The sweet potato is an underrated popular vegetable in South Africa. Since it is a tropical crop, it cannot be grown everywhere. Interestingly, it is also popular in India, China and Japan. In southern America, its popularity supersedes that of the potato. There they refer to the sweet potato as the "potato" and the potato [...]

Sweet potato fertilizer requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have an influence on the total amount applied. These norms do not take top dressings into account, [...]

Soil magnesium is by no means unimportant. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphate research dominates that of soil magnesium. Calcium is hardly ever a problem in soil. It is part of the lime fertilizer calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2H2O). Adding lime to the soil includes enough calcium for plant growth. One can call it a lopsided fertilizer application, which [...]

Manure is the waste from animals. Farmer's source manure either from natural deposits or livestock farmers. The content of manure is highly variable, and each batch must be analyzed when used for nutrient analysis for crop growth. We recommend reading Natural fertilizers for vegetables with this article. Manure is different from compost. It cures and [...]

Natural fertilizers for vegetables usually refer to manure, compost and industrial waste products from animals. It consists of biodegradable material which is normally eco friendly. The process through which it is made is not necessarily eco friendly or sustainable. Each product has its advantages and disadvantages. The grower must evaluate and understand which natural fertilizer [...]

Soil sulfur is not a very well known element, but it is part of the macronutrients. Sulfur or S, is absorbed in the same amounts as phosphorus. Uptake of S by grasses is about 10 kg/ha,  leguminous crops 25-30 kg/ha and cabbage about 40-45 kg/ha. The table below compares sulfur and phosphorus in the % [...]

Soil calcium can be a mystery as most growers focus on nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. If you scan literature, scientists get very involved in detail and confusing for the average non post graduate farmer. This is a simple yet quick cheat sheet on soil calcium that will quickly give you an overview of the important [...]

Climate requirements of carrots Carrots is a cold weather crop. The ideal growing season is from early autumn to late spring. Carrots can be grown throughout the year if summers are not too hot like the lowveld in South Africa. Although heavy frost damage leaves, it does not affect the root, so the carrot itself [...]