Research on soil health and orchard floor ecology remains an important emerging theme in agriculture. Current research is focused on cover crops and mulches and their effects on soils, soil biota and fruit production. In addition, an extensive literature review and analyses is being conducted with a view to developing future research priorities.
Expertise: Integrated Pest Management Group | Soil Health Workgroup
Research team
- Dr Minette Karsten
- Dr Nomakholwe Stokwe
- Mr Matthew Addison
- Dr Aleysia Kleinert
- Abdul Ghaseeb Jacobs – MSc student
Projects list
- Conduct a GAP analysis of regenerative agriculture (including orchard floor ecology and soil fertility) research needs in the deciduous fruit industry (A Kleinert)
- Integrated use of organic mulches in pome fruit orchards in the South Western Cape, South Africa. (MF Addison)
- Soil health in orchards; the role of Collembola as key indicators (C Janion-Scheepers & A Jacobs)
- Fresh Quarterly Sep 2024: Mouton, A. Farming with nature at ZZ2
- Hortgro Technical Symposium - 3 June 2024