SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium Set for November in Stellenbosch

The importance of plant nutrition is well acknowledged among growers in Southern Africa, but the central challenge lies in making informed decisions regarding soil inputs and their timing, ensuring these choices lead to healthier crops and improved farm performance.

The symposium aims to connect cutting-edge plant nutrition research and technology with those responsible for implementing it on the ground. Dr. Michael Southwood, founder of the Agri Vision Foundation and the event organizer, emphasized the goal of the event is to help farmers, consultants, and farm managers successfully integrate new technologies into their practices.

The symposium is anticipated to attract around 350 participants, including growers, farm managers, consultants, researchers, fertiliser experts, industry representatives, and emerging farmers. Although taking place in South Africa, the event seeks to engage the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) agricultural network.

This event will continue the Agri Vision Foundation’s series of symposia aimed at enhancing knowledge among agricultural professionals. According to Southwood, the foundation has successfully hosted eight symposia over the past six years, welcoming about a thousand attendees.

The agenda will cover diverse topics relevant to plant nutrition, including soil analysis, fertiliser formulations, and principles of precision agriculture. Specific sessions will address fertiliser categories, application techniques, soil compaction, nutrient corrections, and the importance of proper soil sampling.

Emphasis will also be placed on emerging technologies that enhance nutrient management, such as coated and controlled-release fertilisers, precision agriculture tools, micro-irrigation, and nitrogen-release methods. The symposium will further expand its focus to include trace elements and secondary nutrients like magnesium, sulphur, and calcium, as well as organic management practices that involve crop rotation and cover crops.

Dr. Southwood pointed out that the symposium's aim is to bridge the gap between research findings and practical farm applications. Discussions will focus on how to optimize fertiliser use based on specific soils and crop types, alongside modern production systems.

Additionally, the symposium serves a broader purpose by supporting the operations of the Agri Vision Foundation, which is dedicated to addressing food security, entrepreneurship, and family health.

In a time when SADC farmers face challenges like rising input costs and shifting climate patterns, the symposium offers an opportunity for dialogue on practical experiences and research insights. For those unable to attend in person, the event will offer live-streaming options, ensuring widespread access to the presented content.

Early-bird in-person tickets are available for R2,950 until October 1, after which the standard price will be R3,950. Online tickets are priced at R2,750, which includes full access to live-streamed sessions.