Jacob and Pieter van der Westhuizen produce maize and soya beans on the farms Witkop, Hartbeesfontein and Modderbult just outside Nigel that forms part of Sirkel W farming and the Jayopi Family Trust. They also farm with Santa Gertrudis and Beefmaster cattle, as well as SA Vleismerinos.
Jacob and Pieter believe in using new technology on the farm and base all their activities on the optimisation of resources and precision planting principles. They cultivate maize and soya beans in a no-till system.
They started using Afrikelp™ LG-1 selectively on maize and soya beans in 2015, but since 2019, they have been using the product in a standard application with post emergence herbicides.
“We use the product to stimulate root development, but also as a support to the plants during periods of stress. The better developed root system ensures more effective uptake and absorption of nutrients resulting in more vigorous seedlings,” says Jacob.
According to Jacob they definitely saw a yield increase, even though it is not always easy to precisely quantify as they applied Afrikelp™ LG-1 in a mix with other micro elements according to the results obtained from the leaf analysis results. Jacob is however convinced that Afrikelp™ LG-1 contributed towards the yield increase.
“Afrikelp™ is becoming an increasing important part of our business and crop production. We invest in expensive plant genetics and Afrikelp™ LG-1 unlocks the potential in each seed because it enables the plant to absorb and translocate the nutrients effectively. The combination of quality genetics and a great kick-off after planting using Afrikelp™ LG-1, helps us to realise a better yield, not only on the crops, but on our investment.”
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