywydtes mag wissel tussen 45cm tot 75cm maar in die meeste gevalle dikteer die beskikbare werktuie en die ander gewasse in die wisselboustelsel die plantwydte. Groot welslae is selfs met wyer rye behaal. Onthou om binne rye die sojaboonsaad nie nader as 3cm aan mekaar te plant nie.
• Stikstofbemesting is in die meeste gevalle nie nodig nie, maar indien dit wel gebruik word behoort 15kg N/ha voldoende te wees.
• Planterspoed behoort so stadig as wat funksioneel moontlik is aangepas te word.
• Plant sover moontlik in onkruidvrye lande met 'n goedvoorbereide oppervlakte wat egalige plantestand verseker.
• Plantdatum is 'n funksie van die gebied waarin jy boer en wanneer grondvog voldoende is. Plantdatums word deesdae tussen einde Oktober en middel Desember gerek.

Onkruidbeheer

• Enige onkruid op enige stadium van die sojaboon se groeiperiode is ongewens. Die praktyk dikteer egter hoeveel keer onkruid beheer sal word en op watter stadium. Dit is egter ook waar dat hoe meer onkruid hoe laer die oes. Hoe langer die onkruid op die land staan, hoe laer die oes.
• Meganiese onkruidbeheer is moontlik met behulp van 'n rolskoffel / roltandeg in die vroeë groeistadium.
• Rygewasskoffel kan gebruik word net voor die blare die rye toemaak.
• Vooropkoms onkruiddoders word steeds met groot sukses gebruik maar vereis meestal ligte inwerk van die doder en voldoende vog tydens toediening.
• Glifosaat (Roundup) het die voorkeur middel vir onkruidbeheer in sojabone geword waar Roundup Ready sojabone verbou word. Hierdie middel kan van opkoms tot met blomstadium gebruik word. Sorg moet egter gedra word om onkruiddoders af te wissel om opbou van weerstandbiedende onkruid te voorkom.
• Na-opkoms onkruiddoders kan goed benut word maar maak seker dat voorskrifte noukeurig gevolg word.

SIEN OOK WESSEL VAN WYK SE VIDEOS OP DIE PNS WEBTUISTE

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE VIDEOS BY WESSEL VAN WYK ON THE PRF WEBSITE

Planting preparation is essential for good yields

• Preferably plant certified seed of cultivars that are well adjusted to the specific area.
• Handle seed carefully. Seed germination and growth vigour can be impaired when seed bags are dropped.
• Inoculate seed with a registered soybean inoculant before planting or apply the inoculant in the planting row. Always ensure that the seed is covered with soil as soon as possible after application.
• Soybean inoculant contains live bacteria that are killed by direct sunlight, high temperatures and certain chemicals. Inoculant moisture loss will reduce inoculant efficacy.
• Check the expiry date of inoculants and establish the way inoculants were stored. Heat and freezing kill inoculants.
• Apply inoculants every time soybeans are planted.

Planting soybeans

• Planters must be calibrated for the specific cultivar planted and for the prescribed plant population.
• Plant soybeans in moist soil with sufficient water in the soil profile.
• Planting depths of no more than 5cm are recommended.
• Planting should preferably be done when soil temperatures have been between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius for three days. The lower the temperatures, the longer it takes for plants to emerge, while stand will be less even. Seedling diseases can play a bigger role when germination is delayed.
• Although plant population can vary between 250 000 and 400 000 plants per hectare, spacing within rows should not be less than 3cm. Plants planted too close together result in competition between plants.
• Optimal row widths may vary between 45cm and 75cm, but in most cases the available implements and the other crops in the rotation system dictate planting widths. Much success has been achieved with rows that are even wider. Remember not to plant seed less than 3cm apart.
• Nitrogen fertiliser is not usually required, but 15kg N per hectare should be sufficient if application is deemed necessary.
• Planter speed should be adjusted to be as slow as functionally possible.
• Planting should as far as possible be done on weed-free and well prepared land to ensure even stand.
• Planting dates are dictated by the area where the farm is located and by sufficient soil moisture levels. Planting dates range from the end of October to the middle of December.

Weed control

• Any weed at any stage of the soybean growth period is undesirable. Practice however dictates the number of times and at which stage weeds are controlled. The higher the number of weeds and the longer weeds remain on the land, the lower the yield.
• Mechanical weed control can be done during the early growth stages, using a rotary hoe or harrow.
• Hoeing can be done between rows before the plants canopy.
• Pre-emergence herbicides are used with much success, but require sufficient moisture at time of application and usually should be worked in lightly.
• Glyphosate (Roundup) is the preferred herbicide for use where Roundup Ready soybeans are cultivated, and can be applied from emergence up to flowering stage. Care has to be taken that herbicides are alternated to prevent herbicide resistance.
• Post-emergence herbicides can be applied. Ensure that the prescribed dosages are strictly adhered to.

Sojaflits 2 / Soybean News Flash 2

PROTEIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION — 2023-08-01

Konvensionele bewerking wat op hierdie stadium gedoen word moet grondvog deeglik in berekening neem, aangesien grondvog aanleiding mag gee tot kluitvorming en onegalige bewerking.

• Ploegaksie slegs waar voginhoud van grond reg is;
• Sekondêre bewerking moet tot die minimum beperk word;
• Meganiese beheer van onkruide mag in sommige gevalle gerade wees;
• Verseker dat winteronkruid en opslag van die vorige gewas doeltreffend bestry word.

Bewaringsbewerking is reeds in 'n vorige "flits" bespreek. Maak egter seker dat onkruid doeltreffend bestry word.

• Akkurate tenkmengsels en chemiese middels moet gebruik word;
• Windspoed moet te alle tye in ag geneem word om doeltreffende verspreiding van chemiese middels te verseker;
• Watervolumes moet voldoende wees om onkruide te beheer;
• Groeitoestande van onkruide moet bevorderlik wees vir die opname van gif.

Kalibrasie van planter en spuite

• Alle implemente behoort nou finaal versien te word;
• Kalibrasie van planters en spuite behoort afgehandel te wees;
• Maak seker dat implemente vry van onkruid, stoppels ensovoorts is wat onkruidsaad of siektes kan versprei.

Waar grondverdigting 'n probleem is kan ripaksies uitgevoer word indien dit nie tevore moontlik was nie. Ongeag wanneer gerip word, maak seker dat dit noodsaaklik is.

Saad wat vroegtydig bekom is moet op 'n koel droë plek gestoor word. Sorg dat saad te alle tye baie versigtig hanteer word. Langdurige stoor van saad in 'n warm omgewing wat ook vogtig is, sal kiemkragtigheid en veral groeikragtigheid sterk negatief beïnvloed.

SIEN OOK WESSEL VAN WYK SE VIDEOS OP DIE PNS WEBTUISTE

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE VIDEOS BY WESSEL VAN WYK ON THE PRF WEBSITE

Soil moisture must be taken into consideration if conventional cultivation is done at this stage, as soil moisture may result in clod formation and uneven cultivation:

• Ploughing should be done only if the soil moisture level is correct;
• Secondary cultivation should be limited to minimum levels;
• Mechanical weed control may be advisable;
• Ensure that winter weeds and self-sown seedlings from the previous crop are effectively controlled.

Conservation agriculture was discussed in a previous news flash. Ensure, however, that weeds are controlled effectively:

• Tank mixtures and chemical applications should be accurate;
• Wind speed must be taken into account when spraying to ensure effective application of chemicals;
• Water volumes must be sufficient to control weeds;
• Growing stages of weeds must be favourable for chemical uptake.

Calibration of planters and spraying equipment:

• All implements should be serviced at this stage;
• Calibration of planters and spraying equipment should be completed;
• Ensure that implements are free of weeds and stubble so as to prevent the spreading of weeds and diseases.

If not possible to rip beforehand, ripping can now be done where soil is compacted, but only when this is essential.

Seed should be stored in a cool, dry space, and should be handled with care at all times. Germination and especially growth vigour will be negatively impacted when seed is stored in a warm, moist space.

Die Tweede Herkouersdag deur Overberg Agri!

OVERBERG AGRI — 2023-07-24

Ons wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om u uit te nooi na die 2de Herkouersdag wat op 17 Augustus 2023 gaan plaasvind op Overberg Agri se proefplaas, te Roodebloem naby Caledon. Die dag bied 'n uitstekende platform om te netwerk en nuwe rolspelers oor alle aspekte van die landbouwaardeketting te ontmoet. Registrasie begin om 08h00 met 'n uitstekende pro­gram en baie interessante sprekers. Vir meer inligting kontak gerus vir Ruben Badenhorst per e-pos ruben@overbergagri.co.za
PROGRAM

Sojaflits 1 / Soybean News Flash 1

PROTEIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION — 2023-07-14

• Evalueer die pas afgelope seisoen op beide die sojaboonland en die land waarop die komende seisoen sojabone geplant gaan word. Waarna veral opgelet behoort te word sluit in:
  • swak kolle, stel vas waarom dit swak is en hoe kan dit opgelos word;
  • watter siektes, peste en plae het voorgekom en hoe kan die bestryding daarvan verbeter word;
  • kyk na die onkruidspektrum en hoe dit beter beheer kan word;
  • neem die wagperiode van onkruiddoders in ag voordat sojabone aan 'n bepaalde land toegewys word.
• Neem verteenwoordigende grond monsters en opbrengskaarte en maak seker dat die resultate vroeg genoeg benut kan word om regstellings, indien enige, betyds te maak. Hierdie inligting sal ook die tydige aankoop van kunsmis en kalk bevorder. Neem in ag dat 1 ton sojaboon graan tot soveel as 100kg N, 8kg P en 40kg K en 6kg S verwyder met 'n water pH wat verkieslik bokant 6 moet wees.
• Cultivarkeuses moet gemaak word om saad betyds te bestel.
  • Kies allereers die volwassenheidsgroep waaruit die cultivars moet kom en daarna die bepaalde stel cultivars. Hoe koeler die gebied hoe vinniger sal die verkose cultivar moet wees om die eerste ryp te ontsnap, of om in te pas by 'n laat aanplanting. Volwassenheidsgroepe val tussen 4 en 7 met 4 die kortste groeiers en 7 vir 'n warm lang produksieseisoen.
  • Kies meer as een cultivar met verskillende groeiperiodes. Nie alleen sal dit die risiko versprei nie maar uit 'n praktiese oogpunt sal dit die stroopdatum versprei wat die druk op stroperaanwending verlig.
  • Maak seker van spesifieke cultivareienskappe soos siekteverdraagsaamheid, peulhoogte (vir maklike stroopbaarheid) en veral aanbevole plantestand.
  • Saadgrootte (Honderd saad massa) sal bepaal hoeveel saad per hektaar benodig word by 'n plantestand wat mag wissel tussen 250 000-400 000 plante per hektaar.
  • Die keuse van 'n spesifieke cultivar vir 'n bepaalde gebied behoort gebaseer te word op soveel bronne van inligting as wat bekom kan word. Die Nasionale Cultivarproewe wat deur die LNR uitgevoer word is 'n goeie bron van basiese inligting, vul dit aan deur maatskappy inligting en studiegroepproewe.

Selekteer die beste land en pas wisselbou toe

• Sojabone behoort verkieslik op 'n diep goedgedreineerde grond met goeie waterhouvermoë geplant te word. Sojabone kan goed produseer op kleigronde maar kan ewe eens op sandgronde verbou word alhoewel knopwortelaalwurm 'n probleem mag skep.
• Beplan die gewasopvolging. Onthou wisselbou is 'n stelsel nie 'n toevallige besluit nie. Neem veral in ag dat mielies wat op sojabone volg in die meeste gevalle meer as 10 persent opbrengsverhoging toon.
• Wisselbou kan ook met koring suksesvol gedoen word.

Bewaringsbewerking

• Sou 'n produsent oorweeg om na bewaringsbewerking oor te skakel sal hy nou reeds alle aspekte in orde moet kry vir die verandering.
  • pH regstel;
  • Bemesting optimiseer veral fosfaat;
  • Beperkende lae (grondverdigting) ophef;
  • Verseker dat werktuie geskik is vir die nuwe stelsel, veral stoppelplanter(s) en spuit toerusting;
  • Moenie oorskakel na bewaringsbewerking as stoppel op die land minder as 30 persent van die landoppervlakte bedek nie.

SIEN OOK WESSEL VAN WYK SE VIDEOS OP DIE PNS WEBTUISTE

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE VIDEOS BY WESSEL VAN WYK ON THE PRF WEBSITE

• Evaluate the past production season on both the soybean land and on the land where soybeans are to be planted in the coming season. Be on the lookout for aspects such as:
  • weak patches – determine why the patches are weak and how the problem can be resolved;
  • which diseases and pests were problematic, and how control can be improved;
  • the weed spectrum during the past season, and how control can be improved; and
  • take the waiting period for herbicides into consideration before planting soybeans in a specific area.
• Take representative soil samples and yield charts and ensure that the results are utilised timeously to effect corrective steps, if required. This information will also promote the timeous acquisition of fertiliser and lime. Take into account that a yield of 1 ton soybeans removes as much as 100kg N, 8kg P, 40kg K and 6kg S from the land. Water pH should preferably be ≥6.
• Cultivar choices should be made so that seed can be ordered well on time:
  • First select the appropriate maturity group before deciding on specific cultivars. Fast growers should be selected in order to evade the first frosts in the cooler areas, or to fit in with a late planting. Maturity groups range from 4 to 7, with 4 being the shortest growing period and 7 for a long, warm production season.
  • Choose more than one cultivar with different growing periods. This will not only spread the risk, but will also alleviate pressure at harvesting time as harvesting dates will be well spaced.
  • Check cultivar characteristics such as disease tolerance, pod height (for easy harvesting) and take note of recommended plant density.
  • Seed size (hundred seed mass) will determine the quantity of seed required per hectare, with a planting density that may vary between 250 000 and 400 000 plants per hectare.
  • The choice of a specific cultivar for a specific area should be based on as many sources of information as possible. The results of the ARC's National Cultivar Trials are a good basic source of information. These results can be supplemented with information from seed companies and study groups.

Select the best land available and apply crop rotation:

• It is preferable to plant soybeans on deep, well-drained soil with good water retention capacity. Soybeans can produce well on clay soils, and can also be planted in sandy soils although root knot nematodes may cause problems.
• Plan the crop rotation system. Keep in mind that crop rotation is a system and not an accidental decision, and that a soybean:maize crop rotation system in most instances result in a 10% yield increase.
• A crop rotation system with wheat can also be successful.

Conservation agriculture

• Corrective measures need to be taken before switching to conservation agriculture. These include:
  • correction of pH;
  • optimising fertilisation, specifically phosphate;
  • addressing soil compaction issues;
  • making sure implements and tools are suitable for use in conservation agriculture practices, especially planters and spray equipment;
  • do not switch to conservation agriculture if stubble on the land covers less than 30% of the soil surface.

2023 Sunflower Symposium

OPDT/OAC — 2023-03-17

BOOK YOUR SEAT PROGRAMME

The programme and speakers will be available soon.

25 April 2023

VENUE: CSIR CONVENTION CENTRE, PRETORIA
PLEASE NOTE: Not a virtual Symposium
#sunflowersymposium #april2023

Do you want to know more about Sunflower Production and Research? Would you benefit from expert insights into Planting Dates, Yield improvements and quality, and Sunflower breeding? If the answer is 'Yes', then this Sunflower Symposium – presented by the Oil and Protein Seeds Develop­ment Trust and Oilseeds Advisory Committee – is for you.

Presentations and topics will include the following:

• Planting dates.
• Potential of high-oil sunflower cultivars.
• Chemicals to be used and optimal or correct spraying times.
• Yield improvements and quality.
• Sunflower breeding.
• Comparison between local and global sunflower perspectives; and
• New technology!

Registrations are open to book your seat at the Sunflower Symposium. There are only 130 places available! What are you waiting for?

SAGF Grondboon Pariteit Waardes

OPDT/OAC — 2022-11-21

In- en Uitvoer pariteit waardes vir grondbone – gepubliseer deur die SA Grondboonforum – is nou maandeliks op ons webtuiste beskikbaar.

BESIGTIG

Call for Proposals: SAGL Business Review

OPDT/OAC — 2022-10-11

Representatives of the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust, Maize Trust, Winter Cereal Trust and Sorghum Trust decided that a review and evaluation of the sustainability of the South African Grain Laboratory (SAGL) should be conducted to assist the organisation to achieve their mission and be financially independent.

The value-addition testing environment is a unique laboratory environment that requires special insight into the important drivers. In contrast with a routine testing facility with medium level instrumentation and a defined offering, facilities such as the SAGL need to provide a large spectrum of offerings, several need advanced instrumentation and highly skilled staff.

The main drivers for such a facility are:

• customer interaction;
• quality systems, Good Laboratory Practice and ISO/IEC 17025;
• sampling and sample preparation;
• high-level instrumentation for analysis, supplement by testing instrumentation, that need to be replaced every 5-10 years (a main challenge for advanced laboratories);
• unique capabilities for the advanced techniques and skilled operators;
• continuous research to stay abreast of new technologies through networking with academia; and
• a solid knowledge of the national and international testing environment.

Rhizobia Symposium 2022

OPDT/OAC — 2022-08-15

You are hereby cordially invited to attend the Rhizobia Symposium as we welcome several guest speakers for insightful presentations and discuss important topics on International Experience, Application, Seed Coating & Treatment, and much more. After lunch, you can join us for a discussion on Sclerotinia. Diarise the date and join us this September!

Wednesday, 7 September
VENUE: CSIR CONVENTION CENTRE, MEIRING NAUDE ROAD, BRUMMERIA, PRETORIA

REGISTER VIEW PROGRAMME

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM. NO REGISTRATION FEES APPLY.

Groundnut Symposium 2022

OPDT/OAC — 2022-08-04

Join us for insightful presentations at the Groundnut Symposium that will be held at the Kumkani Country Lodge in Potchefstroom. Topics will include Cultivar information and Development, Groundnut Production and Economics followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A session. What are you waiting for – diarise this important date and join us!

25 August 2022
VENUE: KUMKANI COUNTRY LODGE, 37 PARYS AVENUE, POTCHEFSTROOM 2520

REGISTER VIEW PROGRAMME