Sustainable biological farming methods versus conventional farming: three Limpopo Province case studies

• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Agriculture; Sustainable agriculture; Agricultural ecology; Limpopo (South Africa)
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2449

M.Sc. === Different agricultural practices of field melon cropping in the Vhembe Distrinct, north of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province, South Africa are investigated in this study. To achieve sustainable agriculture, farm management practices must be optimised and it is essential to understand the microbiological aspects and how they interact. An initial fungal survey was undertaken in melon fields, of the fungal species present in these soils and how the different management practices affect the filamentous fungal population. Soil samples were also analysed for bacterial pathogens. Physical and chemical soil properties were analysed. Farm management practices are discussed in terms of conservation tillage, controlled traffic, permanent beds, versus conventional tillage. Aspects that may assist in optimising processes towards becoming a biological farmer are discussed, with the goal of encouraging farming to be more biological, by working with nature, to promote sustainable agriculture for present and future generations.