Question❓| Upskill 📚 | Information ℹ️ | Picture 📷 | Special Offer 🎁

Edition 4

👋 Hello Friends, and welcome to this week’s edition of Q.U.I.P.S.!

As the fastest-growing subtropical farming community out there, we're thrilled to be your BFF (Best Farming Friend), saving you hundreds of hours by unearthing hidden gems like actionable tips, practical knowledge, industry insights, and so much more - all with the end goal of equipping you for excellence and success.

Before we dive into today’s edition, we’d love for you all to share your thoughts, ask any burning questions you may have, or let us know which topics you’d love to see covered. Remember, we’re here for you - the awesome TropicalBytes community!

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Estimated read time: 3 minutes 2 seconds

In Today’s Email:

• Q: Are ‘Poor’ Soils Really an Issue? 🤔

• U: The Secret Sauce to Compost Mastery 🍃

• I: Macs vs Frost: How to Crack the Code 🥶

• P: A Hybrid Variety in the Making 🐞

• S: Info Poster Up for Grabs! 🎁

Question❓

Are ‘Poor’ Soils Really an Issue?

A lot was learnt while writing this story on soil, both about the fragility and resilience of the substrate that feeds our livelihoods. One of the most profound takeaways was that we label soils “good” or “bad” without considering the application or outcomes. Some plants thrive in water-logged marshes and some in bone-dry deserts. It’s a bit like any organism and its environment; a bushman wouldn’t do well in Alaska and a goldfish wouldn’t survive in the ocean; nothing wrong with Alaska or the ocean!

The bottom line: Soils should be ‘judged’ in correlation to the plant you’re putting in them AND with your outcomes in mind.

Here are some practical applications in terms of our 2 crops; avos and macs:

• Both avos and macs are susceptible to anaerobic bacteria like phytophthora. These diseases are strongest in water-logged environments so, well-drained, sandy soils (traditionally considered ‘poorer’) would work well for macs and avos in this regard.

• Macs, and avos (to a lesser degree), have very fine feeder roots that battle to penetrate heavy clay soils so, looser (sandier) soils are a better environment in this regard as well.

• These fine feeder roots are highly efficient feeders, which means that they will find and absorb the nutrients they need even if the ‘grocery cupboard’ is not always fully stocked (‘poorer’ soils).

But this synched it for us; think about what you are farming… is it wood? Or leaves? Or is it nuts and fruit?

“Good” soils (traditionally associated with fairly high clay and loam) might encourage a lot of the vegetation (for which there is now a considerable expense to prune it back 😅) but are they the best at pushing profit?

Ever noticed how often a sick tree will produce a bumper crop just before it checks out? Considering this, maximising orchard performance must lie somewhere between the tree ‘turning its toes up’ and being overly vegetative… we believe, it’s all in the soil!

Food for thought…

👉 For a Deep Dive Story into Soils Read here.

⏰ Friendly Reminder: Submit your Questions to be Answered Here.

Upskill 📚

A Simple 5-Step Method to Compost Mastery

Okay, green thumbs, down the compost rabbit hole we go! 🐇🕳️

By the end of this masterclass, you'll be a compost connoisseur👌, turning everyday waste into nutrient-rich soil enhancer, using materials you might already have on your farm or can easily source nearby.

Step 1: Gathering the Right Ingredients

Composting is a bit like cooking; it's all about the ingredients! The rule of thumb is a balance of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials).

Here's a starter list for your compost recipe:

Greens:

• Macadamia Nut Husks and Shells

• Reject Whole Avocados (or avo pulp after nurseries have taken the seed)

• Lawn Grass Clippings

• Fruit and Vegetable Scraps

• Coffee Grounds

• Eggshells

• Teabags

• Fresh Green Leaves or Hedge Prunings

• Crop Residues: Corn Cobs, Husks, and Stalks

• Manure: Cattle, Chicken, Horse, Goat, or Rabbit

• Pet/Animal Hair

• Poultry Feathers

Browns:

• Dry Fallen Leaves

• Straw or Hay

• Sugar Cane Bagasse

• Tree Prunings, Small Branches, and Twigs

• Pine Needles

• Untreated Wood Chips or Sawdust

• Non-Coated Shredded Paper or Cardboard

• Egg Cartons

• Wood Ash (use in moderation, as it can raise the pH of your compost)

💡 Handy Tip: Get in touch with local garden services, plant nurseries, horse stables, sawmills, sugar mills, chicken farms, tree felling crews, seriously, the list goes on! You'll be amazed how often they're left scratching their heads, wondering what to do with all their leftover materials perfect for composting. One person's trash is another person's treasure, and for us, it's nothing short of BLACK GOLD!

Step 2: Building the Compost Pile

Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to construct the pile. Choose a spot that offers not only easy access for equipment but also sufficient drainage. A soggy pile after a downpour isn't what we're aiming for.

Start with a layer of browns at the bottom of the pile for drainage and aeration (two crucial elements for decomposition), add a layer of greens, and then introduce beneficial microbes with some ready-made compost, manure, or a compost starter/accelerator product to help kick start the process.

Repeat this layering process until your compost pile reaches a manageable height of about 1 - 1.5 metres.

Step 3: Compost Pile TLC

Composting isn’t a set it and forget it affair. It calls for a dash of dedication and a pinch of patience.

1. Stir things up a bit! Aerating your compost pile every few weeks is a must-do. Whether you're using a pitchfork, compost aerator (especially useful for wind rows), or a front-end loader, the goal remains the same - getting that compost pile thoroughly mixed.

2. Keep your pile moist but not soggy. Water it occasionally, or better yet, let mother nature do the job 🌧️.

3. Turn up the heat - metaphorically, of course. Don’t go burning your compost pile now… Keep an eye on the temperature, aiming for the sweet spot between 50-70°C. A compost thermometer will be your best friend here. This optimal temperature range is key; it not only accelerates the composting process but also eradicates pathogens and any weed seeds.

Step 4: Ready Compost

You’ll know your compost is ready when it’s turned into a rich, dark, crumbly material with a pleasant earthy smell 🤤.

This process can take anywhere from 2 months to a year, depending on the materials used and how often the pile was turned.

Step 5: Refining Your Composting Process

As you continue your composting journey, you might encounter common issues like bad smells, insufficient heating, or pest attraction.

Here's some quick troubleshooting steps:

• Bad smells? Your pile might be too wet or have too many greens. Add more browns and turn more frequently.

• Not heating up? Your pile might be too small or lack nitrogen. Add more greens and ensure your pile is at least 1 -1.5 meters high.

• Attracting pests? Avoid composting meat or dairy products and turn the pile frequently to deter nesting.

And there you have it! - Your 5 step blueprint to compost mastery.

It’s certainly not rocket science, but the results will have your trees reaching for the stars.

Enjoy the process, and happy composting!

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Information ℹ️

Can Macs Survive Frost?

Short answer: It depends.

Long Answer: It depends on:

• First off, it’s a tale between two frosts - black and white. The outcome for your beloved trees can vary depending on the type of frost. Curious about the difference?

  Read what JAFF 22 has to say (link)

• Next, it’s all about the winter wardrobes! Yes, even trees may need a bit of bundling up in the frosty weather.

  See how JAFF 24 wraps up his trees (link)

• Now, remember, not all tree parts are created equal. While leaves can freeze and rebound like a champ, the stem isn't quite as resilient. Too many cell casualties from frost can spell doom. The stem can even burst if frozen through.

  Check out how JAFF 25 deals with these challenges (link)

• Tree size matters when it comes to frost resilience. Bigger trees are able to create a small micro-climate that can help fend off frost, potentially fatal to their smaller counterparts.

  Discover how JAFF 2 shields his young trees from the frost (link)

• Next up, we have the cultivar cliffhanger. Some macadamia varieties are just hardier than others when it comes to frost.

  Discover JAFF 22's top frost-tolerant cultivar (link)

• A tree's upbringing also plays a part. Macs that weathered the cold as saplings tend to perform better in a frosty showdown. This was a discovery made by Cape farmers during their initial trials with macs in their local climate; the environment where the trees were 'nursed' made a noticeable difference.

• And let's not forget about general tree health – as with all ailments, the frost, albeit mild, could be the "straw that broke the camels back"… healthier trees, with stronger, more resilient cell walls, will fare better.

  JAFF 25 attributed his trees' survival to his healthy soils (link)

Upcoming Industry Events

• NAMPO | 16 – 19 May

• LOCAL SA MANUFACTURING EXPO | 23 – 25 May

• Royal Agricultural Show | 26 May – 4 June

• AVI Africa | 6 – 8 June

• WoodEX | 27 – 29 June

• AFRICA’S BIG 7 | 18 June

• FOOD & DRINK TECHNOLOGY (FDT) AFRICA | 13 – 15 July

• NAMPO CAPE | 13 – 16 Sept

• PROPAK CAPE | 24 to 26 October

Picture 📷

A Hybrid Variety in the Making…

Yes, we know, ANOTHER ladybird picture but they’re just so cute, which isn’t a good enough reason 🤭, so here’s the official caption…

Ladybirds loading! These highly beneficial insects are both resilient and essential farming partners; performing the vital task of harmful pest predation and giving us an indication of general orchard eco-system health.

And it looks like this orchard is about to get a hybrid variety! 🤣

⏰ Friendly Reminder: Share your farm pics, ideas, tips, or solutions with the TropicalBytes community to inspire one another, overcome challenges, and elevate your operations – together. Share Here

Special Offer 🎁

Minerals & Elements Infographic Poster Up for Grabs!

Give your office or shed wall a makeover with our exclusive A2 sized Minerals & Elements poster. 

More than just a decorative piece, this poster is a powerhouse of knowledge, unveiling the intricate dance of soil nutrients that directly impacts the health of your trees. Discover how specific minerals can stimulate or antagonise others, leading to potential deficiencies that could influence your crop's yield and quality.

Whether as a conversation starter, a teaching aid, or simply a constant reminder of the complex world beneath our trees, this poster is an indispensable tool.

Here's How You Can Claim This Invaluable Resource:

Simply send us either a meaningful topic recommendation or a question you're eager to have answered. That's all there is to it!

Ensure your submission adds value and contributes to our collective learning. In return, we'll dispatch a FREE printed A2 size poster directly to your doorstep!

Act now! Submissions must be in by Sunday, 21st May @ 5pm. 

We can’t wait to see your contributions!

That’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed this week’s QUIPS edition.

Don't forget to join us in the comments section below 👇 – it's kinda like a family Braai but better! There, you'll find no screaming kids, awkward photos, or tipsy uncles telling bizarre stories. Let's get the conversations cookin'! 🔥 

Until then, happy farming, deep learning, and warm smiles.

We'll see you next week! 🌱

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