PLANTING DATE IMPACTS YIELD POTENTIAL

October 2024

GRAIN FARMERS MUST MAKE MANY IMPORTANT MANAGEMENT DECISIONS EVERY YEAR BEFORE EACH NEW SEASON. VERY OFTEN DECISIONS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO PREVAILING WEATHER AND SOIL CONDITIONS, OR THE NUMBER OF HECTARES TO BE PLANTED.

Two of the decisive decisions that have a major impact on the yield at the end of the season are cultivar selection and the planting time. An optimal planting date presents the whole crop with the best environmental conditions across its growth phases. This may eventually result in the highest yield due to favourable climatic conditions, with (hopefully) good rainfall, adequate sunlight and good temperatures. South Africa’s unpredictable climate can make adhering to an optimal planting window complicated. 

It is important to remember that planting dates are region-specific. However, farmers need to be informed and stay alert. If the conditions are not right, you need to have a plan of action for addressing fluctuations to the norms. 

THE PLANTING WINDOW
Here are some guidelines for the different regions, weather conditions permitting.

Publication: October 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: PULA EDITORIAL TEAM