Why It Matters

South African grain farmers must produce more with fewer resources, while coping with rising costs, climate variability, and shrinking profit margins. Traditional blanket recommendations for seed and fertilizer use often overlook the variability of soils and climates across farms. This project introduces On-Farm Precision Experimentation (OFPE) to create a robust, locally relevant database of input–yield responses. By doing so, it enables tailored agronomic advice that supports both commercial and smallholder farmers. The outcome is improved productivity, profitability, and resilience, while promoting sustainable input use across the sector.

Research Approach

The On-Farm Precision Experimentation trials are conducted with farmers using precision agriculture equipment to vary seed and fertilizer rates across different zones in their fields. The project collects detailed data on as-planted, as-applied, soil, and yield outcomes across diverse agro-ecological regions. These datasets are consolidated into a central platform for analytics and decision support. Comparative methods are being tested, including OneSoil’s satellite and historical yield-based zoning and DIFM’s in-season yield-response approach. Insights are shared directly with participating farmers through trial reports, while broader analysis will inform sector-wide agronomic recommendations.

Research Impact to Farmers

For commercial farmers, OFPE demonstrates the return on investment in variable-rate technologies, helping them refine management zones and validate practices. For smallholders, the project translates complex precision farming data into simplified, cost-effective guidelines for optimal seed and fertilizer use. Farmers benefit from tailored recommendations that reduce waste, improve input efficiency, and increase yields. Industry-wide, the growing database enhances collective learning, supports extension services, and strengthens research into best practices for input use. Ultimately, farmers at all scales gain access to practical, data-driven tools to improve profitability and sustainability.

Collaborators & Research Leads

Project Lead

• Marion Delport – Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP)
• Collaborating Institutions
• BFAP (Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy)
• Stellenbosch University – Agronomy Department
• Grain SA
• OneSoil

Farmers

• Participating commercial and smallholder farmers across multiple regions