Soil health: Key to unlocking greater yields for small-scale farmers

By Maile Matsimela

In the heart of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, over two million small-scale farming households form the backbone of the nation’s food security. Operating on plots typically smaller than two hectares across rural, urban and peri-urban areas, these small-scale farmers face unique challenges but hold tremendous potential for sustainable food production.

Dr Margaretha Brand, Research & Development Manager at Omnia, says the rising demand for organic, locally sourced produce is driving a remarkable growth in urban and small-scale farming. “This trend presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining soil health – the foundation of all successful farming operations.”

The critical role of soil health

Brand says healthy soil is not merely a growing medium but a living ecosystem that directly impacts crop yields, resilience against pests and diseases, and adaptation to climate variability. Unfortunately, she says, soil degradation remains a significant challenge for many small-scale farmers.

“Many farmers don’t realise healthy soil is their most valuable asset and without proper soil management, even the best seeds and most diligent care won’t produce optimal yields. The good news is with some basic knowledge and simple practices, farmers can dramatically improve their soil health and, consequently, their harvests,” explains Dr Brand.

Common misconceptions and challenges

One widespread misconception among small-scale farmers is that “more fertiliser is better.” This approach, according to Brand, often leads to over-fertilisation, which can damage soil structure and microbial life. Additionally, she said, the repeated planting of the same crop (monocropping) depletes specific nutrients and reduces soil biodiversity.

“Over-fertilisation is like giving a patient too much medicine – it doesn’t help and can actually cause harm,” notes Dr Brand. “We need to move away from this thinking and towards a balanced approach that considers the specific needs of both the soil and the crops.”

Limited access to resources and agronomic knowledge further compounds these challenges, particularly for farmers in remote areas.

Practical solutions for soil health improvement:

• Know your soil
Dr Brand recommends starting with simple, sensory-based evaluations: “Even without sophisticated testing equipment, farmers can learn much about their soil through touch and observation. Sandy soils feel gritty, while clay-heavy soils are sticky when wet and extremely hard when dry. Understanding your soil composition is the first step toward proper management.”
For more precise measurements, affordable soil pH kits can help farmers monitor nutrient accessibility. “Soil pH significantly affects how nutrients become available to plants,” explains Dr Brand. “Most crops thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 6 and 7.”

• Balance nutrients according to crop needs
Rather than applying standard fertiliser formulations, farmers should match nutrients to their specific crops’ requirements.
“Different crops have different nutrient needs at various growth stages,” says Dr Brand. “Applying the right nutrients at the right time not only improves yields but also reduces waste and prevents soil degradation.”

• Enrich with organic matter
Animal manure and compost are excellent, often freely available resources for improving soil structure and nutrient content.
“Incorporating organic matter into your soil is perhaps the single most effective way to improve its health,” Dr Brand advises. “It enhances water retention in sandy soils, improves drainage in clay soils, and provides a slow-release source of nutrients for plants.”

• Look for signs of soil life
“The presence of earthworms is one of the best indicators of healthy soil,” shares Dr Brand. “When you dig and find earthworms, you know your soil is alive and functioning as it should.”

• Consider both macro- and micronutrients
While nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are essential, micronutrients like zinc, boron, and manganese are equally important for plant health and productivity.
“Think of micronutrients as vitamins for your crops,” explains Dr Brand. “Just as humans need various vitamins in small amounts, plants require these micronutrients for optimal growth and disease resistance.”

Support for small-scale farmers

Recognising the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers, Omnia has developed support systems through its Nutriology^® model, offering tailored fertilisation strategies, soil testing services, and crop-specific nutrient plans.

“Our goal is to empower farmers with knowledge and appropriate solutions,” states Dr Brand. “We believe that location-specific advice is crucial because farming conditions vary tremendously across different regions of South Africa.”

Success stories

The Western Cape, despite its arid conditions, showcases how challenging soil environments can be successfully farmed with the right approach. Similar success stories are emerging across the country as farmers adopt sustainable soil management practices.
“We’ve seen remarkable transformations when farmers prioritise soil health,” Dr Brand notes. “Fields that were once underproducing are now yielding abundant harvests, demonstrating that good soil management is a worthwhile investment.”