Drought is a recurring reality, not a one-off
South African farmers face recurring drought cycles, sharpened in El Niño years, that threaten yields, cash flow and the long-term viability of the farm. Much of our maize, wheat, soya bean and dryland production depends on rainfall that arrives late, stops early, or never comes at all.
We cannot control the rain. What we can change, dramatically, is how much of it your soil captures and how slowly it releases that water back to the crop. That is where regenerative soil practice earns its keep.
of extra water per hectare that soil can hold for every 1% rise in organic matter.
counts. Better structure means rain soaks in instead of running off the surface.
Four ways healthy soil beats drought
Regenerative soil practice sits at the heart of drought resilience. Soils rich in organic matter and biology hold far more water, and release it more slowly to plant roots.
Improved water infiltration
Biologically active soils with good structure let water penetrate rather than run off, capturing every drop of rainfall.
Higher water holding capacity
Organic matter acts like a sponge. Every 1% increase lets a hectare hold an extra 170 000 litres of water.
Deeper root systems
Well-nourished plants develop deeper roots that reach subsoil moisture through the dry periods.
Reduced evapotranspiration
Soil cover and biological activity cut surface evaporation, keeping moisture in the root zone for longer.
Products for drought resilience
Three Zylem products that help crops make the most of limited water and recover after a dry spell.
Sea Brix™
Supports photosynthesis efficiency, helping plants make the most of every drop of available water.
NanoCal
Calcium improves cell wall integrity, helping plants manage osmotic stress during dry periods.
Sea-Change KFF™
A bio-stimulant and stress rescue remedy that supports plants during and after drought events.