Research and student training at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences received a major boost earlier this month with the donation of a Lindsay Zimmatic 9500P centre pivot irrigation system, valued at about R1 million, to the university’s Mariendahl research farm.
Photo: Jeanne van der Merwe
This is the first centre pivot irrigator at any of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) agricultural research and teaching sites, and Prof Pieter Swanepoel, chairperson of SU’s Department of Agronomy, said it would create new opportunities to explore and apply cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
The Zimmatic 9500P is one of Lindsay’s top-of-the-range models and integrates with its FieldNET farm management system, widely used by Zimmatic customers as well as other manufacturers’ pivots and other irrigation equipment.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on 16 October, Swanepoel said the donation and installation of the system, with a coverage of 13ha, “will play a vital role in building capacity and advancing research on technologies that support sustainable agricultural practices.
“This system provides us with a living laboratory; a space where we can enhance crop and pasture productivity, improve water-use efficiency, and strengthen resilience in agriculture. It will enable us to pursue applied research that not only addresses industry challenges but also positions Lindsay at the forefront of innovation in irrigation and precision agriculture.”
Swanepoel was particularly excited about the potential for interdisciplinary research brought about by the installation, which could connect expertise across pasture agronomy, animal science, soil and water science, plant pathology, and other disciplines.
“The pivot will also serve as a training and research hub for postgraduate students and undergraduate practicals and a space for industry engagement and community outreach through workshops, farmers’ days, and joint research initiatives,” he said.
He added that it was important for SU graduates to become familiar and comfortable with the latest technology that is used in the sector.
There was a strong focus on collaboration between industry and academia at the handover, with Prof Danie Brink, dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences, pointing out assistance received from the pig and poultry industries to upgrade training facilities.
Prof Sibusiso Moyo, SU’s deputy vice-chancellor for research, innovation, and postgraduate studies, said industry collaboration was crucial within the context of the underfunded higher education sector in South Africa.
Given the overdependence on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, she said the question was how a university remained at the cutting edge of innovation. “In the end, we have to do it ourselves,” she added.
Brink said SU was about to embark on an extensive overhaul of its agrisciences faculty to improve cross-disciplinary collaboration, as well as extensive upgrades to its research and teaching facilities.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, he said this would include the development of an agricultural research and training centre at the university’s Welgevallen experimental farm, valued at R1 billion and due for completion in 2028.
“At 18 000m2, it will represent the biggest agricultural research complex in Africa and will include 26 modern laboratories, grouped along strategic focus areas and complemented by world-class greenhouse, growing room, quarantine, and post-harvest facilities,” he added.
