South African farming companies ZZ2 and Paul Marais have adopted nature-inclusive farming, viewing it as a long-term commitment rather than a quick profit scheme. ZZ2, a tomato and avocado farm in Limpopo, combines traditional fertilisers with compost to reduce dependency on conventional methods. The farm also practices disease prevention through maintaining healthy soil and plants, avoiding chemical use where possible.
According to an article on agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, ZZ2's nature-inclusive philosophy, Natuurboerdery, focuses on farming with environmental awareness. The company uses composting and mulching techniques, precision irrigation, and probiotic supplements to support soil and plant health. They also monitor for pests and diseases, using natural treatments first and resorting to chemicals only when necessary. Additionally, ZZ2 is exploring the breeding of more resilient species and conserves nature areas around their farms to buffer against pest outbreaks.
Paul Marais, an organic citrus farmer in the Sundays River Valley, also practices nature-inclusive farming. Marais composts using wood chippings from local alien Casuarina trees and manure from his cattle, which graze on organic pastures and consume leftover orange peels. This circular composting method helps reduce groundwater consumption by removing alien trees.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl