The development and use of a blended, organically based fertiliser on sugar cane in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY: The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential production of ablended, organically based fertiliser for use on sugar cane in the KwaZulu-NatalMidlands. There has been a major increase in the application of unprocessed organicmaterials of various types within the region over the last three years. This has beenascribed largely to the soil conditioning properties of these materials and the benefitsof their use which have been noted by farmers. However, it has emerged at thebeginning of the study that very little literature or evidence of a concrete natureexists with regards to these benefits.Due to a lack of existing literature with regards to the benefits of using manures assoil conditioners, the vast majority of the information collected was of a primarynature. Use was made of questionnaires, as well as personal and telephonic interviewsfor data collection. These methods of data collection resulted in information of alargely subjective and descriptive nature, traits which are evident in the presentationstyle of this information.When considering the development of such a product, the following role-players wereidentified and included in the study: soil experts, sugar cane farmers, competitorswithin the organics industry, suppliers of raw materials (manure) and people involvedin fertiliser processing operations. Information and opinions were obtained from thesevarious sources and used to reach certain conclusions and to make recommendations.While it was noted that no concrete definition exists for the term sustainableagriculture, it was determined that organic farming goes some way to promotesustainability. Thus, the use of organic material on soil is seen as beneficial to soilhealth and long term production - although only 43 percent of soil experts indicatedthe use of manures as a current promoter of sustainable production.Contrary to this scepticism, it emerged that the use of organic material in the NatalMidlands regions is on the increase, with chicken litter, feedlot manure and filtercake 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 chickenlitter base emerged as the most preferred by the potential consumers. It was explainedby processors that while taking necessary structural and mechanical changes intoaccount, producing such a product would be possible, but that production-wise apelletted product would be preferred.Sources of competition were identified at both input and output market levels, withthe supply of raw materials as the major concern. It was further noted that in order tocompete successfully, prices would have to be competitive, through correctformulation, and product benefits proven scientifically, especially with regard to soilconditioning characteristics.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University