South Africa is heading towards the 2026/27 summer under El Niño conditions. The South African Weather Service’s Seasonal Climate Watch, issued on 31 August, indicates that El Niño is occurring and is expected to continue through summer, with below-normal rainfall forecast for many areas. The Department of Agriculture has also warned that lower rainfall, combined
Building soil for a dry summer: composting ahead of El Niño Read More »
By September, South Africa is moving into another growing season. Spring planting begins for a range of summer crops, while deciduous orchards and vineyards come out of winter dormancy as temperatures rise. Food gardens, community growing projects and landscaped spaces may also be preparing for planting and warmer conditions. This brings greater attention to soil
Spring, soil and the compost dividend Read More »
South African agriculture is facing two interconnected pressures: declining soil quality and increasing water scarcity. With average annual rainfall at 464 mm compared with a global average of roughly 860 mm, every drop counts. Yet degraded and compacted soils can limit infiltration and water storage, while nutrient-poor soils make crops less resilient to drought and
Addressing two major agricultural risks: Soil quality and water scarcity Read More »
As South Africa celebrates National Arbor Month in September, under the theme, “My Tree, My Oxygen, Plant Yours Today,” we are reminded of the essential role trees play in healthier communities. Trees clean the air, store carbon and help build resilient landscapes. But before a tree can grow tall enough to provide shade or capture
Feeding what we plant, compost and Arbor Month Read More »
