Remhoogte

It has certain advantages especially because radio control systems are not required for the control of irrigation block taps. The soil types on this unit are also relatively homogeneous, so the irrigation requirements are also pretty much the same.

The unit is divided into 4 min / more equal blocks divided by a 7 meter road. Frylinck Installations in Wellington did the installation of all underground pvc plumbing. All filter stations were also done by them.

The owner of DeMeul Boerdery, did the installation of the pumps at the river and all drip pipe was rolled down by DeMeul Boerdery.

All materials for this project were provided and delivered by Bergrivier Besproeiing. This system is currently used and managed very effectively. Between the pecan tree rows of 10m 6 x 0.9m spacing maize rows are planted.

These 6 maize rows are irrigated by 3 drip lines. Only 1 can the drip lines are used for the pecan trees as the water requirement of the young pecan trees is still relatively low.

The reason for growing the extra crop between the pecan tree rows is done for the improvement of the soil and for the protection of the young pecan trees from wind damage. The maize residues are incorporated into the soil after harvesting time so that the organic matter in the soil can be increased.

This organic material is also very conducive to the presence of beneficial microorganisms. After the maize harvest, wheat is planted again between the pecan tree rows. The wheat is initially grazed by sheep during and after lambing. This grazing practice significantly helps with the feed flow program of the livestock branch, as it is done during the arid, dry winter months of the Karoo.

This project is truly an example of sustainable farming management practices.