 Agronomy
The Department of Agronomy focuses on traditional
field crop production, pasture science and the production of
crops in greenhouses. Food supply to an ever-growing world
population is dependent on the ability to increase the production
of cereal, protein and oilseed crops. In developed countries,
these crops are also important sources of energy and protein
in animal nutrition. The use of traditional food crops such
as maize, sugarcane, sunflower and canola for the production
of ethanol and bio-diesel also receive increasing attention.
For this reason, the study field focuses on the optimal use
of production inputs, such as geographic information systems
(GIS) in precision farming. Due to the worldwide concern about
environmental pollution, attention is also being given to sustainable
production systems that use crop rotation with new crops and
conservation farming techniques. One of the biggest challenges
for the planted pasture industry is the selection of crops
that will be able to flourish under the hot, dry conditions
caused by the greenhouse effect in certain areas of South Africa.
Attention is focused on the management of herbicide resistance,
as well as the role that legume pastures can play in improving
soil fertility in rotational systems in the winter rainfall
area. The reclamation of poor rangeland from the
grip of erosion, bush encroachment and other ecological problems
will also require judicious management principles to be implemented.
The Department also focuses on the cultivation of crops under
soil-less conditions. Through close collaboration
with ASNAPP (Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Products),
a registered NGO, the Department of Agronomy strives to help
create and develop successful African businesses in the natural
products sector in several African countries, including Senegal,
Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia.
Academic:
Prof GA Agenbag (Chairperson; Winter Crops, Soil Tillage)
Prof ALP Cairns (Weed Science)
E Kempen (Soilless Production of Crops)
Dr E Reinten (Aromatic Crops)
Dr PJ Pieterse (Weed Science, Pasture Science)
Administrative:
M Van Heerden (Secretary)
Supporting:
L Berner, FD Casper, J Goosen, S Kasper, M la Grange, MF la
Grange, RL Oosthuizen, KP Williams
Contact information:
Tel: +27 21 808 4803
www.sun.ac.za/agron |
