Zambia Agribusiness Society

The use of plastic mulches along with the use of drip irrigation has many benefits such as: 1. Soil Temperature The use of plastic mulch alters soil temperature. Dark mulches and clear mulches applied to the soil intercept sunlight warming the soil allowing earlier planting as well as encouraging faster growth early in the growing season. White mulch reflects heat from the sun effectively reducing soil temperature. This reduction in temperature may help establish plants in mid-summer when cooler soil might be required. 2. Soil Moisture Retention Plastic mulches reduce the amount of water lost from the soil due to evaporation. This means less water will be needed for irrigation. Plastic mulches also aid in evenly distributing moisture to the soil which reduces plant stress. Plastic mulching film create a barrier of photosynthesis and avoid to rise of other plants. 3. Weed Management Plastic mulches prevent sunlight from reaching the soil which can inhibit most annual and per

Raising cattle properly requires money, land and skill. Do you have enough of each to enter this business? Equally importantly, do you have a genuine interest in cattle? A cattle enterprise can involve raising calves for slaughter, but it should be borne in mind that working with calves requires effort and patience. Beef farming slots in well with other agricultural enterprises, especially grain. Cattle can feed on resources that have little other use, such as crop residue and land not suitable for crops. Before entering the cattle business, though, you should consider your resources, the land available and your level of interest and skill. You should know why you want to rear cattle, and be able to set yourself goals to achieve the most constant economic return or personal satisfaction. These must be clearly defined and achievable in a realistic time-frame. If not, your operation will lack focus. A small-scale cattle enterprise can involve a growing and feeding system (calve