Organic farming vs sustainable farming

Sustainable agriculture and organic farming: what’s the difference? 

Justin PlattBlog, Organic vs Sustainable Farming

The words ‘organic farming’ and ‘sustainable agriculture’ are often used interchangeably. However, while these terms are closely connected, they do refer to two distinct concepts. In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between the two, as well as provide clarity on a couple of other questions, such as: is organic farming sustainable?  Summary: Organic farming vs sustainable farming  Organic …

Sustainable Farming

How to Transition to Sustainable Farming Techniques

Justin PlattBlog, Sustainable Farming

Modern industrial agriculture simply cannot sustain human populations for generations to come. Its negative impacts include soil loss and degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution by pesticides and fertilisers, loss of biodiversity, declining pollinators as well as risks to human health. For these reasons, and to ensure economic viability into the future, many farmers are making the transition to sustainable farming …

veggie garden image

How Will Food Production Increase 98% By 2050?

Justin PlattBlog, Food Production

According to Harvard Business Review, the global population has quadrupled over the last century. In 1915, the world was home to 1.8 billion people; today, 7.7 billion people are driving up global food demand, which is expected to increase anywhere between 59% and 98% by 2050. But food production isn’t keeping pace. This begs the question: how will farmers keep …

Adaptive grazing

What is Adaptive Grazing Management?

Justin PlattAdaptive Grazing, Blog

We recently came across a very interesting interview on adaptive grazing management with Dr Allen Williams in Acres U.S.A. Dr Williams is the founding partner of Understanding Ag, Grass Fed Insights, and a partner in Joyce Farms, Inc. He pioneered many of the early adaptive grazing protocols and forage finishing techniques. Today, Allen and his colleagues specialise in whole farm …

High Brix plants

Soil Testing FAQ’s: the What, Why, When and How

Justin PlattSoil Testing

Soil is one of the Earth’s most important life-giving elements. As such, the health of a soil is inextricably linked to the surrounding plant, animal and human health.  There’s no doubt that a balanced soil is vital for a healthy ecosystem, but how do you know whether your soil is healthy or not? This is where expert soil testing comes …

Sustainable Farming

How Sustainable Farming Works

Justin PlattBlog, Sustainable Farming

As Earth’s resources dwindle and its population increases, we need to find a balance between feeding the planet and securing the food for future generations. This is where sustainable farming comes in. What is sustainable farming? Sustainable farming is the name for a loose set of agricultural practices that work together to: Limit the use of potentially harmful chemicals Employ …

About Zylem

The Zylem Story – How It All Started

Justin PlattBlog

At Zylem, we have been providing agricultural technical services for almost three decades. But where did it all begin? And how have our services evolved and expanded over the years? Read on to find out more about our story… Farming runs in the blood of Zylem’s founder and managing director Justin Platt. Justin grew up on a farm in Mooi …

Soil affects human health

Sustainable Agriculture: The Benefits for Human Health

Justin PlattBlog

Soil health, plant health for human health. It’s right there on our logo and at the core of everything we do. Why? Because human wellbeing can only happen when soils are healthy. It is a direct relationship.  Let’s start by taking a look at the point at which we have arrived. In the last 50+ years, intensive, industrial farming practices have …