Supporting farmers with quality lime
The importance of the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy by way of linking the produce of farmers to formal markets in the country and beyond our borders, as well as contributing to employment, cannot be over-emphasised.
At Afrimat, we are proud to support farming communities across South Africa through the supply of quality lime for both arable (crops) and pastoral (raising animals) farming.
Due to our geographical footprint across the country and numerous strategic logistical partnerships, we can distribute our lime products to even the most remote of areas.
As our mines are situated across the country, we are able to engage nationally with customers and draw up national supply agreements.
Through our Industrial Minerals division, we supply Micro Fine Dolomitic (MFD) Agricultural Lime per tonnage from our operations in Meyerton and Lyttelton (Gauteng), and Natural Dolomitic Lime and Calcitic Agricultural Lime from our operations in Marble Hall (Limpopo).
We assist our customers with tailor-made solutions, which range from supplying one-truck loads (33mt) to large bulk orders. Smaller quantities can be arranged for collections and deliveries.
Furthermore, we supply Building Lime, Feed Lime and Animal Hygiene Lime into numerous markets from our Cape Lime operations.
Watch our informational video here.
Compared with fertilisers, applying organic, chemical free and naturally quarried agricultural lime to soil has many long-term benefits, which include:
- Acting as a soil enhancer by increasing microbial activity and improving soil structure,
- Enhancing plant nutritional update,
- Reducing acidity by increasing pH levels,
- Being a source of both Calcium, which is essential for the development of healthy plant growth, and Magnesium, which plays a vital role in the photosynthesis cycle,
Liming of soil therefore reduces the need for applying costly chemicals to soils, and by doing so, farmers can take an environmentally friendly approach where healthy soils produces healthy crops.
Therefore, adding agricultural lime to soil makes an immense difference to the productive potential of arable farming, in both real and economic terms.
To ensure the best possible results are yielded, it is imperative that machinery suitable for arable farming is used to ensure an even and accurate spread within the soil, while causing as little disruption to the soil structure as possible.
Consistency in terms of maintaining a pH level as near to 7.0 on arable, and 6.5 for permanent grassland, is key to ensuring maximum uptake. By monitoring the pH levels, farmers will be able to determine the regularity with which they need to lime their soil.
Neglecting to consistently apply lime to soil may result in an increase in acidity that can:
- Decrease the availability of phosphorus, which is an essential nutrient required for plant growth,
- Impede the efficient uptake and use of both water and fertiliser,
- Render applied herbicides insufficient, and
- Suppress the effectiveness of microorganisms in the soil.
While Afrimat supplies the arable farming sector with agricultural lime in large quantities, we also supply BioLim Animal Hygiene Lime – white hydrated lime specifically made for animal hygiene control – and Feed Lime in smaller packaged quantities (25kg) for pastoral farmers via our Cape Lime operations.
We also have depots in Gauteng, which enables customers in the northern regions of the country to either collect. Alternatively, we arrange for delivery to our customers.
Compromising on quality – be it product or service – is never an option for us, and consistently delivering the best possible solutions for our customers, remains our top priority.
Afrimat believes in supporting sustainability and responsible practices, and by supplying natural, chemical free lime products to the farming industries across South Africa, we also support the delivery of quality produce.
CONTACT
Cobus Visage | cobus.visage@afrimat.co.za | 064 521 8387 (Lyttelton)
Michelle Sturrock | michelle.sturrock@afrimat.co.za | 079 107 5463 (Lyttelton)
Keshev Naidoo | Keshev.naidoo@afrimat.co.za | 071 301 9480 (Marble Hall)
Boshoff Muller | boshoff.muller@afrimat.co.za | 082 452 1283 (Sales Manager – Cape Lime)
Elgar Watts | elgar.watts@afrimat.co.za | 082 771 9639 (Cape Lime Sales Consultant)
- Improving soil structure, which enhances water drainage in heavy clay soils, and
- Helping to combat club root disease in cabbage and brassicas.
