2694 research outputs found
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Impact of an artificial insemination programme on reproductive efficacy and the cross-breeding if indigenous South African goats with Boer goats in Vhembe District
No full textPhDRDVInstitute for Rural DevelopmentTo date, no attempt has been made to establish animal-assisted reproduction centres designed to facilitate controlled goat breeding, from which efficient oestrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) protocols can be administered in the communal farming areas of Vhembe district. The first study aimed to determine the socioeconomic dynamics associated with establishing assisted reproduction centres designed and equipped to facilitate effective artificial insemination (AI) service to improve South African indigenous goat production in the Vhembe district. A total of 140 communal goat farmers participated in the study. In-depth one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to collect qualitative data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Most (89.3 %) farmers accepted AI, and the use of the Boer goat to upgrade the indigenous goat, and to combat inbreeding through AI. Seventy per cent of the respondents showed interest in pen feeding and in separating does from bucks during oestrous synchronization and AI, while the remaining 30% could not afford to pen feed and separate their animals, though they were receptive to being part of the AI program. The farmer disposition to the proposed interventions, and the level of participation justified continuation of the research into animal assisted reproductive technology centres, to address the technical constraints to implementing AI, and advance the socio-economic development. The second study focused on affordable and effective spermatozoa extenders and preservation methods. Experiment 1 aimed to evaluate the motility, velocity, morphology properties and viability of Boer goat sperm stored at 5°C for 168 hours. A total of 48 ejaculates were collected from four Boer goat bucks twice a week for 6 weeks. Only uncontaminated ejaculates containing spermatozoa with >80% progressive motility rate and concentration >1.0 x 109 spermatozoa/ml were used. Tris extender-based bovine amniotic fluid of 10, 13 and 18 cm head-tail length fetus (60, 70 and 80 days pregnancy, respectively), denoted (BAF10, BAF13 and BAF18, respectively) were tested. Ejaculated spermatozoa samples were pooled and homogenized before dilution at a ratio of 1:4 with TEY, TBAF10, TBAF13 and TBAF18 extenders. Diluted spermatozoa samples were then stored at 5°C for 168 h and evaluated in a 4 (extenders) X 8 (storage time) factorial experiment replicated 12 times. Total motility was highest in sperm diluted with TBAF18 at 0 h, while progressive motility showed the lowest value in TEY at 96 h. In experiment 2, Boer goat semen was cryopreserved at -196 °C for 7 days in Tris extender-based bovine amniotic fluid and replicated 12 times. The semen samples were loaded into 0.25 ml France straws, sealed, and cooled at 5 °C for 4 h to equilibrate. After equilibration, the straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour. The straw was immersed into LN2 and kept at -196 °C for 7 days. After thawing at 37 °C for 60 seconds, the spermatozoa were evaluated for spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology defects in a randomised design. The results revealed that the highest spermatozoa motility was observed with TBAF18
after the cryopreservation effect. No significant difference was observed between TEY and TBAF13 during refrigeration. Meanwhile, this was again observed for the spermatozoa motility parameters evaluated after freezing. In a third study, four animal-assisted reproduction centres were established to facilitate controlled animal breeding, efficient oestrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) with fresh/frozen semen extended and cryopreserved following the protocols which were developed in experiments 1 & 2 in the 2nd study. The inseminated does were released into their routine grazing in the communal land until 42 days, after which pregnancy diagnoses were conducted. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of oxytocin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatments at the time of AI using fresh/frozen semen. Oxytocin, PGF2α and hCG showed a significant effect on improving pregnancy rate. A significant effect (P>0.001) was observed in fresh semen diluted in BAF18, with the highest pregnancy rate. Oestrous ovulation-inducing drugs with frozen semen diluted in BAF13, BAF18 and TEY offered approximately equal pregnancy rates (68.8 %, 62.5% & 62.5 %), but the highest percentage was in BAF13. Therefore, there were acceptable beneficial effects of oxytocin, hCG and PGF2α at the time of AI. In conclusion, animal-assisted reproduction centres established to facilitate controlled animal breeding, efficient oestrous synchronization and AI increased the pregnancy rate in South African indigenous goats in the Vhembe District. This will enable goat production to contribute towards generating household cash income and improve the livelihood of rural farmers.
Keywords: Artificial insemination; Bovine amniotic fluid, Inbreeding, Livelihoo
Examining the drivers of adoption of climate-smart practices in smallholder farming systems of Zvimba District in Zimbabwe
No full textPhDRDVInstitute for Rural DevelopmentPopulation growth, increasing urbanisation, competition for and changes in land use, changing diets, and disparities in food supply and demand compounded by the effects of climate change exert pressure on food and agriculture systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, climate change has far-reaching adverse impacts on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, elevating the urgency to increase agricultural productivity and incomes, and resilience of food and agricultural systems. Discourse is dominated by how climate change risks drive smallholder farmer risk perception and adaptation decision-making. Household risks are less documented for their influence on risk perception. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices have demonstrated positive social, economic and environmental impact, despite sustainability remaining low, raising questions on the adequacy of knowledge on the breadth of the risk context of farmers. This exploratory mixed method study involving smallholder farmers who adopted CSA practices in Zvimba District of Zimbabwe focused on understanding how household risks influenced adaptation decision-making. The data collected using five FGDs and one survey with 55 households was analysed using latent content analysis, Venn diagrams and matrices of consensus combined with frequency analysis, descriptive tabulations, and Fisher’s exact test. The study reveals household risks experienced by farmers that include food insecurity, high cost of living, poor housing condition, water, sanitation and hygiene services, illness, lack of access to quality agriculture inputs, crop and livestock pests and diseases, livestock deaths, lack of skills and unemployment and lack of access to land. These co-existed with climate change risks and both influenced perception and decisions to adopt CSA practices and participation in programmes. While some perceived household risks to have been triggered by climate change risks, most viewed them as risks that pre-existed and were independent of climate change risks. The risk consequences of household risks that most farmers were anxious to avoid include failed parenting, loss of self-esteem, social labelling and deviation from values and norms. Though external factors are relevant, being intentional and pragmatic about the multidimensional nature of the risk context of households can guide policies and programmes to include elements that address barriers to scale up and sustainability of adaptation behaviours. The engagement of smallholder farmers and incorporating risks important to them must be fundamental in designing CSA programmes
Food waste reduction strategies for sustainable food security in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPhDRDVInstitute for Rural DevelopmentFood waste (FW) concern has recently received global considerable attention. Within the broad spectrum of waste types, food loss and waste are produced worldwide in large quantities. Religiosity is an important driver of moral intuitions and as such marketers would do well to consider the diverse effects of moral foundations on specialty food consumption. Due to the current environmental crisis, sustainable consumption behaviour and its drivers has gained significant attention among researchers. It is well documented that consumer behaviour is guided by consumer's beliefs and values and Minton et al. (2019) recommend that marketers consider the diverse effects of religiosity and moral foundations in their marketing strategies to promote food consumption. It is, therefore, plausible that religious leaders may be key role-players in the quest to reduce food wastage in line with SDG goal 12.3, namely, to halve food waste by 2030. The overall objective of this research is, therefore, to determine what role religious leaders (RLs) can play to facilitate food waste reduction for sustainable food security in the Vhembe District. Also, COVID-19 significantly affected people’s food purchasing and consumption habits. Fears of disruptions in the food supply chain have caused an increase in the quantity and type of food bought by households. Yet, increases in food purchases give rise to FW with negative ramifications for the environment in terms of greenhouse emissions and groundwater pollution. Thus, this study explored both the role of religion in food conservation and the part religious leaders can play in reducing FW, while taking a fresh look at food wastage from a religious and moral perspective. In doing the above, this leads to the generation of new knowledge in support of food security, and the fight against climate change. It is worth noting that the study area is faced with the triple challenges leading to many socio-economic problems worsened by the COVID-19. This study applied a theoretically-informed framework of the hope theory; using a mixed method approach with a sequential exploratory and descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used. Appreciative inquiry using key informant interviews and questionnaire survey, as well as preference snowball and random sampling procedures were applied in the study. Government publications, journals and related books were used to acquire data to answer the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the quantitative data. Thematic content analysis, frequency distribution analysis were applied using Atlas TI version 8 to measures central tendency in order to answer the objectives of the study. The results of this research provides compelling scientific evidence and guidance for the necessary strategies to adopt for FWR interventions. Further, it revealed that even poor and developing countries need to tackle FW to fight hunger and FS. Also, the findings add value to the academic literature in rural development and policy interventions
Spatial Planning Strategies to Improve Sustainable Household Solid Waste Collection Practices In Peri-Urban Villages Of Small Towns: A Case Study Of Thohoyandou In Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa.
No full textMaster of Urban and Regional PlanningDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningGlobally, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is rising at an alarming rate, with projections indicating an increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. This surge, driven by urbanisation, population growth, and changing consumption patterns, presents a pressing challenge for developed and developing nations. Among the most critical components of MSW is household solid waste, which constitutes a significant share of total waste volumes and demands effective collection and management systems to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability. However, in many developing contexts, particularly in peri-urban areas, the delivery of solid waste collection services remains inconsistent, inefficient, and unsustainable. The study investigates how spatial planning principles can be leveraged to address systemic challenges in household waste collection. The research was guided by the following objectives: 1. Characterise the current household solid waste collection practices in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. 2. Identify factors that impede sustainable household solid waste collection in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. 3. Propose sustainable strategies for household solid waste collection practices in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and spatial data collection techniques. Primary data were gathered through field observations, semi-structured interviews, and household surveys, while secondary data included policy documents, spatial plans, and maps. The study applied spatial analysis tools to assess settlement patterns, road networks, and service coverage. The methodology enabled a detailed understanding of current collection practices and the spatial factors influencing their effectiveness. The findings reveal that irregular waste collection, limited municipal resources, poor road access, and scattered settlements significantly hinder sustainable household solid waste management in the study area. Moreover, the absence of spatial planning in waste management policy results in service inefficiencies and environmental risks. Therefore, the recommendations emphasise implementing local waste management policies, introducing municipal solid waste collection levies, formalising waste collectors, improving collection efficiency, promoting recycling, integrating new technologies, and adopting a data-driven approach for sustainable waste management. These strategies aim to address identified gaps in governance, infrastructure, and community engagement, enhancing overall service delivery in Muledane and Maniini. These insights have important implications for planners, policymakers, and local municipalities. Integrating spatial planning into waste management can promote service equity, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. This research contributes a practical framework for designing inclusive and sustainable household solid waste collection systems tailored to peri-urban contexts in small towns across South Africa and similar settings globally.National Research Foundation (NRF
The role of the Cold War in the sustenance of apartheid in South Africa; 1948-1991: an investigative study of cause and consequences in history
No full textMaster of Arts in HistoryDepartment of Human SciencesThis study uses qualitative documentary research, a case study design, and thematic and content analysis to examine the Cold War's role in sustaining apartheid in South Africa from 1948 to 1991. A gap in the literature exists regarding the Cold War's influence on apartheid through a Cause and Consequence theoretical framework. The research finds that Cold War dynamics, driven by the global rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union, prolonged apartheid. The USA and the UK supported apartheid South Africa, viewing it as a strategic ally against communism, despite global condemnation. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union supported liberation movements like the African National Congress (ANC), fuelling the resistance to apartheid. This international division delayed coordinated global action and deepened the apartheid regime's persistence. The study highlights that human agency, as emphasized in Neo-Hegelian causation theory, played a key role in shaping history. The superpowers, the apartheid regime, and anti-apartheid movements all contributed to the duration of apartheid. Research like this is essential for promoting global peace and decolonisation by uncovering past wrongs, fostering forgiveness, and avoiding future conflicts. For future research, the study recommended that it would be valuable to explore other international factors that influenced the Apartheid regime, beyond just the involvement of Cold War superpowers
Assessing sustainable water, energy and food nexus smart innovations, technologies and practices in Luvuvhu and Nzhelele River catchments areas, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa.
No full textMENVSCI in Hydrology and Water ResourcesDepartment of Hydrology and Water ResourcesThe water-energy-food (WEF) nexus aids in comprehending the complex and ever-evolving connections between these three essential resources. Climate change and slow economic growth are triggering an increase in pressure on global WEF resources. These present an increase in levels of trade-offs and conflicts among the three resources. The implementation of the WEF nexus can improve resource security and promote sustainable development. However, its widespread adoption has been limited due to the absence of concrete strategies for its practical application. This study assessed the status of WEF nexus smart technologies, innovation and practices in Luvuvhu and Nzhelele River Catchments Areas, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Subsequently, face-to-face surveys were undertaken from 9 July to 30 November 2022 for individual households and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted within communities under the Luvuvhu River Catchment Areas (Sambandou, Malavuwe and Tshakhuma); and Nzhelele River Catchment Areas (Siloam, Phadzima and Khalavha). A random sampling technique was utilized to select 93 households from a total of 180 targeted households. Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted with representatives from the local Department of Water and Sanitation, Eskom, the local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as local radio stations. During these interviews, data was collected through interview-administered questionnaires. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29, which facilitated the generation of response frequencies. Additionally, the ArcGIS Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) spatial interpolation method was employed for spatial analysis. The results indicated that the sustainability of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus depends on the resilience of each resource individually as well as within their respective sectors. The use of water and food smart innovations and practices was found to be slightly higher in the Nzhelele River Catchments Areas than it is in the Luvuvhu River Catchment Areas, with 55.9% (n= 55) and 38.7% (n= 36) of the respondents within the Nzhelele area and 47.3% (n= 44) and 31.2% (n= 29) in the Luvuvhu area using water and food smart innovations and practices, respectively. Moreover, the use of energy innovations and practices was found to be slightly lower in the Nzhelele area s (53.8%; n= 50) than it is in the Luvuvhu areas (59.1%; n= 55). However, most of the respondents in both study areas did not understand how WEF nexus works, whereas some practiced it based on the little knowledge they got from schools, workplaces and the internet. Results from assessing the influence of hydrology on the use of WEF Nexus smart innovations, technologies and practices showed that hydrology is a foundational element in the WEF Nexus as hydrological factors such as water quality, temperature variability and annual rainfall are very crucial in WEF Nexus, influencing the use of smart innovations and practices that could in turn improve the well-being of residents, the productivity of local agricultural and food systems while enhancing the sustainable management of water, energy, and food resources. The study results show that the use of water, energy and food in areas around Luvuvhu River Catchment and Nzhelele River Catchment are significantly impacted by hydrology. It was also noted that a significant percentage (90%) of the respondents reported that they depend on agriculture for survival, which is highly affected by hydrological conditions.
Knowledge about the WEF nexus needs to be transferred to people in rural areas through awareness and education. The results of this study can serve as a useful reference for developing regions to improve management of resources, facilitate sustainable development, and fill the existing knowledge gaps towards understanding how promising the WEF nexus innovations and practices are, and how these can be realized at the local community and household levels. Thus, potentially reducing the shortage of WEF resources.Water Research Commission (WRC
A Study on the Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic on Learner Performance in Grade 12 in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textMED in Curriculum StudiesDepartment of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThis study examined the impact of Covid-19 on Grade 12 learner performance in the
Vhembe District. The pandemic had a severe effect on learners, particularly due to
school closures, which disrupted teaching and learning. The significant loss of
instructional time negatively affected learner performance for an extended period.
Additionally, the study aimed to raise awareness among policymakers and
educational leaders about the need to prepare for future disruptions in education
caused by pandemics. A qualitative research design was adopted, using an
interpretive phenomenological approach to gather insights from participants. Data
were collected from learners in the Thulamela Municipality who completed Grade 12
between 2020 and 2023. The study involved fifteen former learners (ten males and
five females) who directly experienced the effects of Covid-19 during their final
school year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was
used to examine the data.
The findings indicate that learners faced various challenges, including disruptions to
their education, difficulties adapting to distance learning, and worsening personal
and family issues. These challenges were further compounded by technological
barriers and limited resources, highlighting inequalities in access to remote learning.
This study recommends enhancing digital preparedness through training on online
platforms, improving access to digital resources, prioritising Grade 12 learners with
flexible timetables, and providing mental health support through counselling and
teacher training, while also involving parents in the educational process
Investigating the Involvement of Teachers in the Curriculum Development of Life Sciences Education in Secondary Schools
No full textDED in Curriculum StudiesDepartment of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThis study aims to examine the involvement of Life Sciences teachers in curriculum development and how their participation influences the effectiveness of Life Sciences education in secondary schools in the Vhembe District. Life Sciences is a key subject in secondary education, yet teachers’ voices in curriculum development remain limited, which may affect teaching practices and learner performance. This study seeks to provide insight into the extent of teacher participation and its impact on curriculum implementation. This study will be underpinned by Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory, which emphasises the role of social interaction and collaboration in learning and knowledge construction, and the Teacher Professionalism Theory, which highlights the importance of teacher agency and participation in curriculum decision-making. A mixed-methods research approach will be employed, using a concurrent triangulation design to collect and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. For the quantitative component, the study will adopt a positivist paradigm, focusing on objective measurement of teachers’ participation through structured surveys. For the qualitative component, an interpretivist paradigm will be used to explore teachers’ experiences, perceptions, and insights through semi-structured interviews. A combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews will be used to gather data directly from Life Sciences teachers. Purposive sampling will be employed to select teachers who are directly involved in teaching Life Sciences. The sample will consist of 30 Life Sciences teachers drawn from selected secondary schools in the Vhembe District, which is considered adequate to provide meaningful and context-specific insights. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics for quantitative data to summarise trends and patterns, while qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, perceptions, and experiences relating to teacher involvement in curriculum development. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to improving curriculum development processes, enhancing teacher participation, and strengthening the overall quality of Life Sciences education in the Vhembe District
Culturally Congruent Interventions for People Living with Epilepsy in Selected Rural Communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces
No full textDoctor of NursingDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. It affects millions of people worldwide and significantly impacts their quality of life. Most people living with epilepsy, particularly those in rural areas, do not receive adequate treatment to control their seizures. Traditional healers and faith-based healers are usually given first preference, and healthcare practitioners are considered later, causing unnecessary delays in early diagnosis and treatment.
Aim: This study aimed to develop culturally congruent interventions for people living with epilepsy in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. The goal was for these interventions to bridge the gap between faith-based, traditional, and modern healthcare practices, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care and support while respecting their cultural values and beliefs.
Methods: A multi-method research approach was used to achieve the study’s objectives. Data collection was performed through in-depth individual interviews. Data was analysed using Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis.
Findings: A series of articles was generated from the findings:
1. Global availability of epilepsy interventions: A systematic review. Fifteen articles were reviewed and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme rating tool. Four themes emerged from the findings: cultural interventions, faith-based interventions, Western interventions, and intervention programmes.
2. Diagnosis of epilepsy by traditional healers and its implications on management in selected rural communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces: A qualitative study. Findings from this study revealed that traditional healers have varied beliefs and misconceptions regarding the causes and diagnosis of epilepsy, hence greatly influencing the management. The misconceptions on the causes include a calling by ancestors, urine contents, snake in the stomach, contaminated digestive system, and witchcraft. The management included using herbal plants, insects, foam excreted during seizures and urine of the person living with epilepsy.
3. Views of traditional healers collaborating with health professionals when managing epilepsy in selected rural areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces (South Africa). The study's findings revealed two themes: a perspective on collaboration in epilepsy treatment and strategies to enhance its implementation. Most traditional healers were unaware of the official collaboration in managing epilepsy. When they found out about it, most of them were willing to collaborate with health professionals.
4. Experiences of people living with epilepsy regarding treatment and interventions in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa. Three themes emerged from the data: experiences with care by traditional healers, experiences with care by faith-based healers, and experiences of care by professional nurses at local clinics. The findings revealed that the majority of people living with epilepsy preferred care provided by traditional healers and faith-based healers over modern medical treatment from the local clinics, even though they were not always effective. Modern treatment was usually considered later, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
5. Professional nurses’ experiences of managing epilepsy at limited resource rural facilities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. Four themes emerged from the data: experiences of professional nurses during the management of epilepsy, inadequate training in the management of epilepsy, insufficient supply of antiepileptic drugs, and late presentation to local clinics.
6. Which way to go? Exploring faith-based healers’ practices regarding the management of epilepsy in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. This study found that faith-based healers had varied beliefs and misconceptions regarding the causes of epilepsy, significantly influencing the diagnosis and management of the condition. Misconceptions regarding the causes of epilepsy included evil spirits, demonic possession, difficulty breathing, and foam in the lungs. Traditional and faith-based management involved prayer, fasting, and consuming fresh milk and weak tea. However, no scientific evidence regarding this traditional management approach's potential anticonvulsive properties or pharmacokinetics could be provided.
7. Conceptual framework to provide culturally congruent care to people living with epilepsy in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. The study found that many patients were not receiving the necessary interventions because treatment preferences were greatly influenced by their cultural beliefs.
8. Development of culturally congruent interventions for people living with epilepsy in rural communities Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. This study developed culturally congruent interventions that are sensitive and acceptable to the community members of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces.
Conclusion: Cultural beliefs, values, and practices significantly impact how epilepsy is perceived and managed in rural communities. Healthcare professionals must comprehend and honour these cultural norms when developing interventions for people with epilepsy. Healthcare professionals can enhance patient outcomes and increase acceptance of medical interventions by implementing culturally appropriate practices, such as engaging with community leaders or traditional healers to incorporate traditional healing practices into treatment interventions.Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and GladAfrica Foundation Trus
The effect of product formulation on the uptake efficacy of micronutrient elements applied as foliar sprays and how micronutrients affected fruit set and yield of Macadamia trees
No full textM.Sc (Ecology)Department of Geography and Environmental SciencesFoliar fertilization has lately been advocated by some advisors as being a more efficient method of fertilization than soil applications and has been promoted as a viable economic way to supplement the plants’ nutrients (Girma et al., 2007). Through foliar fertilizations, nutrients can be delivered directly to the target organs during critical periods of rapid uptake creating little opportunity for its runoff and waste. The factors affecting the uptake and translocation of foliar applied nutrients by mist blower applicators which produce atmospheric aerosols are however, poorly understood. Many trace elements are also notorious for poor uptake and translocation in plants and many gaps in knowledge in this regard, exist (Niu et al., 2021; Hu et al., 2023).
An experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different formulations of zinc (zinc oxide, zinc nitrate, and zinc chelate) and iron (iron sulphate and iron chelate) on the uptake efficiency of these micronutrient elements when applied as foliar sprays to macadamia trees. Additionally, the study aimed to assess how these micronutrients, along with various other elements (including magnesium, manganese, boron, copper, calcium), as well as two products containing multiple nutrient elements (namely Kelpak (cold pressed seaweed), and Budding Mix (a blend of essential trace elements for budding and fruit set in trees), influenced fruit set? fruit drop? and final yield in macadamia trees.
Field trials were conducted in macadamia orchards where trial plots contained 200 macadamia trees each. The trees were of the same cultivar i.e. Beaumont (or ‘695’) and age of 23 years old. A total number of 9 treatments were applied where each trial plot was sprayed three times over a 3-month period to coincide with 3 important phenological stages of the macadamia trees i.e., flowering, fruit set and fruit drop. Each treatment contained a trace element or combinations of trace elements and other nutrients and these were applied as foliar sprays on the leaves of the trees. A control plot received no treatment.
Nutrient uptake of the different zinc and iron formulations in the macadamia leaves were analysed and compared and fruit set, fruit drop and final yield were measured for all treatments and compared.
Results showed that zinc nitrate was not significantly better taken up by the macadamia leaves compared to the zinc oxide and zinc chelate formulations but showed significantly higher zinc contents than the control. The other two formulations did not show results that significantly differed from the control. Concerning the iron formulations, iron sulphate was not taken up significantly higher than the Fe chelate formulation, but the leaves contained significantly more iron than the control although the Fe chelate formulation did not significantly differ from the control.
The second phase of the study produced mixed outcomes. Among all the foliar element spray treatments, Zn nitrate demonstrated the best performance in terms of fruit set, albeit with the highest incidence of fruit drop. Conversely, Zn oxide applications led to the highest yield among all treatments in the final yield results. The evaluation of final yield was particularly crucial, representing the most significant aspect of the study from a commercial agricultural standpoint. While final yields did not show significant differences in many cases among treatments, a gross income analysis revealed slight increases in yield (nuts harvested per hectare), resulting in substantial income boosts. Some treatments resulted in more than R30 000 income per hectare than the control. This finding is noteworthy as South African macadamia nuts are exported, generating foreign currency, and positioning them as a high-value crop.
Although the results from this study did not reveal significant and clear outcomes in terms of foliar applications of microelements for the commercial macadamia farming industry, it made two important contributions; firstly, that foliar applications of microelements are indeed a viable way of supplementing micro element deficiencies and secondly, this study demonstrated some knowledge gaps which have also been also been cited by other researches like Hu et al., (2023) and the need for more research in the field of applying micronutrients with the aid of foliar applications for plant nutrition