Aquaponics
Introduction Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics within a single system. You grow the plants (vegetables) hydroponically using the fish waste as the main source of nutrients. The plants in turn purify the water for the fish. Notes on aquaponics are provided on role player websites (see heading 2). Benefits of the system […]
Agricultural media & ICT
Books, Journals, Cell phones, DVDs, Internet, Leaflets, Booklets, Museums, Magazines, Radio, TV, Social Media, Watches
Tractors, combines and balers
Introduction Buying equipment is one of the largest investments that a farm business can make. Large amounts of money are committed and some of the equipment is used only a few times during the year, and in many cases it is difficult to sell this equipment at a suitable trade value. Furthermore, the machinery needs […]
Spare parts and fleet maintenance
Introduction The correct servicing and maintenance of agricultural machinery is vital, considering the conditions under which they operate. Keep up to date with the latest developments and new implements and new technology (more bearings fail, for example, from over greasing than under greasing). Keep work shops clean and dust free. Remove chain from implements during […]
Pumps and generators
Introduction Selecting a pump for a project is a team effort: the more the user can tell about his requirements (i.e. flow, head, levels, alternative duties), the easier it is for the supplier (and the user) to select the correct equipment. Here is a piece written by Gerhard Botha of New Way Power Systems, which points […]
Implements
Included in the category of “Implements” are hay and forage equipment, planters, telehandlers and loaders, sprayers, ground-working equipment, spreaders and graders. On this page we give details of suppliers and dealers, and where more information may be found. The reader is also referred to complementary pages e.g. “Tractors, combines and balers”, “Precision farming”, “Conservation agriculture”, […]
Forklifts, loaders and light industrial machines
Forklift training: saving you money If you think about it, to operate a forklift or other lifting equipment is more complicated than driving a car, yet most would pale at the thought of the operator of their forklift moving their car for them! By law, lifting equipment operators have to have a certificate of […]
Animal traction: the use of draught animal power
Introduction On commercial agriculture farms, animal traction can be used to supplement tractor operations and reduce operating costs. Typical activities are transporting of farming inputs, produce and fodder; spreading fertiliser and manure; and weeds control. Animal power plays a role in the development of emerging farmers entering commercial agriculture. The initial capital investment is about one third what it […]
Water storage
Introduction Rain does not always fall where humans want it to fall, but we work with it to our own advantage. On a national level, dams such as the Gariep Dam, Vanderkloof Dam, Midmar Dam, Pongolapoort Dam, Vaal Dam or Theewaterskoof Dam have been constructed to collect and store rain water on a large scale. […]
Rainwater harvesting
Above: Rainwater harvesting on a commercial farming shed. Picture used courtesy of Helen Gordon, WWF-SA. Rain water harvesting (RWH) is increasingly being accepted as a practical method of providing both irrigation and potable water in agricultural and development projects throughout the world. Enough rain falls on the African continent to supply the water needs for […]