Soil Science

For a crop like oranges that can stay in the same soil for more than fifty years, it is very important to choose the right soil. One is, however, limited to the types of dirt that are already on the farm and must choose the best of what is there. Tree crops aren't...

Soil is not just "dirt" It's the place where your plants grow and perform well. When it comes to gardening, the most important thing you can do to keep your garden looking nice is to prepare the soil. It is easy to take soil for granted, but before you grow anything,...

An important part of a fertiliser programme is taking leaf samples. It's a great way to figure out what the crop needs in terms of energy. In South Africa, we usually take leaf samples for citrus and olive trees at the end of March, and for deciduous fruits (like...

Before you start sampling, you should think about the following steps to make sure the sample is taken and analysed correctly: Get the right tools for gathering in the field. Sample areas can be made out of fields and industrial areas. Depending on the crop, figure...

Soil nutrient management is the process of controlling how commercial fertilisers, manure, amendments, and organic by-products are used as a source of plant nutrients in farming landscapes. The "Four Rs" are a popular way to think about how to manage nutrients: Right...