OPTIMISING ALL OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUALITY FOOD-CROP PRODUCTION

Long, long ago in the Neolithic Age before 2200 BC our forebearers, the Hunter-Gatherers, roamed the Forests, Hillsides and Valleys gathering fruits, nuts, roots and capturing wild game for nourishment and survival. A transformation took place with the era of agropastoral activities when the land became utilised for crops, and grasslands hosted the early herds of domestic livestock!

Present-day Global "Climate Change" records Flood Conditions eroding topsoil and collapsing, sloping terrain; previous Mono cultivation has left a legacy of very poor Soil Quality over extensive hectarage, combined with an apparent lack of Local Agricultural Planning to achieve optimum Land Utilisation by the Authorities and Departments concerned. The International Soil Conference held recently in Nairobi highlighted the political misconception that extensive hectarage is the "Ideal", over-looking the Small­holding Producers in close proximity to the market and Home Growers, who are committed to quality production to put FOOL) on the TABLE. Research has revealed an alarming situation in sub-Saharan Africa where on average Farmers apply 22kgs of fertiliser per hectare, as opposed to the World average of 146 kgs per hectare. The lack of fertilizer not only negates "quality of yield", but is counter-productive to achieving International competition. Focus to urgently implement fertilizer "subsidization" to the smaller growers would reduce Market and Retail price escalation to the consumers.

Land Resource Planning needs to entertain an equation whereby nearby adequate hectarage is set aside for Food Production to meet the needs of the surrounding per capita Community. In turn this offers employment, reduces transportation costs and entertains an integrated approach for crop selection. Initial professional Soil Fertility samples must be taken from the new "Vegetable Garden Areas". The results to include up-grading "Recommendations" for Soil Quality Improvement with top quality Organic Compost (well matured), Dolomitic Lime, minerals and "Additives" to restore the pH and natural BALANCE. The results show the pH - "portion of Hydrogen" with a range from 3 - 10. Neutral is 6,5 and the optimum range for Vegetable production is from 5,5

to 7.0. A neutral level of 6,5 is good for turf grass. The lower figures indicate "Acid" soil and the upper level high alkalinity. Heavy rainfall may leach existing nutrients thus increasing acidity, and drought periods may increase the alkalinity with plant stress and crop failure.

For the Home Owner a Layout Plan should allow for a Vegetable garden, placement for fruit Trees, if selected, and space for a herb garden if required for culinary benefits. A simple Layout Plan may allow separate beds of approximately 5.0 M x 2.0 M for each variety, with a 50cm walkway in between. A line of five beds will need about 16.0 x 6.0 M = 96.0 M sq. If two lines, then add 108.0 M sq. with a total area of 204.0 M sq. A List of Vegetables is an important step to allow year-round cultivation and to put QUALITY FOOD ON THE TABLE.

For Health and Diet allow a wide range to include the leafy green vegetables, cabbages, Kale, Spinach, Lettuces, Broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Root species to include Carrots. Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Parsnips, and Onions. Asparagus, Leeks and Celery need specific depth of planting to permit growth with white stem portion mature when lifting.

Both Capsicum and Aubergine need extra space to achieve a bushy form and bear large fruits. Bush beans and peas offer easy crops with these legumes adding nitrogen back into the bed with each rotation. Pumpkins and Butternut of spreading habit are best grown separately, while Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Runner beans require a trellis or structure to bear an abundant crop! Start the planting with good quality seedlings in straight lines, within the prepared Beds. Regular weeding and watering is necessary until the crop reaches maturity, but may depend on weather conditions. Success!

We are cutting the first cabbage for dinner - slice into segments, steam lightly retaining crispness - delicious!

Create a "Rotation" with the cabbages, broccoli, lettuces, spinach, onions, etc., but after the 6th cycle allow the beds to rest or only plant beans to restore the nitrogen levels. It is written "On the 7th day - let there be REST", the LAND TO LIE FALLOW.

Good Luck to all gardeners enjoy "Dirt under the Nails!

Acknowledgements : Mr. Jeff Blesovsky / Farmers Weekly - Edition 7th June 2024.

Extra : Tip for `Long-Rooted" carrots - if space?

A tip to achieve long-rooted carrots : first make a long, straight mound about 25cms deep with prepared soil. The top to be flat, ± 10cms in width. In the centre make a neat furrow about 3cms deep. Into the furrow spread the carrot seed evenly. Cover lightly with soil from either soil and water lightly. Grass clippings, (without seed heads) are useful form of mulch over the row. When the green shoots show upward growth a process of gradual "thinning" out will achieve a top quality crop.