The South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP), Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA), and Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences (SASHS), gathered for the annual Combined Congress 2025 (CC2025) held in Polokwane from 19th – 23rd January. The Combined Congress is a unifying platform for all members of the aforementioned societies. The event […]
Suidwal Street, Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Stellenbosch
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+27 (0) 21 808 4803
svanniekerk@sun.ac.za
General Information: This four-year degree combines crop production with agricultural economics. Students interested in combining agronomy with farm economics and business management. Undergraduate modules include Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science, and Crop Protection, with electives in farm planning, market analysis, and resource management.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles as farm managers, agricultural economists, agribusiness analysts, or policy advisors in agricultural cooperatives, financial institutions, or government.
Admission Requirements:
1. NSC or IEB with 60% average (excluding Life Orientation)
2. English/Afrikaans (Home or First Additional Language) at 50%
3. Mathematics at 60%
4. Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) at 50%
General Information: This four-year degree combines Soil Science and Agronomy. Students who are interested in sustainable soil and water should give this degree a look! Undergraduate modules include Soil Science, Agronomy, Hydrology, and Environmental Policy, with practical training in irrigation, soil fertility, and land evaluation.
Career Opportunities: Graduates work as soil scientists, irrigation specialists, environmental consultants, or land-use planners in agricultural research, conservation, or water management sectors.
Admission Requirements:
1. NSC or IEB with 60% average (excluding Life Orientation)
2. English/Afrikaans (Home or First Additional Language) at 50%
3. Mathematics at 60%
4. Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) at 50%
General Information: This four-year degree combines agronomy with either Entomology, Genetics, and Plant Pathology. Students interested in crop production, sustainable agriculture, and farm management should have a good look at this degree! Undergraduate modules include Crop Production, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Biometry, with a focus on agronomic crops, greenhouse production, weed management, and advanced agronomy techniques.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as agronomists, crop production managers, agricultural consultants, or researchers in agribusiness, government agencies, or private farms.
Admission Requirements:
1. NSC or IEB with 60% average (excluding Life Orientation)
2. English/Afrikaans (Home or First Additional Language) at 50%
3. Mathematics at 60%
4. Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) at 50%
This research theme focuses on advancing sustainable pasture management practices to support efficient dairy, sheep, and beef production systems in South Africa. Most research has focused on intensive dairy-pasture systems. Key research areas include soil enhancement of production potential of dairy-pasture systems quality enhancement, climate change adaptation, and life cycle assessments of pasture-based dairy systems to reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability. Our research investigates the selection of resilient pasture species, innovative fertilisation approaches, and efficient grazing systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how pasture management influences soil health, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services in response to climate variability.
This research integrates ecological, nutritional, and economic perspectives and provides valuable insights for livestock producers. Collaborative efforts with farmers and industry partners aim to develop practical solutions for resilient and sustainable pasture-based systems, benefiting dairy, sheep, and beef production across diverse agricultural environments in South Africa.
Links
1. A carbon footprint assessment for pasture based dairy farming systems in South Africa
2. Biostimulant effects on the herbage yield and nutritive composition of a mixed ryegrass–clover pasture
The Department of Agronomy at Stellenbosch University excels in researching and developing future and orphan crops, focusing on diversifying agricultural systems to improve sustainability, resilience, and food security. As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and dietary shifts highlight the need for more diverse and sustainable cropping systems, investigating alternative crops offers promising solutions for both economic and environmental stability in South African and global agriculture.
A significant emphasis is placed on high-value, climate-resilient, and nutritionally dense crops, including blueberries, mushrooms, cannabis, flax, peas, and Bambara groundnuts. These crops offer unique opportunities for sustainable farming, commercial expansion, and value-added product development, making them essential for future-proofing the agricultural sector.
Blueberries have gained prominence as a high-value horticultural crop with significant export potential. Research within the department explores soil and hydroponic production systems, nutrient optimisation, and post-harvest handling techniques to maximise yield and fruit quality. Studies also examine the role of bio-stimulants and climate control technologies in enhancing stress tolerance and extending the growing season.
Mushrooms represent an efficient and sustainable protein source with minimal environmental impact. The department’s research explores substrate optimisation, mycelium growth dynamics, and waste utilisation strategies, advocating circular economy principles in agriculture. Studies also examine the medicinal and nutraceutical properties of various mushroom species, highlighting their potential in the functional food industry.
The rise of cannabis as a medicinal and industrial crop has revealed new research opportunities, particularly in cultivation practices, secondary metabolite production, and post-harvest processing. Research centres on optimising controlled-environment production while ensuring standardised cannabinoid and terpene profiles for medicinal applications. Additionally, investigations into fibre production from hemp varieties aim to satisfy the increasing demand for sustainable textiles and bioplastics.
Flax and peas are regaining interest as climate-smart crops due to their low input requirements and environmental benefits. Research on flax centres on fibre and oilseed production, examining how soil health, rotation strategies, and agronomic practices influence yield and fibre quality. Similarly, studies on peas explore varietal selection, nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and their integration into conservation agriculture systems, which enhance soil fertility and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
Bambara groundnuts, an underutilised legume with remarkable drought tolerance, hold significant promise for food security in semi-arid regions. Research is investigating their adaptability to various soil types, nutrient-use efficiency, and potential as a protein-rich alternative for plant-based diets. The department is exploring methods to enhance seed germination rates, strengthen breeding programmes, and develop value-added processing techniques to improve the crop’s commercial viability.
Alongside research, the department incorporates training, student involvement, and industry collaboration to accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of these crops. Postgraduate students actively participate in field and laboratory-based research, investigating optimal agronomic practices, soil-plant interactions, and innovative cropping systems. Collaborating with farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers ensures that research findings are transformed into practical applications, facilitating the integration of alternative crops into commercial production systems.
By advancing future and orphan crops, the Department of Agronomy is promoting the diversification and resilience of agricultural systems. These research efforts contribute to sustainable food production, provide economic opportunities for farmers, and encourage environmentally responsible farming practices, ensuring that agriculture remains adaptive and progressive in response to global challenges.
Links:
1. Variability assessment of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc) landraces based on the qualitative trait seed coat colour
Weed science is a dynamic and evolving field that is pivotal in modern agriculture. Weed science seeks to understand the biology and ecology of unwanted plants while developing strategies to control them in ways that protect crop yields, safeguard the environment, and promote long-term sustainability.
One of the most pressing issues in weed science today is herbicide resistance. Overreliance on chemical herbicides has led to weeds evolving resistance to multiple modes of action, undermining the effectiveness of once-reliable control measures.
Our research is designed to broaden the range of weed control strategies so that producers are not solely dependent on chemical herbicides. Rather than eliminating herbicides entirely, we focus on enhancing their effectiveness within integrated weed management practices. By incorporating alternative methods, we aim to reduce the weed seedbank, improve the overall sustainability of weed management programs, and preserve the long-term efficacy of existing herbicide technologies.
Links:
1. Herbicide resistance in weeds – a threat to effective chemical weed control in South Africa
2. First report of glyphosate and paraquat resistance in two Plantago biotypes
The Department of Agronomy at Stellenbosch University is dedicated to advancing sustainable vegetable production systems that balance productivity, environmental stewardship, and economic viability. Field-grown vegetable production remains a cornerstone of South African agriculture, supplying fresh produce for both local and international markets while enhancing food security and rural livelihoods. The department’s research centres on optimising agronomic practices, improving soil health, increasing resource-use efficiency, and addressing climate-related production challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of vegetable farming systems.
A key focus in sustainable vegetable production is integrated soil fertility and nutrient management. Research examines the effects of organic amendments, cover cropping, precision fertilisation, and reduced tillage on soil health, microbial diversity, and crop productivity. Studies also explore water-use efficiency and conservation irrigation strategies, ensuring that vegetable production systems remain resilient in water-scarce environments. Furthermore, researchers concentrate on integrated pest and disease management, incorporating biological controls, crop rotations, and resistant cultivars to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides while maintaining high-quality yields.
A significant aspect of the department’s field research centres on potato production, particularly how pre-harvest agronomic factors influence post-harvest quality, shelf life, and marketability. The research investigates the relationship between fertilisation, irrigation management, cultivar selection, and environmental conditions in determining tuber quality, size distribution, nutrient composition, and resistance to physiological disorders. Specific areas of study include the impact of calcium nutrition on internal tuber quality, strategies for minimising post-harvest bruising and storage losses, and the role of soil amendments in enhancing skin set and disease resistance.
By integrating field trials with laboratory-based quality assessments, this research offers valuable insights into how agronomic decisions made during the growing season affect the final marketability and consumer acceptability of potatoes. The findings contribute directly to industry best practices, ensuring that South African potato growers can produce high-quality crops while optimising input efficiency and minimising environmental impact.
Postgraduate students in Agronomy actively contribute to sustainable field vegetable production research through projects designed to address industry challenges, such as optimising fertilisation for long-term soil health, enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency across various vegetable species, and assessing alternative weed and pest control methods. Many of these studies are conducted in collaboration with commercial farms, agricultural research institutions, and industry partners, ensuring that findings translate into practical, real-world applications.
Through innovative research, field trials, and industry collaboration, the Department of Agronomy remains at the forefront of sustainable vegetable production systems. By developing and promoting environmentally sound, resource-efficient, and economically viable agronomic practices, the department contributes to resilient food production systems that support both farmers and consumers in an era of climate uncertainty and increasing demand for high-quality produce.
The Department of Agronomy at Stellenbosch University plays a crucial role in enhancing research and education regarding vegetable crops cultivated under protection, an essential aspect of modern sustainable agriculture. Protected cultivation systems, such as greenhouses, tunnels, and net houses, offer significant advantages in optimising plant growth, improving resource use efficiency, and mitigating environmental stresses. These systems are fundamental for ensuring year-round production, increasing yields, enhancing crop quality, and bolstering resilience to climate variability.
The department’s work in protected vegetable production revolves around applied research, student training, and collaboration with industry. Research concentrates on optimising production techniques, improving environmental control systems, and developing sustainable practices that increase water-use efficiency, nutrient management, and integrated pest control. Studies also investigate crop responses to controlled environments, bio-stimulants, and alternative growing substrates, ensuring that findings directly contribute to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in commercial production systems.
A key research focus in the department is the effect of pre-harvest management on post-harvest quality. By refining pre-harvest practices such as nutrient application, irrigation scheduling, climate control, and integrated disease management, researchers aim to enhance shelf-life, texture, flavour, and nutritional quality of vegetables grown under protection. These studies explore the relationship between environmental factors, physiological stress responses, and post-harvest deterioration, ensuring that pre-harvest interventions reduce losses and improve marketability.
Postgraduate students in Agronomy participate in research projects that tackle industry challenges, including enhancing nutrient management through innovative greenhouse technologies, optimising irrigation and climate control strategies, and integrating biological pest management solutions. These projects are frequently conducted in collaboration with industry stakeholders and the HortiDemoCentre, which serves as a practical platform for showcasing the latest protected cropping technologies and climate-smart practices.
In addition to research, the department places significant emphasis on skills development and training for students in protected cultivation. MSc and Postgraduate Diploma students gain hands-on experience in climate-controlled cropping systems, learning to manage temperature, humidity, and light intensity to promote crop growth. Students also receive training in soilless cultivation techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics, ensuring they acquire expertise in high-tech and resource-efficient farming methods.
Collaboration with industry is vital in strengthening the department’s research on protected vegetable production. Strong partnerships with commercial growers, technology providers, and research institutions facilitate applied trials, technology testing, and knowledge exchange. These collaborations help bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that research outcomes contribute to enhancing productivity and sustainability in South Africa’s produce sector.
Through innovative research, student training, and industry engagement, the Department of Agronomy remains at the forefront of protected vegetable crop production, equipping graduates with the expertise required to drive sustainable, high-yield vegetable farming in an era of climate change and resource constraints.
The Conservation Agriculture (CA) research theme in the Department of Agronomy focuses on sustainable and regenerative farming systems that enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve resource efficiency. Core principles of CA include minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diverse crop rotations.
Our research investigates the agronomic and ecological benefits of CA, with a particular focus on its role in improving soil fertility, water retention, and resilience to climate change. We also explore the integration of CA within crop-livestock systems and assess its economic viability for small grain production in southern Africa—especially in the Western Cape, where most grain farmers have adopted CA practices.
Through field experiments, we aim to generate practical insights and scientific evidence to support CA adoption. Collaborations with industry partners and farmers ensure our research remains relevant and impactful, driving the advancement of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Links:
1. Tillage practices affect weeds differently in monoculture vs. crop rotation
2. Nitrogen fertiliser demand of canola is low when produced in conservation agriculture systems in South Africa
3. Can biostimulants and tillage rotations improve dryland crop productivity and soil microbes?
4. Tillage rotation and biostimulants can compensate for reduced synthetic agrochemical application in a dryland
Cropping system
General Information: This research-intensive doctoral programme (minimum two years) allows students to conduct original, high-impact research in areas like precision agriculture, crop genetics, or sustainable land use. Candidates work closely with supervisors to contribute new knowledge to the field.
Career Opportunities: Graduates typically enter academia, agricultural research institutions, or high-level consultancy roles. Many lead R&D departments in agribusinesses or work with international agricultural bodies like the FAO.
Admission Requirements:
1. MScAgric or equivalent in a relevant field.
2. Submission of a research proposal and departmental approval.
3. Demonstrated research capability (e.g., prior publications).
General Information: This one to two-year Master of Science in Agriculture (MScAgric) programme focuses on advanced research in crop production, soil management, and sustainable farming systems. Students engage in independent research, covering topics like weed control, irrigation strategies, and crop stress physiology, while developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Career Opportunities: Graduates work as agricultural researchers, agronomy specialists, farm managers, or consultants in private agribusinesses, government agencies, and international agricultural organisations. Many also pursue PhD studies or roles in agricultural policy development.
Admission Requirements:
1. BScAgric or equivalent with 60% average in final-year modules.
2. Strong background in agronomy, soil science, or related fields.
3. Research proposal approval by the department.
General Information: For one-year this course is suitable for graduates seeking advanced expertise in crop production, precision agriculture, or sustainable farming systems. Modules focus on advanced agronomy, research methods, and specialised topics like weed science, crop physiology, or agroecology.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can advance into roles such as senior agronomists, agricultural researchers, or farm consultants, working in agri-tech companies, research institutions, or government extension services.
Admission Requirements:
1. Any undergraduate degree!
2. Minimum academic performance as specified by the faculty
