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Discover how Atlantic Fertilisers delivers results:  During the 2022/23 season, the Free State produced about 48% of the country’s total soybean hectares.  This amounted to approximately 576,000 hectares, with an average yield of 2.3 tons per hectare.  Soybeans are a very important crop in South Africa and serve as a valuable source of protein and oil. It is especially used in food products and animal feed.

Soybeans are mostly grown in a crop rotation system, where it is alternated with crops like maize or sunflowers.  However, various myths and conflicting opinions surround soybean cultivation and fertilisation.  A well-known saying often heard among farmers is: “Soybeans thrive on old fertiliser.” This expression is sometimes misinterpreted.  The intention is not that the crop needs no fertilisation in the year it is grown, but rather that soybeans perform excellent in soil with a good fertility status, where all the essential nutrients are already at sufficient levels.

To better understand the specific fertilisation needs of soybeans in the Free State, Atlantic Fertilisers began conducting trials with various products and prescription blends in the region. This research focuses on improving cultivation practices, soil fertility, and ultimately achieving higher yields.

Atlantic Fertilisers offers two practical approaches to soybean cultivation.  The first method involves the use of Bio Ganic, a chicken manure product that was composted and then pelletised.  This product is applied before planting time, after which the producer can plant with or without an additional planting mixture. Bio Ganic is easy to apply, requires a smaller volume than raw manure, and simplifies logistics and calibration thanks to its stable moisture content.

The second approach involves the use of semi-organic prescription blends.  These mixtures consist of composted chicken manure enriched with specific chemical fertilisers before being pelletised.  The producer applies the mixture in the planting furrow, before or during planting, using a planter or pre-planter.  This method not only improves soil fertility but also provides targeted plant nutrition, which is especially valuable in sandy soils where leaching of nutrients occurs more than in heavier soils.

The trials clearly showed that where Atlantic Fertilisers’ products were part of the fertilisation program, yields and net profit per hectare improved significantly.  Although the initial cost was higher than that of conventional approaches, the improved yields not only covered the additional costs but also delivered extra profit for the producer.  Additionally, the use of these products contributed to overall soil fertility, promoting sustainability for future crops.

Feel free to contact the Atlantic Fertilisers team to learn more about our products and the findings from our trials.  This season, we also conducted trials on dryland maize in the Free State, and the results so far are very promising!  We look forward hearing from you.

Sarel Saunderson (Area Manager) – 082 534 3630

Pieter Beyers (National Sales Manager) – 082 843 4531