Browsing by Author "Tweedale, Darryl Neil"

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    The development and use of a blended, organically based fertiliser on sugar cane in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Tweedale, Darryl Neil; Lombard, J. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agricultural Economics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential production of a blended, organically based fertiliser for use on sugar cane in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. There has been a major increase in the application of unprocessed organic materials of various types within the region over the last three years. This has been ascribed largely to the soil conditioning properties of these materials and the benefits of their use which have been noted by farmers. However, it has emerged at the beginning of the study that very little literature or evidence of a concrete nature exists with regards to these benefits. Due to a lack of existing literature with regards to the benefits of using manures as soil conditioners, the vast majority of the information collected was of a primary nature. Use was made of questionnaires, as well as personal and telephonic interviews for data collection. These methods of data collection resulted in information of a largely subjective and descriptive nature, traits which are evident in the presentation style of this information. When considering the development of such a product, the following role-players were identified and included in the study: soil experts, sugar cane farmers, competitors within the organics industry, suppliers of raw materials (manure) and people involved in fertiliser processing operations. Information and opinions were obtained from these various sources and used to reach certain conclusions and to make recommendations. While it was noted that no concrete definition exists for the term sustainable agriculture, it was determined that organic farming goes some way to promote sustainability. Thus, the use of organic material on soil is seen as beneficial to soil health and long term production - although only 43 percent of soil experts indicated the use of manures as a current promoter of sustainable production. Contrary to this scepticism, it emerged that the use of organic material in the Natal Midlands regions is on the increase, with chicken litter, feedlot manure and filter cake the most popular organic materials applied. The limited availability of material, especially chicken litter, was identified as the most influential limiting factor. Bearing this limitation in mind, a 30 dm3 bagged, granulated product with a chicken litter base emerged as the most preferred by the potential consumers. It was explained by processors that while taking necessary structural and mechanical changes into account, producing such a product would be possible, but that production-wise a pelletted product would be preferred. Sources of competition were identified at both input and output market levels, with the supply of raw materials as the major concern. It was further noted that in order to compete successfully, prices would have to be competitive, through correct formulation, and product benefits proven scientifically, especially with regard to soil conditioning characteristics.