SAND 

PROJECT NUMBER: 3740-08-TRF

Problem/ Current situation

Potato producers have developed their own experimental site, callednamed  S.A.N.D. for training purposes to capitalise the infrastructure, knowledge and information regarding potato production on this site. Various potato trials are conducted every year and documented on this site.

Goals

• To develop an economic LISA (Least Inputs for Sustainable Agriculture) programme that is aimed at encouraging sustainable potato production by emerging farmers in order to maximise the use of available land and aid, contributing meaningfully to an integrated production system
• To give farmers theoretical and practical training on potato production
• To plant trials using organic and inorganic fertilizer

Objectives

Outcomes:    

• Successful testing of organic and inorganic fertilizer and their effects on potatoes
• Receipt of theoretical and practical training on potato production by students at S.A.N.D.
• Successful testing of crop rotation and the effects it has on yields
• On the job training of the farmers and increased yields on leased land

Time frame:  2009 - 2010

Action plan

• Control: Potatoes to be planted annually on the same block/ land
• Standard control: Potatoes to be planted according to the commercial method (inorganic). Three year rotation to the same land
• Potatoes at three year rotation to the same land, potatoes fertilised with enriched compost
• Potatoes at three year rotation with compost and as standard practice
• Potatoes at one year rotation with compost and as standard practice
• Potatoes at three year rotation with compost and alternative crops in the three year period as cash crops
• Plant extras to keep cover on soil
• Every treatment will be planted at a location that will be appointed to the specific trial for the time of the trial.
• Treatment 5&6 will make use of mustard, canola and cabbages as standard
• Treatment 7: Alternative crops will include: onions, beetroot, carrots, maize, runner crops (pumpkin, squashes, watermelon, etc.)
• Farmers from Goedverwacht, the Sandveld West Coast and Wupertal will attend a full potato course
• Five farmers will be selected from the group and placed on the leased land for one year to produce under supervision and mentoring
• After one year farmers will then be replaced by another group to go through the same training
• Farmers will receive certificates after successful completion

Success criteria

On site training at S.A.N.D. by small scale farmers in and around the Sandveld area and successful implementation of correct farming methods in their own lands.

Assumptions, Risks, Obstacles

• Inaccuracy of various nutrients on organic manure might lead to reduced yields
• Organic fertilizer should always be tested to maintain a balance of nutrients
• Using organic fertilizer cannot be done on a large scale