Why Clanwilliam?



Clanwilliam


 Propgrowth is situated in the pristine area of Clanwilliam. This area was carefully chosen for our nursery. With the low annual rainfall of 224mm and an average temperature of 19.4°C it is perfectly suited for our nursery.

Climate:
Clanwilliam receives winter rainfall of 650mm through the months of June through August. During these winter months the day temperature fluctuates from 10 – 20 °C and sub-zero night temperatures. During the summer months the area seldomly receives rainfall, and few thundershowers.  Night temperatures can often reach bellow 10 °C and can lead to night frost problems.

These low temperatures during winter and early spring helps with the prevention and control of fungal diseases.

They wind in the area helps to create a cooler micro-climate.

Soil:
The soil in the area is perfect for the nursery environment. Soils are well-drained on weathered/shale or slate on the hillsides and lightly structured soil with sandstone with higher clay content can also be found in the area. Yellow brown soils have a high acid content and have granitic origin. They need to be manipulated before planting. Duplex soils with coarse sand on clay can also be found.
The area lacks in homogenous soil-types, which poses a challenge in terms of propagation and farming.
The main soil-types that can be found are:
  • ·         Sandstone
  • ·         Yellow- and red slate
  • ·         Sandy limesoil
  • ·         Hutton
  • ·         Glenrosa



Water:
Although Clanwilliam has a relatively low annual water, draughts are very seldom an problem, as we have sufficient groundwater supply and also access to channels that are supplies by the Clanwilliam dam and Olifants river.



Other Factors:
There are some fruit fly and moth problems in the surrounding area, but with careful planning and by keeping a close eye on the plants, these problems can easily be prevented and quickly addressed. The use of green houses in the nursery also drastically reduces these risks.  

The presence of sheep farms in the area enables us to mix and produce our own compost. The manure from the animals are mixed with crop-residue, gypsum and natural phosphate. The soil has to be regulated and samples should be taken often and tested  to identify any shortages so that the correct mixture can be applied.


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