@misc{GeldenhuysLoetzeVeste, author = {Geldenhuys, Heinrich and L{\"o}tze, Elmi and Veste, Maik}, title = {Fruit Quality and Yield of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in Orchards with Different Windbreaks in the Western Cape, South Africa}, series = {Erwerbs-Obstbau}, volume = {65 (2023)}, journal = {Erwerbs-Obstbau}, number = {4}, issn = {1439-0302}, doi = {10.1007/s10341-022-00725-3}, pages = {959 -- 969}, abstract = {Windbreaks, trees, structures, and shade nets are used in South Africa to protect citrus orchards from wind scar damage to avoid major losses in export quality. Severe southeasterly winds in the Western Cape during spring and summer are the main causes of significant external peel damage. In this study, wind scar damage of 'Tango' mandarin (Citrus reticulata) fruit was quantified at different distances from established Casuarina cunninghamiana (Beefwood) and Populus simonii (Chinese Poplar) windbreaks around Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. The yield efficiency was not significantly affected by distance from the windbreak in either of the trials. Fruit at 2 H and 3 H had significantly lower ratios of total soluble solids to titratable acidity, but export standards for mandarins were still met. The wind speed was consistently higher at 16 H, compared with 3 H during summer. The highest packout (class 1 fruit) was observed near the windbreak (3 H) and decreased as the distance increased towards 10 H and 16 H. There were no significant differences for severe wind scar damage incidence between the distance treatments. Our results confirmed the impact of wind on external fruit quality and the limitation of tree-based windbreaks with an increase in distance, which partly supports the current movement towards full enclosure of orchards with shade nets.}, language = {en} } @incollection{VesteSheppardAbdulaietal., author = {Veste, Maik and Sheppard, Jonathan P. and Abdulai, Issaka and Ayisi, Kwabena K. and Borrass, Lars and Chirwa, Paxie W. and Funk, Roger}, title = {The Need for Sustainable Agricultural Land-Use Systems: Benefits from Integrated Agroforestry Systems}, series = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, booktitle = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, editor = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Viehberg, Finn A. and Veste, Maik}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-10947-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-10948-5_21}, pages = {587 -- 623}, abstract = {This chapter introduces the different agroforestry systems (AFSs) as part of the diversification of agricultural landscapes and gives examples of their use in different related crop production systems in southern Africa. The introduction of trees into agriculture has several benefits and can mitigate the effects of climate change. For example nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs contribute significantly to nutrient recycling and benefit soil conservation, which is particularly important for smallholder farms. In addition, shelterbelts play an important role in reducing wind speeds, and thus, evapotranspiration, and modifying the microclimatic conditions, which is an important factor for the adaptation of cropping systems to climate change. These integrated AFS landscapes provide important ecosystem services for soil protection, food security and for biodiversity. However, deficiencies in the institutional and policy frameworks that underlie the adoption and stimulus of AFS in the southern African region were identified. Furthermore, the following factors must be considered to optimise AFS: (1) selection of tree species that ensure maximum residual soil fertility beyond 3 years, (2) size of land owned by the farmer, (3) integrated nutrition management, where organic resources are combined with synthetic inorganic fertilisers and (4) tree-crop competition in the root zone for water.}, language = {en} }