An Omnia Fertilizer Publication

S U M M E R 2 0 0 8

MAIZEFERTILIZER PRICES

NO-TILL 2008DANISH AGRICULTURE

NEW PRODUCTSSUCCESS STORIES

POTATOES

2

Talk to us. It pays.Omnia House PO Box 69888 Tel: +27 (011) 709 877813 Sloane Street Bryanston, 2021 Fax: +27 (011) 463 3022Epsom Downs, RSA Gauteng, RSAwww.omnia.co.za hjvanvuuren@omnia.co.za

ZAMBIA ZIMBABWETel: +260 1 243 441 Tel: +263 4 369 390/1/2/4Fax: +260 1 246 542/3/4/5 Fax: +263 4 369 393

EXPORTS AUSTRALASIATel: +27 11 709 8899 Tel: +64 9 534 0309Fax: +27 11 709 8927 Fax: +64 9 534 0319

MALAWITel: +26 51 71 1310 / 71 0271Fax: +26 51 71 0287

WESTERN CAPE LOWVELDTel: (021) 983 1462 Tel: (013) 792 4234/5/6Fax: (086) 627 1232 Fax: (013) 792 4240

EAST COAST HIGHVELDTel: (033) 239 9700 Tel: (013) 665 2291/2Fax: (033) 239 9735 Fax: (013) 665 2284

FREESTATE NORTH WESTTel: (058) 304 8000 Tel: (018) 462 9831/2Fax: (058) 304 1830 Fax: (018) 462 2098

EASTERN CAPEPlease contact East Coast

LOCAL

INTERNATIONAL

3

SUCCESS STORIES

Great excitement over maximum yield trials ............................................................................................ 5

Nutriology® saves maize ........................................................................................................................ 14

Good results with Free State potato trials ............................................................................................. 15

Nutriology® is successful on problem soils ........................................................................................... 16

OmniSap® analysis saves money .......................................................................................................... 17

Save a penny, lose a pound ................................................................................................................... 18

ARTICLES

Danish Agriculture: Using technology to their advantage ....................................................................... 9

Why is fertilizer so expensive ................................................................................................................. 10

“Agriculture: From Cinderella to sexy princess” .................................................................................... 20

Agronomist Conference ......................................................................................................................... 21

No-till farmers days ................................................................................................................................ 22

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Tuber size and quality of potatoes dramatically improved .................................................................... 19

REGULAR

Letters and comments ............................................................................................................................. 4

Product Focus: NUTRICAL 19™ ............................................................................................................. 8

Profile: Meet the experts ....................................................................................................................... 12

Book Review .......................................................................................................................................... 23

On a lighter note..................................................................................................................................... 24

Nutriology® Newsletter

Editor Hantie Jansen van VuurenContact number (011) 709-8778E-mail hjvanvuuren@omnia.co.zaPostal address PO Box 69888, Bryanston, 2021Physical address Omnia House, 13 Sloane Street, Epsom Downs

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of Omnia Fertilizer Ltd in writing.

CONT

ENTS

4

Letters and comments

W I N a P R I Z E !

Leah and Sean Reeve won a jacket for their winning letter. The best written letter for the next issue, will win you a warm jacket. Feel free to write in English or Afrikaans and send it for the attention of Hantie Jansen van Vuuren. The postal address, e-mail address and fax numbers appear elsewhere on this page. You may write under an alias, but please include your real name, postal address and telephone number. Please keep it short – we reserve the right to edit any letters. Your letter must reach us before the end of January 2009 to be considered for the prize.

Letters and comments

Thank you Leah & Sean

for this nice letter. Congratulations on your first wheat harvest!

Unfortunately you have not included an address to which your prize can be sent.

Please send me your physical address and I will courier your jacket to you.

Editor

LETTER FROM THE FIELDThroughout the seven years we have been with Omnia Fertilizer Zambia, I can only sing the highest praises

for their fertilizer and their service. The knowledge of their agronomists as well as the willingness to offer advice has been invaluable.

Last year we planted our first crop of wheat. We needed a lot of advice to do with fertilizer application, land preparation, seed application rates – the list goes on. Thankfully we

managed to get most of this advice from the Omnia agronomist in Mazabuka. We planted our wheat at a seed rate of 180 kg/ha and applied the suggested fertilizer. The wheat

was dark in colour and grew very tall. We were complimented on the size of our flag leaf as well as the size of the heads the wheat made. We had a good yield if you

take into consideration it was our first try. We would like to thank the Omnia agronomist for his patience and advice over the last few years and hope

he continues his invaluable service in Mazabuka.

LEAH & SEAN REEVE, MAZABUKA

(Letter shortened)

Please write to:

Hantie Jansen van VuurenPO Box 69888Bryanston2021South Africa orE-mail: hjvanvuuren@omnia.co.za orFax nr.: +27 11 463-3022 086 639 7003 (only in RSA)

North West

5

New technologies like yield monitors, detailed soil classification and precision farming open new doors with regard to yield, if these resources are utilised correctly.

Time and again in the past, yields of over 10 ton/ha have been realised on dryland maize. Therefore the agronomists at Omnia North West conducted a few trials to reach maximum yields under given climatic conditions.

The OmniPrecise™ team determined the soil potential and chemical status of five trial locations. It was decided to award a prize to the collaborator who attained the highest yield in excess of the estimated potential. Where possible we tried to make all corrections with regards to lime, gypsum and phosphorus before planting to avoid nutrient deficiencies on the maize.

Table 1 gives more information on the different trial locations.

Cultivar DKC 78-15B was planted at four of the five locations, except at Lichtenburg (Grootpan), where DKC 80-12B was planted. The results are shown in Table 2. The producers’ standard fertilizer practices served as the control treatment. Some of the locations needed substantial applications of phosphorus to correct the soil.

OmniSap® samples were taken regularly at all the locations to evaluate availability of all nutrients. Any deficiencies were corrected with foliar sprays.

The Coligny location did not react like the other locations because of low rainfall. With no clay to prevent deep drainage, this shallow soil could not store water. The soil as resource has to be the starting point to ensure that higher yields are possible.

Great excitement over By Kobus van ZylAgronomist, North West

67% increase!

A profile pit at one trial location where free water is

clearly visible.

6

Great excitement over maximum yield trials (continued)

North West

Table 1

Table 2 Yield results at five locations during the 2006/2007 season

Locations Soil Type Soil Depth (m) Yield Potential (ton/ha)

Previous Crop

Moisture Status before Planting

Seasonal Rainfall(mm)

Lichtenburg (Grootpan)

Bloemdal 1.8 4.9 Maize Dry 459

KoppiesAvalon

WestleighTukulu

1.6 6.2Fallow from

maizeFree water 358

Coligny Clovelly 0.8 3.3 Maize Dry 138

Schweizer-Reneke

AvalonPinedeneClovelly

Bloemdal

1.6 4.8 Ground nuts Free water 200

Viljoenskroon Tukulu 1.6 6.3 Maize Free water 320

Lichtenburg (Grootpan)

ControlB1B2

4.08.012.0

112200266

12.979.379.3

05.85.8

010.020.0

BothBothBoth

30,000(0.9 m)

3.725.727.43

8.1612.5416.28

4576.55029.57295.5

KoppiesControl

B1B2

4.08.012.0

70120200

12.068.572.5

000

21.039.071.0

BothBothBoth

18,000(1.5 m)

4.347.805.76

12.1221.7816.08

5353.008877.004824.00

Coligny ControlB1B2

3.06.09.0

54.5133220

10.519.638.5

15.032.655.0

12.029.044.0

NoneNoneNone

18,000(1.6 m)

trem track

1.061.071.08

7.297.297.30

724.17-205.23-1501.78

Schweizer-Reneke

ControlB1B2

5.07.09.0

8599140

22.033.033.0

000

18.027.027.0

NoneNoneNone

18,000(1.17 m)

5.466.628.58

27.3033.1042.90

7090.008496.0011033.00

Viljoenskroon ControlB1

5-5.59-10

96.6151.2

20.736.4

7.711.4

9.09.0

NoneMicros

20,000(1.5 m)

6.508.40

20.3026.30

8452.0010419.00

Loca

lity

Trea

tmen

ts

Yie

ld G

oals

(ton

nes/

ha)

Nkg

/ha

Pkg

/ha

Kkg

/ha

Skg

/ha

Mic

ro-

nutr

ient

s/K

-hum

ate

Pla

ntin

gD

ensi

ty/h

a

Yie

ld(t

onne

s/ha

)

Kg

grai

npe

r m

mra

in(k

g/m

m)

* Micronutrients added: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo)

The maize that yielded 6.62 tonnes/ha is to the right of the man. The maize to the left yielded 8.58 tonnes/ha.

Mar

gin

abov

e fe

rtili

zer c

ost

mai

ze @

R

1500

/ton

ne

(R)

7

North West

The yield monitor map above (Viljoenskroon location) confirms the role of soil regarding potential. The shallower soils yielded good results, but much improved results were obtained on the deeper, better soils.

The average increase in yield across the four locations with positive results was 67%. The low rainfall on most of these plots made this result even more extraordinary. The previous season (2005/ 2006) was very wet and this confirms the value of carried over moisture on soils with a water table.

With these trials Omnia demonstrated its commitment to a client’s success.

The trials were a real challenge for every collaborator and agronomist of the Omnia North West Business Unit. It was a good team effort and valuable lessons were learnt.

Congratulations to Mr. Schalk Fourie, of Schweizer-Reneke, who won the competition with a yield of 87% higher than the potential set for the season.

(20.2ha.) Field boundarySoil formAv - Avalon (7.1 ha. - 35.8%)Tu - Tukulu (8.1 ha. - 39.9%)We - Westleigh (4.9 ha. - 24.3%)

10.00 – 12.00 9.00 – 10.00 8.00 – 9.00 7.00 – 8.00 6.00 – 7.00 5.00 – 6.00 4.00 – 5.00 3.00 – 4.00 0.00 – 3.00

Soil map: 06 (20.17 ha.)

Effective root depth:06 (20.17 ha.)

(20.2ha.) Field BoundarySoil Form - Effective root depth40-50cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)60-70cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)80-90cm (2.8 ha. - 13.7%)100-110cm (2.1 ha. - 10.5%)120cm (3.7 ha. - 18.2%)120-140cm (11.6 ha. - 57.5%)140-160cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)160-180cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)180-200cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)210+cm (0.0 ha. - 0.0%)

Awards ceremony in Lichtenburg with Schalk

Fourie (client) on the left, Louis

Strydom (Business Unit

Manager) and Stefan de Jager

(agronomist, right).

Summer 08

Ensuring that the dividing cells receive all the calcium they require is a challenge. Plants are not able to take calcium from older tissues and redirect it to where it is needed, but rather have to absorb it from the soil, as and when it is required.

Calcium uptake is reduced when soil temperatures are too low or excessively high, or when developing fruits limit the sugars available for root development. Once absorbed, there is no guarantee that calcium will reach the developing tissues; calcium mobility depends on transpiration flow and this is often low for developing fruit and leaves.

Trials conducted in the Western Cape show substantial yield increases with application of NUTRICAL 19™. An increase in fruit weight, size and quality was also achieved. Microscopic analysis of the fruit revealed statistically significant increases in cell lengths.

For more information on this product, contact your Omnia Nutriology® agronomist.8

Product Focus

The most responsive cultivars to this product proved to be ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Golden Delicious’.

NUTRICAL 19™ contains almost 140 g/kg calcium, which is used to strengthen cell walls and membranes, keeping them intact for longer and increasing shelf life.

Increases Yield and Promotes High Quality Fruit

Witvlei Protea Lorraine Beaulieu Witvlei Protea Twaalffontein

Effect of NUTRICAL 19 on apple productionin the 2006 season

Effect of NUTRICAL 19 on apple productionin the 2005 season

Applications of NUTRICAL 19™ to apple trees significantly increased the yield and various quality parameters:

Yie

ld (

t/ha

)

Yie

ld (

t/ha

)

130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

9

It’s tempting to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but a recent trip to Denmark to visit the Agricultural Field Trials conference confirmed that farmers everywhere face challenges.

In Denmark farmers are considered as food producers, nature managers and employers. Environmental issues dominate and farming practices reflect this. Nutrient application is limited to the extent that farmers can only apply 85% of what is needed from an agronomic point of view. And, in an effort to manage their animal manure, 75% of the nitrogen in the manure has to replace inorganic fertilizer, so in some cases farmers are hardly allowed to use inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. Their strict registration policies also mean that farmers have very few plant protection products to work with and they can pay up to a 50% levy.

Helping farmers meet these challenges is the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service (DAAS). DAAS, owned and used by the Danish farmers, was started in 1875 when farmers’ organisations started to employ their own advisors. The focus of their research reflects the farmers’ concerns: which is the best variety, when is plant protection needed, which pesticide to use, what is the smallest dose required and how to apply animal manure to achieve the maximum fertilizer effect? It is a two-tier organisation with a national centre and 46 local advisory centres.

Visiting a local advisory centre, it was fascinating to see the creative thinking that goes into solving some of these problems. Beside the routine trials testing pesticide rates, etc. was a trial that uses mustard to ‘mine’ nitrogen from the soil. Wheat crops are followed by mustard which is quick growing and has a deep root system (2m) that takes up between 80 and 90 kg/ha N. By depleting the soil of nitrogen, the farmers are able to apply more nitrogen on the following crop as soil nitrogen is taken into account. In spring the mustard is ploughed back into the soil as organic matter, supplementing the allowed nitrogen application and helping the farmer reach the budget he needs for optimum yield. Fortunately their cold winters kill the mustard seed so regrowth is not a problem.

These centers give the local advisors the opportunity to see first hand how new varieties and strategies perform, improving the quality of advice they can give a farmer. It was a shock to hear that the farmer pays 100 Euros an hour for the advice they receive. In addition, the centers have a PR function and hikes have been laid out for the local community to walk from town to the centre and picnic. Much is done to inform the public about the role the farmer plays in the community. Crops are planted especially to educate the community and we were shown hops and plots seeded with indigenous species that will attract birds and wildlife.

Critical to meeting the challenges is the development of new varieties. Breeding varieties suited to the demands of Danish agriculture is ongoing and I was impressed at the speed at which this is accomplished. After the initial development in the greenhouse, varieties with potential are bulked up using a technique called ‘Shuttle Growing’. This entails that after harvest from fields in Demark, the seed is shipped to New Zealand and grown in an area climatically matched to Denmark, in effect giving them two growing seasons a year. Under-pinning this is some excellent research work available online to farmers. Field researchers use handheld terminals and, as they collect the data, it is logged online immediately, allowing for fast reporting and making it possible to use the data during the season e.g. diseases. The results of trials can be viewed within a few hours after harvest, but are reported as “preliminary trials”. Within 24 hours they have been checked and are then published. For those not so fond of technology, DAAS publishes their annual report of approximately 1200 field trials just before Christmas each year. DAAS estimates that this fast publication of results shortens the time for a variety to become commercially available by one year as compared to the traditional testing system. The value of this is conservatively estimated at 10 million Euros.

It is clear that Danish agriculture is aware that to progress it is necessary to exploit technology, but one can’t help feel that it is also their cooperative approach that will ultimately give them the edge.

Using Technology to their Advantage

By Megan A’Bear, Manager: Research & Development

Danish Agriculture:

Article

10

Industry News

At the moment there is good news and bad news in agriculture. The good news is that the current grain prices make farming worthwhile. The bad news is that input costs are so high, the risk makes a lot of people nervous.

Let’s look at what is influencing prices of fertilizer raw materials.

Why is fertilizer soBy Jan Vermaak

Divisional Director

Source: United Nations (1995b); U.S. Census Bureau, International Programs Centre, International Data Base and unpublished tables.

1800 1900 20001850 1950 2050

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Population in billions

118 years

1804

1922

1959

1974

1987

1999

2013

2028

2048

37 years

15years

13years

12years

14years

15years

20years

Total world populationWHAT CAUSES THESE HIGH PRICES?To date there has been a bigger supply than demand, resulting in relatively low prices. However, increased population growth, higher food prices, food shortages and the manufacture of biofuel are factors causing a much higher demand for raw materials. This results in shortages, causing a sharp rise in prices.

Graph 1: World per capita meat consumption

Graph 2: World population growth

Graph 3: Kilograms of feed grain to produce one kilogram of meat

POPULATION GROWTHGraph 2 shows clearly how the world population expanded in the last few decades. As a result of better economic conditions, more people can afford to eat meat instead of grain products. Graph 3 shows how much grain is needed to produce meat. The increased grain production leads to a higher demand for fertilizer.

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010F

45

40

35

30

25

20

0 2 4 6 8

Beef

Pork

Poultry

11

Industry News

Current food shortages have arisen worldwide as more people need to be fed and grain is also being used for biofuel. Global warming worsens the situation with droughts occurring in places like Australia.

These food shortages affect, in particular, grain, oil, rice and sugarcane. Because of this, China increased export taxes on raw materials to an

average of 135% in an effort to ensure food security.

Food prices also rose because of food shortages. When farmers believe they will receive a better price for their produce, they are more likely to invest in fertilizer. This also increases the demand for fertilizer.

NEW PLANTSLow fertilizer prices in the past did not encourage capital investment. Demand for raw materials rose faster than predicted.

Building a new nitrogen complex takes at least three years; a minimum of three to four years is needed to open a new phosphate fertilizer plant. As potassium is mined at difficult-to-reach places, it takes about seven years to develop a new mine as the necessary infrastructure has to be put in place. The situation is further complicated by competition for building materials and equipment.

This means fertilizer prices will probably stay high in the foreseeable future.

Thorleif Enger, President of IFA (International Fertilizer Industry Association) summed it up well: “Current fertilizer prices are an illustration of the basic principles of supply and demand. They reflect a properly functioning, but very tight, global market.”

One thing is certain: These are interesting times for agriculture. The only way to make enough profit in these circumstances, is to make sure you get as much value as possible from your fertilizer. With the

knowledgeable advice of the Omnia agronomists as well as added services like soil analyses, OmniSap® and OmniPrecise™, you can be sure that your crop (and yield) is in good hands!

Graph 4: Maize prices vs. N, P & K prices

Yellow maize fob USD/tonne fob USD/tonne

Graph 5: N, P & K Supply/Demand Balance

100%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%

Total Potential Capacity

Nirogen Phosphate MOP

Demand Potential Surplus

CA

PAC

ITY

12

Profile

T H E E X P E R T S

A g r o n o m i s t sHighveld

ST Potgieter 083 414 4595Brits, Koedoeskop, Thabazimbi

Chris Burbidge 083 702 0760Groblersdal, Marble Hall

David Fouche 082 923 0438Witbank, Oos-Rand, Delmas, Bethal

Gerrit de Jager 082 388 2176Ermelo, Piet Retief, Middelburg

Jan Schoonraad 083 441 2508Standerton, Volksrust

Johan Engelbrecht 082 573 3877Bethal, Delmas

Pieter de Jager 082 456 4563Bronkhorstspruit, Balfour, Grootvlei, Johannesburg

Wilhelm de Koker 082 567 1977Naboomspruit, Sterkrivier

Western Cape

Marinus de Beer 083 655 0129Hexrivier, Grabouw, Robertson

Attie Haasbroek 083 557 5321Sandveld & Swartland

Jan van Zyl 083 283 8311Vredendal & Citrusdal

Pietman Wessels 072 582 0019Ceres

Lowveld

André Smit 082 893 2785Northern Transvaal

Hentie Cilliers 082 904 2429Kaapmuiden – Komati

Kobus van Heerden 079 500 7514Hectorspruit

North West

Johan Fourie 082 880 3965Upington

Jannie Peyper 083 288 7131Parys, Koppies, Klerksdorp, Potch., Ventersdorp

Kobus van Zyl 083 633 9540Viljoenskroon, Bothaville

Phillip Venter 082 496 1144NWK

Jan du Toit 083 627 4402NWK

Stefan de Jager 082 376 8915Wolmaransstad, Schweizer, Delareyville

MeetOmnia’s Highveld Business Unit has a team of experienced agronomists with expert knowledge on a wide range of crops.

Schalk Lombaard is the Business Unit Manager for the Highveld. Even

though he has an agronomic background,

Schalk has long been more involved in

management, first in the Lowveld and now

in the Highveld. He was previously Manager of

Agronomic Development at Omnia’s Head Office.

ST Potgieter holds a B.Sc. Agric and a Hons degree in Agricultural Extension.

He has more than 30 years experience as an

agriculturist and has been working for Omnia Highveld for the past eight years. He

is currently servicing the Crocodile River Irrigation

Scheme as well as the Tarlton area and mainly

works with maize, wheat, soyabeans and lucerne.

ST also has experience in veggies, citrus and intensive

tunnel farming.

Chris Burbidge has been with Omnia as an agronomist in the

Groblersdal, Marble Hall, Loskop Valley and Stofberg areas. He was previously with the ARC

Small Grain Institute. Chris has a M.Sc.Agric degree and works

with wheat, tobacco, maize, cotton, citrus, vegetables, table

grapes and soya beans. He is very familiar with irrigation scheduling

for wheat.

David Fouche, an agronomist at Omnia Highveld, holds a

M.Sc. Agric degree from the University of Pretoria. He works mainly with maize, soya beans,

dry beans, irrigated wheat and potatoes and serves the Witbank, Delmas, Highveld

Ridge, Bethal and Nigel areas.

13

Profile

T H E E X P E R T SMeet

Gerrit de Jager is based in Bethal and works with

representatives in Piet Retief, Middelburg,

Stoffberg, Wonderfontein,

Belfast, Carolina, Hendrina, Ermelo and Dirkiesdorp. He has an agronomy degree and his specialities are potatoes and precision farming.

Johan Engelbrecht holds a B.Sc. degree from Potch University and an M.Sc. (Agric)

from the University of Natal. His area covers mainly Bethal, but he also works in Delmas,

Heidelberg, Middelburg, Ermelo and Standerton. He has experience on a wide variety of crops.

Jan Schoonraad has a B.Sc. (Agric) degree

from the University of Pretoria. He works as an agent mainly in the Standerton

and Volksrust areas on maize, sorghum, sunflower and soya

beans.

With a B.Sc. Hons degree in Agricultural Economics,

Pieter de Jager worked as a lecturer, a technical

advisor, a crop specialist and a technical representative before joining Omnia as an agronomist. He services the

Grootvlei, Bronkhortspruit and Vereeniging areas and works mainly on maize, but also on potatoes, wheat, sunflower,

soya beans, dry beans, instant lawn and vegetables.

Wilhelm de Koker holds a B.Sc. degree in Plant Production from the University of Pretoria. He has been with Omnia for five years in different regions and is currently working in the Nylstroom region.

He is experienced in precision farming recommendations

and has been doing irrigation scheduling for the past four

years. Wilhelm has expertise on maize, potatoes, wheat, tobacco,

soya beans, dry beans and pastures.

A g r o n o m i s t sEast Coast

Kevern Macaskill 082 887 2653Eston, Richmond, North Coast

Peter King 083 679 4066Eastern Cape

Francois du Plessis 082 887 4614Port Elizabeth

Brian Hesom 083 679 1962Northern Natal / Midlands

Rollo Woodhead 083 679 1953East Griqualand

MC Veldsman 082 771 5495Humansdorp

William Gibson 082 856 2581North Coast, Richmond, Spesialities

Free State

Johan Bredenkamp 082 304 6867Hoopstad, Wesselsbron, Hennenman

John Craven 083 626 1783Bethlehem, Reitz, Warden

Lafras Fouche 083 235 6556Bethlehem, Heilbron, Frankfort, Vrede

Piet de Wet 082 788 5342Clocolan, Bloemfontein, Ladybrand

Stefan Vrey 082 610 4184Christiana, Hopetown, Douglas

Australia

Troy Morgan (Queensland N.) +61 429897074

Bob Wilson (Bundaberg) +61 419554207

Bruce de Gersigny (Brisbane) +61 400887876

Dr. Sammy Heng (Melbourne) +61 448064860

Jan de Jager (Perth) +61 429898131

Janus Erasmus (Melbourne) +61 448064860

Malawi

Ken McKenzie +265 1710287

Zambia

Bertie Serfontein +26 097770590

Kobus Smith +26 096764351

Vincent Mkuyamba +26 097999697

Gerhard Eloff (South) +26 097770589

Gawie Peens (North & Central) +26 097999226

Zimbabwe

Mark Tindle +263 4369393

Research & Development

Teferi Yeshitela (North & Central) 072 584 8783

Charles Wright (Northwest,Freestate) 082 782 1379

Tanya Singh (Greenhouse) 011 709 8930

Marinda Kellerman (Western Cape) 082 899 7780

14

Free State

This photo shows the root development of the treated maize (left) against the control (right).

Above is the maize field. To the right of the photo is the treated maize and the control is on the left.

By Stefan Vrey, Agronomist: Free State

saves maize!NUTRIOLOGY®

Our client bought a farm of 200 hectares with two 100 hectare blocks in the Free State at the end of 2006. Soil analyses were done and the agronomist recommended 3 tonnes/ha dolomitic lime. Lime was applied during June 2007 after which the first maize was planted in October 2007.

In November the client complained that the maize on one block was dying. After thorough investigation it was found that the problematic block was planted with a neighbour’s faulty planter. The planter placed the fertilizer too far from the seed and the weak root system could not reach it.

Our agronomist recommended applying 200 ml/ha ORGANOCELL™ and 3 kg/ha MAP39. A week later the client observed a 100% improvement. Two weeks later the client phoned to say that the maize on this specific block was looking better than all the other maize.

The two blocks of maize were harvested in March 2008. The treated block yielded 300 kg/ha more than the rest. This is worth R540 per hectare or R54 000 for the 100 hectares.

In February 2008 the client asked the Omnia sales representative to write an order for fertilizer. After the order was written, the client told us Omnia’s fertilizer was R270 per hectare more expensive than the opposition’s. This means a premium of R 351 000 on the 1300 hectares being planned for next season. The farmer made it clear that he was willing to pay this for Omnia’s expertise and service on his farm.

15

Free State

Free State potato trial

yields

By Lafras Fouche, Agronomist: Free StateR 11,585 more earned!

Treatments Large@ R26/bag

Large/Medium@ R24/bag

Medium@ R23/bag

Small@ R16/bag

Total DifferenceR/ha against

control

KELP-P-MAX™ + OMNIBOOST™

R 50,394 R 12,831 R 9,931 R 4,644 R 77,800 R 11,585

KELP-P-MAX™ + MAP39

R 39,195 R 21,405 R 9,643 R 3,687 R 73,930 R 7,715

MAP39 +ORGANOCELL™

R 28,388 R 18,748 R 9,132 R 4,770 R 61,038 R -5,177

OMNIBOOST™ + ORGANOCELL™

R 44,217 R 16,607 R 4,813 R 1,989 R 67,626 R 1,411

CONTROL R 23,636 R 23,770 R 15,231 R 3,578 R 66,215 -

A trial on potatoes in the Free State recently, showed the following results:

The photo on the left shows the little potatoes under MAP(39) and ORGANOCELL™ treatment, while the one

on the right indicates the OMNIBOOST™ and KELP-P-MAX™ treatment.

GOOD RESULTS

16

Free State

succeeds on problem soilsOne of our clients in the Brandfort region phoned us for advice. He grows lucerne and struggled with poor yields.

The Omnia agronomist took soil and water samples and saw that the water quality was poor. The soil had very low levels of potassium and very high levels of magnesium and sodium. The lucerne is planted on Arcadia soils and a drip irrigation system was installed below the soil surface. Unfortunately the drippers were

spaced too wide apart and the water was not distributed well.

The agronomist recommended applying gypsum at 2 tonnes/ha over the lucerne. MAP39 was also applied at 5 kg/ha and VITA K™ at 200 kg/ha.

The photo below shows how much the lucerne has improved.

By Piet de WetAgronomist: Free StateNutriology®

Control Treated lucerne

17

Highveld

analysis saves moneyA lot of money was saved by one of our clients in the Highveld Region. This client produced seed maize in the Crocodile River Irrigation Scheme. A seed inspector mentioned that the maize was showing signs of potassium deficiencies.

The client phoned Omnia and the agronomist went out to have a look. He told the farmer that it appeared more like nitrogen deficiency. The area experienced very wet conditions and nitrogen deficiency was very possible. OmniSap® analyses were done and it confirmed a nitrogen deficiency.

Additional nitrogen was applied and the maize recovered. Money has been spent on the correct product.

OmniSap® can help to determine what is wrong with a plant. This can result in significant savings for clients.

By ST PotgieterAgronomist: HighveldOMNISAP®

This is what the OmniSap® analysis report looked like. The low nitrogen levels are clearly visible. Boron levels were also low and was visible on the analysis even before any deficiency symptoms could be seen, or damage done to the plants.

Nitrogen (68)–

Phosphates–

Potassium (131)–

Calcium (168)–

Magnesium (142)–

Sodium–

Sulphur–

Copper–

Manganese (104)–

Zinc–

Iron–

Aluminium–

Boron (50)–

Silicon–

Form number 111911

Date 2008/02/08

Client

Agronomist S T POTGIETER

Sample number Land 1

Crop Maize

Weeks after emergence 7

Cultivation Irrigation

Recommendation

The sap analysis looks good and confi rms what I saw - we only need nitrogen. I think we should also apply 5 kg/ha Solubor with the next application. Boron is very low eventhough I have not seen defi ciency symptoms yet. As I toldyou, the sap analysis can show defi ciency symptomsbefore it is visible and already caused damage.

POSSIBLE DAMAGE OR LACK OF REACTIONAll our analytical work is done with the greatest care and therefore this report is accepted as correct. Omnia cannot be held responsible for any errors as crop yield and quality is infl uenced by different uncontrollable factors. Thus Omnia cannot control management of the crop and acnnot be held responsible for damage or insuffi cient reaction caused by applications based on results and/or recommendations on this report. The sample supplied was tested and results were received and captured here. However, the report is only applicable to the sample tested and cannot beguaranteed as representative of the total crop. The sap mixture should not be mixed with herbicides.

OmniSap® Report

18

Highveld

One of our lucerne farmers on the Crocodile River Irrigation Scheme received a standard recommendation from another fertilizer company of 1 t/ha Supers(10.5) and 200 kg/ha KCl(50).

Omnia’s agronomist took soil samples and suggested no fertilizer before planting. The farmer wanted to apply the standard recommendation of 100 kg/ha Supers and 150 kg/ha KCl with every cutting. After an OmniSap® analysis was done, the agronomist advised the farmer not to apply any fertilizer, but to rather apply micronutrients.

The client saved R 10,268 per hectare on the lucerne planting and R 2,074 per hectare on top-dressing per cutting.

Above is the OmniSap® report that indicates that some of the micronutrients were low, but P and K levels were sufficient.

On the left is the soil analysis on which the agronomist based his decision. It is clear that the P and K in the soil were high or very high.

Form number 185353

LABORATORY ANALYSIS REPORT

Client Magisterial district BRITS

JAN RABIE S T POTGIETERRepresentative Agronomist 0836758150 0834144595Sample date 2007/06/04 Report date 2008/07/23

ROUTINE SOIL ANALYSIS

Farm nameField number A9 A17 L26 L30Lab number 17296 17296 17301 17302Crop Wheat Wheat Lucerne LucerneHectares 11.0 16.0 22.0 12.0Sample depth Top soil Top soil Top soil Top soilColour Re Br Re Br Re Br Re BrBulk density –2) 1430 1485 1430 1365pH (KCI) 6.5 (M) 7.1 (H) 6.0 (M) 6.2 (M)Exchangeable acid N/A N/A N/A N/AAcid saturation (%) N/A N/A N/A N/AS (% of norm) 111 (M) >150 (BH) >150 89P –1) 38 (BH) 49 (BH) 30 (BH) 36 (BH)K –1) 216 (BH) 145 (BH) 286 (BH) 240 (BH) K(% of ECEC) 9 49 10 10Ca –1) 667 (BH) 1050 (BH) 790 (BH) 690 (BH) Ca(% of ECEC) 56 60 52 55Mg –1) 224 (BH) 283 (BH) 302 (BH) 228 (BH) Mg(% of ECEC) 30 27 33 30Na –1) 63 183 96 73 Na(% of ECEC) 4 9 6 5ECEC (cmolc–kg–1) Calculated 6.1 8.7 7.6 6.3Ca/Mg 1.9 2.3 1.6 1.6Mg/K 3.3 6.3 3.4 3.0(Ca + Mg)/K 10 20 9 9Electric Conductivity –1) N/A - N/A N/A

lose a pound!Save a penny,

By ST PotgieterAgronomist: Highveld

With Nutriology® you can get the correct advice on the farm. You can be sure that the right products are applied correctly to ensure optimum yields. Even with paying a premium for Nutriology®, it can still cost a lot more to trust “cheaper” suppliers.

Nitrogen (225)–

Phosphates–

Potassium–

Calcium–

Magnesium–

Sodium–

Sulphur (87)–

Copper (91)–

Manganese (147)–

Zinc–

Iron–

Aluminium (139)–

Boron (31)–

Silicon (65)–

POSSIBLE DAMAGE OR LACK OF REACTIONAll our analytical work is done with the greatest care and therefore this report is accepted as correct. Omnia cannot be held responsible for any errors as crop yield and quality is infl uenced by different uncontrollable factors. Thus Omnia cannot control management of the crop and acnnot be held responsible for damage or insuffi cient reaction caused by applications based on results and/or recommendations on this report. The sample supplied was tested and results were received and captured here. However, the report is only applicable to the sample tested and cannot beguaranteed as representative of the total crop. The sap mixture should not be mixed with herbicides.

OmniSap® Report

19

Research & Development

Tuber size and quality of potatoes dramatically improved

Potato production is the main branch in the Sandveld area in the Western Cape. The Sandveld is known for good quality potatoes, but to stay profitable and competitive, yield and quality constantly have to be improved. The economical sustainability is determined by three factors: yield, quality and tuber size. By utilizing a balanced fertilization programme, we have come far in optimising these factors.

During the summer of 2007/08 N-Gas™ applications were done in the Sandveld. The effect of N-Gas™ on the quality and tuber size distribution of the harvest was investigated. Three different rates of N-Gas™ were applied in addition to the normal fertilizer programme. The normal fertilizer programme served as the control.

The treated areas appeared greener during the growing season and also stayed green for longer. This is possibly due to the fact that the plant was photosynthetically active for longer, which can improve tuber size and quality.

All treatments produced a higher percentage potatoes in Class 1. Treatment C, the highest application rate, produced 50.4% Class 1 potatoes, against the 34.5% of the control. With Treatment C, 86.8% of potatoes fell into Class 1 and 2. This improvement in Class meant financial benefits for the producer.

Looking at tuber size distribution, 53% of all Class 1 potatoes were larger than medium from Treatment C, and only 39% from the control. The N-Gas™ application caused an improvement in tuber size distribution, which means the producer could market more of the harvest as medium and large. This means a higher income for the farmer.

The realised price from potatoes from Treatment C was R2,43 per kilogramme higher than that from the control. The improved quality in Treatment A was not sufficient to economically justify the treatment, while Treatments B and C were economically justifiable.

It is essential that every product applied by a producer to potatoes makes a difference financially. Omnia Fertilizer, within the Nutriology® concept, has a whole range of products and services at their disposal, of which N-Gas™ is one. As demonstrated here, Nutriology®, a business model, aims to create prosperity for everybody.

By Attie Haasbroek, Agronomist: Western CapeTrials done by M. Kellerman and J. Steenkamp (Omnia Research & Development)

Differences in the treated plots were already visible during the growing season

Control Treatment A Treatment B Treatment c

Per

cent

age

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Other

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

R/k

g

Control A B C

Treatment

Effect of different treatments on the realised priceN-gas Sandveld 2007/2008

Vertical lines indicates 0.95 certainty intervals with ave.

Industry News

20

“Agriculture: From Cinderella to

Sexy Princess”

“Our industry is relatively small in global terms. It’s importance and contribution to national and regional economics and, ultimately, also the world economy and the wellbeing of mankind has, in my opinion, been underrated for many decades. This has now changed. The biofuels revolution, as well as the new and rapid technological advances of the past few years have elevated the profile of agriculture (and therefore also our industry) in a manner in which politicians and investors are sit-ting up and taking notice. Agriculture is changing from the Cinderella of many economies into a rather sexy princess with good potential.

Whilst we gather here in Prague today, the hot topic in many countries and quarters, including the United Nations, the World Bank and other global institutions continues to be the current and potential shortages of food and feed that the world is facing. Coupled with this are steep increases in the price of food, which have already led to food riots and demonstrations in several countries. Global grain and oilseed inventories are very low and this, together with growing demand and other factors, such as the dramatic rise in the oil price and its effect on production and distribution costs, has fuelled food inflation.

The ‘blame or reason’ for potential and real food shortages and food inflation is often shifted by different stakeholders between reasons such as economic growth and rising standards of living in countries such as China and India, to new demand created by the mainly US and European biofuels industries. In the developing world, where I come from, various parties, from farmers to other players in the food chain, are often accused of ‘profiteering’.

The biofuels industry remains the subject of heated debates on the merits or not of converting potential food to fuel. The ecological and environmental value of biofuels is being questioned in many quarters. Also its economic value and viability in the longer term.

The GM (genetically manipulated) debate in agriculture continues and in some countries promising progress has of late been changed into stagnation and even regression, more often than not because of emotional rather than rational reasoning.

I want to reiterate the statement I made in Christchurch last year that the seed industry holds the key or keys to the resolution of many of the more serious problems faced by our planet today. The advances in biotechnology, including fields such as molecular breeding, coupled with precision farming and other sophisticated farming techniques, can go a long way towards satisfying the world’s growing demand for food, feed, fibre and renewable energy by extracting higher productivity on the same or less land area in a more environmentally friendly manner.

The responsible evaluation, introduction and application of new technologies in agriculture, which can improve the present and future prospects for our planet and its people, should be encouraged, supported and applauded. (Unfortunately this does not always happen!)

If we consider the world today and how we expect it to evolve in future, it becomes abundantly clear that agriculture and our industry will continue to enjoy an increasingly prominent position on the agendas of global intergovernmental and other bodies as well as at national and regional levels.”

Mr Deon van Rooyen, Managing Director of Pannar Seed (right), became the first South African elected Chairmain of the International Seed Federation. His two-year stint came to an end during the Federation’s Annual General Congress recently held in Prague, capitol of the Czech Republic. Here are some extracts from his opening address.

21

Omnia News

Tel: +2711 709-8778 Fax: +2711 463-3022 www.omnia.co.za

At Omnia we know that adding value does not just happen.It needs:

All this provided by Omnia

IF WE DON’T MAKE A

DIFFERENCE ...

SHOW US THE DOOR!

Conference

Agriculturists from across South Africa, as well as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, came together to learn about new technological approaches and to see how their colleagues in other areas add value.

The Managing Director of Omnia Group, Rod Humphris, opened the conference. He spoke about the favourable conditions in agriculture today. Despite high input costs, grain prices have never been better and farmers can also have a better chance to compete in international markets.

Renier Rabie from Chemtech, Omnia’s laboratories, explained what they are able to do. The soil laboratory analyses 120,000 soil samples annually and has the capacity to handle 2,000 samples per day. Up to 10,000 OmniSap® analyses are done annually. All raw materials and final products are also analysed for quality purposes. A fully equipped microbiology laboratory handles OmniBio™ analyses and conducts valuable agricultural research.

Agriculturists were treated to presentations from the Research and Development and OmniPrecise™ departments and the latest trials and technologies were discussed.

On the second day, the different business units had the chance to show how they add value on the farm. Many success stories were told about farmers making more profit by using Omnia’s products and services.

Jan Wolmarans, Omnia Fertilizer’s Business Development Manager, told agronomists how South Africa’s BEE laws would affect farmers and what they can do to become compliant. Nico Smit spoke about new products being developed and also gave the delegates a glimpse of the new Omnia packaging.

Lastly, Danie Schoeman, General Manager of Specialities, concluded by talking about how the whole Nutriology® package can add value for the farmer. Our aim is, after all, to create prosperity for Omnia through prosperity on the farm.

How can we create value on the farm? This was the question discussed at the recent Omnia Agronomist Conference held at Hartbeespoortdam.

22

Omnia News

Better yields with lower input costs, and especially sustainable production, is possible with conservation tillage. This was the opinion of several experts at recent Omnia farmers days where farmers were informed about this cultivation practice.Cultivation tillage does not mean you just throw away all your ploughs and the money start rolling in.

Prof. Alan Bennie, internationally recognised soil scientist and a farmer himself, says that for best results, tillage decisions need to be based on soil type. For sandy soils with less than 6% clay, minimum tillage combined with deep tillage and controlled traffic is the best option.

Sandy to sandy loam soil with a clay percentage of between 7 and 18% and a weak topsoil structure: conventional tillage or minimum tillage with a deep chisel plough.

Sandy loam topsoil and a shallow, rocky soil: conventional or minimum tillage with a shallow chisel plough.

Sandy clay loam to clay topsoil: no tillage if economically viable.

Where no-till is possible, benefits include more efficient erosion management, a more flexible planting time, better water conservation and higher yields.

The main speaker, mr Roberto Peiretti has been involved in no-till for 35 years and practices these principles on his own farm in Argentina where significant results are achieved. He served two terms as President of the American Confederation of Farmers Organisations for Sustainable Farming.

He said at the farmer’s day that normal tillage practices exposing the soil is one of the main contributors of soil degradation caused by humans worldwide.

Argentinians doubled grain and oil-seed yields within ten years after employing a programme of no-tillage, minimum tillage,

crop rotation and sensible fertilization.He also showed photographs of a yield

of 4 tonnes wheat per hectare with a total rainfall of just 30 millimeter during the growing season!

No-tillage is an option on the right soil types in South Africa, as Willem van der Walt of Walt Estates near Settlers proved on their Vertic soils.

The Van der Walt family started converting to no-tillage gradually in 1988 and has applying these principles for nine years. They grew grain sorghum, maize, sunflower, wheat and cotton.

According to mr Van der Walt, no-tillage sets high management demands and forces the farmer to think creatively, learn from his mistakes and take responsibility for the results.

The Van der Walts have benefited from no-tillage through better soil moisture management, better weed management, lower input costs, higher yields, less soil compaction, better soil fertility and sustainability.

An important principle influencing the result is that stubble must be distributed evenly across the land at harvesting. Weeds have to be strictly managed and traffic through lands controlled, which means that the Van der Walts adjusted the wheels on all their implements to fit into the tracks made by the combine harvester.

All the speakers emphasised the importance of an efficient planter. No-tillage requires a heavy, solid planter which does not get clogged up with stubble and places the seed exactly at the same depth and space through the stubble.

According to dr. Johan van Biljon, Omnia Fertilizer’s Manager: Agronomic Services, the correct fertilization, application timing and method are very important and Omnia’s experts can assist the farmer with these decisions.

Omnia No-Till Farmers Day, Loskopdam:

Conservation tillage ensures the farmer’s future

Prof. Alan Bennie, retired soil scientist

and farmer told farmers how to decide which

cultivation practice to use, based on

the type of soil they have.

No-till is a way to improve soil

quality in such a way that it exceeds

sustainability towards

improvement, says mr Roberto Peiretti,

an international expert on zero tillage

practices.

Dr Johan van Biljon of Omnia explained the unique fertilizer needs demanded

by no-till and gave farmers useful

advice.

23

Book Review

Olive Production in South Africa

Editor: Agricultural Research Council

Price: R 450.00

ISBN-10 No: 1-86849-100-4

Publisher: ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij

This up-to-date, easy-to-read handbook contains valuable information for those interested in olives and olive growing. It has been written especially to help orchard

managers, growers and prospective growers to farm olives successfully. Focused on the Western Cape (centre of the South African olive industry), the comprehensive information is based on local experience as well as both international and local research findings. It is therefore relevant to olive growers throughout South Africa and even beyond our borders. Topics covered include botanical characteristics of the olive, climatic, nutritional, water and soil requirements, economical aspects, cultivars, orchard management, processing and marketing. This book has to be on every olive farmer’s book shelf. Contact Amelia by e-mail on Amelia@igg2.agric.za if you are interested in this book.

Field guide for the identification of wheat insects in South Africa

Author: G.J. Prinsloo, V.L. Tolmay & J.L. Hatting

Price: R 50.00

ISBN No.: 1-86849-131-5

Pages: 56

Publisher: ARC Small Grain Institute

The damage done to the wheat crop by various insect pests differs markedly. It is therefore necessary to identify the pest correctly before a decision can be made on how and when to control the specific insect. The aim of this field guide is to simplify the identification of insects, including natural enemies

of pest insects, found on wheat. Each insect is described according to its distribution in the country as well as the feeding symptoms caused by the insect on the plant. The body characteristics used for identification of each insect are illustrated in colour photographs. Included is a pamphlet showing all the insecticides registered in South Africa against the different insect pests. This book is bilingual (English and Afrikaans). Contact Elri Burger at (058) 307 3507 or by e-mail on burgere@arc.agric.za if you are interested in buying this book.

Wife lost

The traffic officer stops a man on a quiet road.

“Sir, are you aware of the fact that your wife fell out of the car about two kilometres back?”

“Thank goodness,” says the man, “I thought I had suddenly gone deaf!”

24

On a lighter note

on a lighterLetter from a Free State farm child, now doing basic training in the Army

Dear Pa and Ma,

I am well. Hope you are too.

Tell my brothers Wouter and Kobus that being in the army beats working for Oom Piet. Tell them to join quickly before maybe all the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you have to stay in bed until nearly 06:00, but now I’m starting to enjoy sleeping late.

All you have to do before breakfast is smooth your bed and shine something. No pigs to feed, no cows to milk, no mampoer to mix or braai wood to split. Practically nothing. The guys get to shave but it’s not so bad, there’s warm water.

Breakfast is strong on fruit juice, pap, eggs, bacon, etc, but short on steaks, boerewors, chops, potatoes and other regular food like vetkoek. But you can sit between two ‘dorpies’ who live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed again.

These city boys can’t walk much. We go on “route marches”, which the sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different. A “route march” is about as far as to our postbox at home. Then the ‘dorpies’ get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The next will kill my brothers with laughter … I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is nearly as big as a dassie’s head and doesn’t move at all. And it isn’t shooting back at you like those Venter boys from the farm next door. All you have to do is lie there and hit it. You don’t even have to make your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with the ‘dorpies’ from the city. I have to be careful though, they break really easy. It’s not like fighting with Swart Duiwel, our old bull, at home. I’m about the best in the platoon this year, except for Big Jan Jordaan from somewhere in the Northern Transvaal. He joined the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6” and 130 pounds and he is 6’8” and weighs over 300 pounds, dry.

Be sure to tell my brothers to hurry up and join before the other guys find out about the army setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,

Ester

Smooth talker

On his first day at the supermarket, somebody asks the young man to buy half a lettuce. The young man says he will have to check with the manager first.

“Sir, there’s an idiot here who wants to buy half a lettuce.” Just then he notices the client behind him. He adds: “and this gentleman wants to buy the other half.”

After the client left, the manager calls the young man. “You almost got yourself into trouble back there,” he said.

“But I’m impressed by the way you talked yourself out of it. Where do you come from?”

“Pretoria”, answers the young man.

“Why did you leave Pretoria?”

“There are only ugly women and rugby players,” he answers.

The manager looks annoyed: “My wife is from Pretoria,” he says.

“Oh,” says the young man, “did she

play for the Blue Bulls?”

Strange pain

A man complains about a strange pain in his body. After a thorough examination, the doctor says: “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t find the cause of the pain. It may be as a result of too much alcohol.”

“Don’t worry,” says the man, “I will come back when you are

sober.”

ON A

LIG

HTER

NOT

E