ON THE PLOT
From page 34
nutrients as well as the
presence of nematodes. This,
60c/kg.
If onions are grown on 10ha, in turn, can lead to stress of
however, and are successfully the crops and result in smaller
marketed, the income derived yields. It is important to
analyse the nutrient status of
could be ten times more.
the soil regularly.
It is essential to keep track of
The Institute for Soil, Climate
input costs. The prices of
& Water (ISC&W) at the
some non-urea fertiliser
variants recorded double-digit Agricultural Research Council
will carry out soil and water
year-on-year cost increases
during the latter part of 2015 analysis. After soil analysis has
as the cost of importing these been done, the correct
fertilisers have to be applied,
chemicals soared.
in accurate quantities. This
It is important to make an
should ensure that the plot is
informed choice when
deciding which crops to grow,
Continued on page 36
and to ensure that you know
all that is required to grow a
specific crop.
When planning production
for the following growing
season, therefore, the
smallholder should consider
additional information for the
various crops.
So, is there a need for fresh
vegetables in your area that
can be marketed on a more
commercial scale?
K Are you going to deliver
your produce to a municipal
market, will you do a deal
with a retailer, restaurant or
hotel in your area, or will you
sell off-farm or through a
farmstall? Each option has
implications in terms of time,
cost (eg, labour to staff the
farmstall) etc.
K How far is it to the market?
Transport and marketing costs
should be included in
production cost estimates.
K Is the area to be planted
suitable, in terms of climate
and soil, for vegetable
production? Sandy loam and
clay loam soils are best for the
production of vegetables.
Sandy soils can be problematic because of excessive
drainage of water and
QUIRKY
Cab