SA BIOFARM INSTITUTE - Harrismith

Biological farming is farming in harmony with nature. It is a holistic and sustainable farming system that improves soil health, which in-turn improves plant, livestock and human health. The benefits of biological farming are numerous. To start with, it results in a reduced need for inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Despite the reduced chemical inputs, biological farmers most often experience an increase in yields. Of paramount importance is that the produce is of a higher quality. The consumer’s demands for healthy food is growing at an exponential rate, as is the willingness to pay a premium price for it. The Biology in the soil The prime focus of biological farming is the restoration and maintenance of life in the soil – the soil eco-system, which is referred to as the Soil  

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Food Web. This consists of microbes, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, arthropods and earthworms. To read more about humus click here. The importance of Humus Improves water uptake 100 kg block of soil with 5% humus will hold 165 to 195 kg of water but only 35 to 45 kg at 2% humus Hold 3 x more nutrients than soil Releases nutrients slowly Holds applied nutrients Source of plant growth stimulants Source of nitrogen 5.1% will supply 112 kg of N/ha per year Enough for 6.4 tons of maize It is the GREAT EQUALIZER Mineralizing the soil Balancing all the soil minerals to the advantage of soil life, soil structure, plant growth and animal health. Soil Structure Improving the soil structure by means of conservation tillage.