For the Agronomists at Afrikelp™, spring is the most exciting time of the year. The changing of the seasons and rising temperatures signal the start of the new growing season and all the planning during the cold winter months can be put into action. The field team has placed their main focus for the 2020/2021 season on table grapes, wine grapes, apples, oranges, and potatoes. Trials are also being conducted on a variety of vegetables, wheat, avocados, nectarines, pears, pastures, and a wide array of nursery plants. Previous trials conducted by Afrikelp and independent parties have shown excellent results on the above-mentioned crops. In table grapes, Afrikelp™ LG-1, has shown increases in both berry size and brix as well as evidence of improved colouring. Afrikelp™ LG-1 improves calcium uptake of apples and yield increases have been documented. In wine grapes, citrus and potatoes, yield increases have been documented globally and in South African conditions.

Afrikelp’s agronomist, Christoff van der Westhuizen, shares his experiences thus far as part of the Afrikelp team: “Working for Afrikelp has been a wonderful experience and I am excited for what the future holds. The upside is two-fold as not only do I get the chance to work with an environmentally friendly and sustainable product, but I also get amazing exposure to a wide range of crops cultivated in the Western Cape (South Africa). We have based our research programme for the 2020/2021 summer season on a select group of core crops that are vital to our business. Core crops were identified based on a combination of our internal historic data and input from our industry partners. We hope to consolidate our historic data with research conducted by independent parties across the globe to field proof our product range in South African conditions. We have seen some promising initial results that include improved rooting, reduced plant stress and increased plant vigour. We are encouraged by this and believe that it will manifest as higher yields and improved fruit quality for our farmers when they harvest. At the end of the day, we must ensure that we continue to add value for our clients as well as provide them with the latest up to date research to ensure that our business is sustainable and relevant in the agricultural space.”