Category: Water
Water management innovations – opportunity to trial new technologies
As part of a pilot accelerator project funded by the Dutch Consulate General, GreenCape is currently working with two international companies that offer innovative water management solutions for agricultural users.... Read more about 'Water management innovations – opportunity to trial new technologies'...
Nedbank employs innovative solutions to grow agricultural sustainability
Shade netting is a sustainable cover protecting horticultural crops from hazardous elements. The use of shade netting improves the performance of underperforming orchards, acts as protection against natural hazards such... Read more about 'Nedbank employs innovative solutions to grow agricultural sustainability'...
Water management: rainwater harvesting and better storage
Severe water restrictions across the country, along with crumbling municipal infrastructure, debilitating drought and the pollution of water reserves, have left many farmers with little choice: they must make the... Read more about 'Water management: rainwater harvesting and better storage'...
Vrugteboer hoop om waterverbruik te halveer
'n Artikel deur Landbou.com bespreek hoe 'n sagtevrugteboer beter doeltrefenheid met sy waterverbruik behaal het deur drupbesproeing en grond bedeking deel van sy praktyk te maak.
Lees artikel hier (klik)
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The Green Business Value Chain
The video takes at a look at the impact of alien invasive species and the removal thereof, on rural livelihoods, particularly livestock farming. It also explores options for adding value... Read more about 'The Green Business Value Chain'...
Lower Olifants River: Economic Impact Assessment of the 2017/18 Drought
This economic impact assessment (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, 2018) highlights the economic consequences of the 2017/18 drought in the Lower Olifants River region. The details presented in this report... Read more about 'Lower Olifants River: Economic Impact Assessment of the 2017/18 Drought'...
Another year of efficient farming via satellite data
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture continues funding FruitLook to aid farmers in their water and production management via intelligent satellite data products. This means farmers can benefit once again... Read more about 'Another year of efficient farming via satellite data'...
Handbook for irrigation of wine grapes
The book is in essence a summary of the wine grape irrigation research carried out in South Africa over a period of more than 50 years. The research was carried out to... Read more about 'Handbook for irrigation of wine grapes'...
2019 Agricultural water allocations (WCWSS)
The allocations, done in November every year, calculate how much water will be allocated to the agricultural sector, depending on dam levels. Agriculture in the Western Cape Water Supply System... Read more about '2019 Agricultural water allocations (WCWSS)'...
Wine industry support to save water
Following the prolonged drought, Vinpro has collaborated with the Wine Industry Network for Expertise and Technology (Winetech) on projects that will help the industry to monitor and manage water more efficiently. These... Read more about 'Wine industry support to save water'...
Cover crops for dry land crop production
Scientific trial results in the North West, with 289 different plant combinations, has delivered guidelines on cover crop production for dry land crop farmers.
Read article by Landbou.com here. (Article in...
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First solar-powered desalination plant launched in WC
The Western Cape government and France has on Monday launched the first solar powered desalination plant in the Hessequa Municipality. The plant will initially provide 10,000 litres of water per day... Read more about 'First solar-powered desalination plant launched in WC'...
Case Study: Reducing Carbon Emissions on Farms with Improved Water Management
Electricity consumption for irrigation is the largest source of farm-level carbon emissions. Therefore, improving water management on farms not only has the potential to save water, but also helps reduce... Read more about 'Case Study: Reducing Carbon Emissions on Farms with Improved Water Management '...
Case study: Autonomous irrigation tech decreasing input costs
This case study from the US, shows how a farm decreased their input costs through using autonomous irrigation. The organic vegetable producer nearly doubled its vegetable field yield, reduced water usage... Read more about 'Case study: Autonomous irrigation tech decreasing input costs'...
Presentation: Current water situation in WC
This presentation shows the current water situation in the Western Cape, looking at the major dams in the supply system as well as historic rainfall trends and the drought impact... Read more about 'Presentation: Current water situation in WC'...
SA wine industry increases research in climate change adaptation
This article by Bizcommunity shows what the SA wine sector is focusing research on in order to make the industry more resilient to climate change. This includes research into:
smart-agri tools
drought...
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How will climate change impact agricultural water requirements in the Berg WMA?
This sector brief by GreenCape explores the value of water in the agriculture sector, the quantity of water the agricultural sector needs and the impact of climate change on the... Read more about 'How will climate change impact agricultural water requirements in the Berg WMA? '...
Proper water management key to viability of solar-powered irrigation systems
This article by Bizcommunity explores the viability and options available for solar powered irrigation systems (SPIS). It also includes several links to further information, including an online Toolbox on Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems and the International... Read more about 'Proper water management key to viability of solar-powered irrigation systems'...
Technology aids farmers amid water crisis
An article by Bizcommunity explores how farmers in drought stricken areas of South Africa are increasingly turning to technology to adapt to decreasing water allocations.
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How the world needs to change as regions get drier
The University of Cape Town is working with partner organisations in southern, west and east Africa as well as India to investigate how to adapt to climate change in semi-arid regions. In... Read more about 'How the world needs to change as regions get drier'...
GreenCape Drought Business Support - 3 November 2017
GreenCape water team is having a drought business support event at the GreenCape offices on Friday 3 NOV 2017.
It will be an informal and interactive session on the current drought. The...
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Seven ways wine farms can protect SA's natural resources
Cavalli wine estate has implemented a number of activities to protect the natural resources of the land including water conservation, energy efficiency measures and waste management.
Read more here.
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Hortgro Irrigation Seminar
HORTGRO Science recently held an Irrigation Seminar at Allée Bleue in Groot Drakenstein. The seminar was held to address the current drought conditions in the Western Cape, and to provide... Read more about 'Hortgro Irrigation Seminar'...
Water Use Validation and Verification: Berg and Ollifants rivers catchment deadline 31 October 2017
Due to project extension, the Berg and Ollifants rivers catchment areas water use verification application will be accepted until 31 October 2017. Farmers who has not yet applied for verification should... Read more about 'Water Use Validation and Verification: Berg and Ollifants rivers catchment deadline 31 October 2017'...
SA's Aerobotics raises $600k funding from 4Di, Savannah Fund
South African launched big data company, Aerobotics has secured R8-million in seed funding from 4Di and Kenya's Savannah Fund to expand their presence into new regions. The data analytics platform... Read more about 'SA's Aerobotics raises $600k funding from 4Di, Savannah Fund'...
Water scarcity drives a new wave of practices in Cape Winelands
30% Of farmland in South Africa has been lost due to water scarcity in the last two decades and technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in safeguarding future losses.... Read more about 'Water scarcity drives a new wave of practices in Cape Winelands'...
Desalination: necessary but not feasible?
Read two articles by Engineering News that takes a look at the barriers of desalination technology and why it could be necessary to mitigate SA's water problems.
Desalination could be the...
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Mine water management policy open for public comment
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has gazetted the Draft Mine Water Management Policy for public comments for a period of 60 days, from 14 July to 14 September... Read more about 'Mine water management policy open for public comment'...
Smart technology revolutionises fruit farming
With the use of satellite data farmers no longer have to estimate how much water their crops need. Online applications such as Fruitlook can provide up to nine different types... Read more about 'Smart technology revolutionises fruit farming'...
Ceres grower imports, cultivates Witlof roots to increase supply
The growth of Witlof happens in two stages. As a result of poor soils, impacting on the growth potential of Witlof in stage 1, Bronaar Farms have transitioned to importing... Read more about 'Ceres grower imports, cultivates Witlof roots to increase supply'...
Aljazeera documentary/ dokumentêr
Here is an Aljazeera documentry looking at the current drought situation in the Western Cape, the agriculture sector and how Fruitlook and research in plant resilience plays a role.
Hier is...
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Western Cape drought holds serious implications for deciduous fruit industry
The current drought, as well as the predicted long-term drying trends in the Western Cape, has serious implications for the farming of deciduous fruit says HORTGRO. According to HORTGRO's Executive Director,... Read more about 'Western Cape drought holds serious implications for deciduous fruit industry'...
Chad is the country most vulnerable to climate change - here's why
Chad has been identified as the most vulnerable country to climate change in a study involving 186 countries. Over the past 50 years, 90% of Lake Chad has disappeared due... Read more about 'Chad is the country most vulnerable to climate change - here's why'...
Premier declares WC a disaster area – initiates project “Avoiding Day Zero"
Premier Helen Zille has officially declared the Western Cape a disaster area in response to the current drought crisis – the worst since 1904.
“The disaster declaration will accelerate the Western...
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Introducing the Greenhouse In a Box
Kheyti, a farming technology startup has developed the Greenhouse in a Box a modular, low-cost greehouse specifically targeted for low-income farmers. The Greenhouse in a Box was developed to protect crops... Read more about 'Introducing the Greenhouse In a Box'...
Robust pump delivers water on dry days
Franklin Electric has developed a high-output solar-powered pumping system called the Fhoton SolarPAK. It is unique in its use of standard borehole equipment while backed up by industry logistics and support. The investment payback period is said... Read more about 'Robust pump delivers water on dry days'...
High-level support for innovative agrosolar greenhouse concept
The SUNfarming Food & Energy project which is undertaken by the North-West University (NWU) has received support from Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for promoting the growing of affordable and nutritious food in municipalities. The project effectively deals... Read more about 'High-level support for innovative agrosolar greenhouse concept'...
Vrugteboere dink drasties nuut oor water
Mikrospruitjies help Ceres vrugteboere heel seisoen besproei. Die nuwe waterwysheid mikrospruitjies uit Isreal word al seder laas jaar deur Ceres-boere gebruik en wys besparings van 2000 tot 3000 m3/ha. Lees meer... Read more about 'Vrugteboere dink drasties nuut oor water'...
Tap Technology for Your Next Move
Farming proactively rather than re-actively is becoming ever more advanced through drone technology. Aerial imagery has most commonly been used by farmers to identify curious looking spots on an image, such as... Read more about 'Tap Technology for Your Next Move'...
Farming Drones: The Future Of Agriculture?
Drones are not new to agriculture but the various applications to 'smart farming' is constantly evolving. This article describes how and where drones can be used on farms to assist... Read more about 'Farming Drones: The Future Of Agriculture?'...
New FAO satellite tool helps African farmers optimise water productivity
The WaPOR is a new tool said to be helping farmers achieve improved agricultural yields and optimise irrigation. The tool measures how efficient water is used in agriculture through use of... Read more about 'New FAO satellite tool helps African farmers optimise water productivity'...
City of Cape Town Water Dashboard - 17/04/2017
This document provides the dam storage levels for major and minor dams for the City of Cape Town as recorded on 17 April 2017. It further provides the weekly dam... Read more about 'City of Cape Town Water Dashboard - 17/04/2017'...
Sustainability underscores new branding for Sun World
Sun World, a California based table grape grower and marketer will start publishing sustainability reports in response to research looking at consumer demand and factors influencing their purchase. Read more... Read more about 'Sustainability underscores new branding for Sun World'...
South Africa: ZZ2 ‘Nature Farming’ takes compost to new level
ZZ2 applies 'natuurboerdery' or nature farming practices from their choice of rootstocks, using predator insects, leaf extracts and a variety of composts depending on soil type and commodity needs. ZZ2's... Read more about 'South Africa: ZZ2 ‘Nature Farming’ takes compost to new level'...
New packhouse technology increasing productivity at Two-a-Day
Two-a-Day has invested in a new packing facility which allows them to better manage the increasing volume of fruit from growers whilst reducing water use by more than 60% compared to... Read more about 'New packhouse technology increasing productivity at Two-a-Day'...
McCain adapts to drought with changing business model, water strategy
The impact of the drought has been immense for farmers, producers and consumers and the need for adaptation along the value chain has been realised by McCain. Through changing their... Read more about 'McCain adapts to drought with changing business model, water strategy'...
Maximising the potential of wastewater in agriculture
During World Water Day (22 March), FAO highlighted the opportunity that treated wastewater represents for agriculture, improved food security, and nutrition. Treated and reused wastewater can be a cost-effective and... Read more about 'Maximising the potential of wastewater in agriculture'...
Ceres Fruit Growers environmental practices bearing fruit
Ceres Fruit Growers sees the environmental and financial benefit of implementing best environmental practices. Investing in solar powered energy has enabled Ceres Fruit Growers to save nearly R5 million. Read... Read more about 'Ceres Fruit Growers environmental practices bearing fruit'...
Letter addressed to all agricultural water users of the intergrated Wester Cape Water Supply System Scheme
The address applies to all agricultural water users supplied from the catchment areas, dams and river systems of the integrated Western Cape Water Supply System Scheme (WCWSS) that there is... Read more about 'Letter addressed to all agricultural water users of the intergrated Wester Cape Water Supply System Scheme'...
Ceres fruit growers benefit from water-saving practices
Ceres fruit growers have adjusted farming practices after experiencing drought and extremely high temperatures during the 2016 season. These practices include:
Soil moisture probes
Satellite-based technology
Replacing sprinklers with micro systems (saving 3...
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Is hydroponics the answer to global food challenges?
Hydroponic and greenhouse technology is a technique of intensive plant production using minimal water, energy and land.
Tomato yield comparison: Hydroponics technology produce more than 1 000t/ha VS South Africa’s average tomato...
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Using wastewater as an agricultural resource
Properly managed, wastewater can be used safely to support crop production — directly through irrigation or indirectly by recharging aquifers — but doing so requires diligent management of health risks... Read more about 'Using wastewater as an agricultural resource'...
Super-efficient irrigation: tips for crop farmers
To ensure agricultural sustainability in South Africa, it is crucial that more efficient irrigation systems be implemented.
Read article
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New open-source tool for agricultural water management
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched the AquaCrop-OS website, which provides an open-source tool for agricultural water management. The free software tool is an extension of FAO’s... Read more about 'New open-source tool for agricultural water management'...
Super-efficient irrigation: tips for crop farmers
Water allocation for the agriculture sector has been capped. This together with increasing climatic temperatures are pressuring farmers to implement more efficient irrigation systems. This article explains how this can... Read more about 'Super-efficient irrigation: tips for crop farmers'...
Investing in climate resilience will be key to improving prospects for drought-prone farming sector
The El Nino weather event has resulted in the driest calendar year nationwide since record keeping began in 1904. Read more about the effects on agriculture production, labour and investment... Read more about 'Investing in climate resilience will be key to improving prospects for drought-prone farming sector'...
Soils store & filter water: Resilience to floods and drought
Healthy soils are important in the supply of clean water and ensuring increase resilience to floods and drought. Healthy soils can store water, making it available for absorption by crops,... Read more about 'Soils store & filter water: Resilience to floods and drought'...
SA farmers must embrace the new, water-constrained normal
Irrigated agriculture already accounts for more than 60% of SA’s total water usage, making it highly unlikely that farming is set to enjoy a higher allocation of this scarce, vital... Read more about 'SA farmers must embrace the new, water-constrained normal'...
Water Verification and Validation
The Water Verification and Validation process is well underway. You can visit a webpage created specifically for this process by the Department of Sanitation and Water Affairs here. The website... Read more about 'Water Verification and Validation'...
Waterwese doen opname van waterregte
Die staat bevestig tans histories toegekende waterregte wat met die oorgang na die huidige Waterwet geregistreer is. Die projek is tans onderweg in die waterbestuursgebiede van die Berg-en-Olifantsrivier in die Wes-Kaap,... Read more about 'Waterwese doen opname van waterregte'...
Investing in land for water: The converging legal regimes
A more sustainable production environment is linked to institutions, especially government creating smart, relevant policies that enables an environment for investment whilst conserving natural resources for agriculture production, as this... Read more about 'Investing in land for water: The converging legal regimes'...
New tool: Western Cape Dam Levels
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has developed a "dam level status" function on their website. On the tool you can click on the blue dots to see the dams and... Read more about 'New tool: Western Cape Dam Levels'...
Kenya’s smart greenhouse text when your tomatoes need watering
Award-winning greenhouses designed by two Kenyan students allow farmers to control temperature, humidity and soil moisture on their mobile phones. This not only ensures precision agriculture but could further reduce... Read more about 'Kenya’s smart greenhouse text when your tomatoes need watering'...
Guide to verification of water use
Verification is a process to check the volume of water registered by existing users and its lawfulness under previous legislation, so as to certify the extent of Existing Lawful Use... Read more about 'Guide to verification of water use'...
WWF Water Stewardship Web Tool
WWF South Africa has developed and launched a practical water stewardship web tool. This interactive self-assessment website is intended for both commercial businesses and small-scale farmers who wish to improve... Read more about 'WWF Water Stewardship Web Tool'...
Agri SA drought report Feb 2016
Agri SA have released a drought report. The report looks at the current drought in terms of climatic conditions and seasonal outlook, the broader impacts on the economy, the effect... Read more about 'Agri SA drought report Feb 2016'...
Water infrastructure and opportunities for agriculture in the WC
A report on water infrastructure and opportunities for agriculture and agri-processing in the Western Cape has been published by The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Read report. Read more about 'Water infrastructure and opportunities for agriculture in the WC'...
Beating the drought with conservation farming
Michael Dippenaar a farmer from the Swellendam area shares about conservation agriculture. Read full article here. Read more about 'Beating the drought with conservation farming'...
RSG Elsenburgforum - Fruitlook
Luister Saterdag 14 November om 11:45 na Dr Andre Roux, wanneer hy meer gesels oor die Fruitlook projek. U kan inskakel by 100-104 FM. Read more about 'RSG Elsenburgforum - Fruitlook'...
Droogte ‘gaan domino speel in Wes-Kaap'
Min reën die afgelope winter kan baie skade vir boere veroorsaak. Lees die die volle berig op Lanbouweekblad se webblad. Read more about 'Droogte ‘gaan domino speel in Wes-Kaap''...