High-Brix crops are the cornerstone of sustainable farming. Resistant to disease and unappealing to insects, healthy plants with high Brix levels require fewer inputs and improve profitability. They’re also better for human consumption and health. What is ‘Brix’? Brix (symbol °Bx) is essentially a measurement of the sugar content, vitamins, minerals, proteins and other solid content in the sap of …
What is subsistence farming? And what’s the difference between subsistence and commercial farming? What makes subsistence agriculture sustainable? We have all the answers for you here! Subsistence agriculture is the most widely used method of agricultural farming in sub-Saharan Africa, and most of Africa’s rural poor depend on their homegrown produce for survival. By default, subsistence farming incorporates several sustainable …
Incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables into your diet is one of the best ways to live a healthier lifestyle. We’ve put together some tips for shopping for fruits and vegetables that will help save you money, make your produce purchases last longer, and help you choose the healthiest fruit and vegetables for you and your family. #1 Buy fruits …
The words ‘organic farming’ and ‘sustainable agriculture’ are often used interchangeably. However, while these terms are closely connected, they do refer to two distinct concepts. In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between the two, as well as provide clarity on a couple of other questions, such as: is organic farming sustainable? Summary: Organic farming vs sustainable farming Organic …
Modern industrial agriculture simply cannot sustain human populations for generations to come. Its negative impacts include soil loss and degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution by pesticides and fertilisers, loss of biodiversity, declining pollinators as well as risks to human health. For these reasons, and to ensure economic viability into the future, many farmers are making the transition to sustainable farming …
According to Harvard Business Review, the global population has quadrupled over the last century. In 1915, the world was home to 1.8 billion people; today, 7.7 billion people are driving up global food demand, which is expected to increase anywhere between 59% and 98% by 2050. But food production isn’t keeping pace. This begs the question: how will farmers keep …
We recently came across a very interesting interview on adaptive grazing management with Dr Allen Williams in Acres U.S.A. Dr Williams is the founding partner of Understanding Ag, Grass Fed Insights, and a partner in Joyce Farms, Inc. He pioneered many of the early adaptive grazing protocols and forage finishing techniques. Today, Allen and his colleagues specialise in whole farm …
As Earth’s resources dwindle and its population increases, we need to find a balance between feeding the planet and securing the food for future generations. This is where sustainable farming comes in. What is sustainable farming? Sustainable farming is the name for a loose set of agricultural practices that work together to: Limit the use of potentially harmful chemicals Employ …
At Zylem, we have been providing agricultural technical services for almost three decades. But where did it all begin? And how have our services evolved and expanded over the years? Read on to find out more about our story… Farming runs in the blood of Zylem’s founder and managing director Justin Platt. Justin grew up on a farm in Mooi …
Soil health, plant health for human health. It’s right there on our logo and at the core of everything we do. Why? Because human wellbeing can only happen when soils are healthy. It is a direct relationship. Let’s start by taking a look at the point at which we have arrived. In the last 50+ years, intensive, industrial farming practices have …