Due to rising resource costs and increasing extreme weather events, South African farmers require practical agronomic solutions. The SASDC Plant Nutrition Symposium, taking place on November 19 and 20, 2026, in Stellenbosch, will bring together global experts, cutting-edge research, and proven strategies for obtaining effective agronomic solutions applicable directly at the farm level.
Michael Southwood, founder of the Agri Vision Foundation and organizer of the SASDC Plant Nutrition Symposium, emphasized that cross-border cooperation among the 15 member countries of SASDC is crucial for building sustainable food systems. He explained that the exchange of scientific data, technical tools, and field experience allows producers—from large commercial operators to novice farmers—to optimize yields and improve export quality.
With the participation of over 30 global and local agricultural companies, the symposium presents advanced research from Europe, America, Asia, and Australasia, adapted to the unique growing conditions in South Africa. Southwood stressed that successful crop nutrition requires moving away from rigid formulas toward a holistic, highly specialized approach.
He noted: 'We will look not only at fertilizer types but also at what happens if you do not apply them correctly, in the right quantities; for example, water-soluble fertilizers applied in the correct amount of water, you will not get results.'
Under El Niño forecasts, which predict a temperature increase of 2.5°C–3.5°C alongside prolonged droughts and strong winds, plant stress management has become a daily operational task. Southwood pointed out that preventative nutrition, including cover crops, mulching, and biostimulants, can protect plants from intense heat, drought, and late frosts.
Southwood explained that these products increase the plant's photosynthetic capacity, boost carbohydrate content, allowing the plant to produce a large amount of sugars to counteract these biotic and abiotic stresses. Applying biostimulants before and after extreme weather events enhances photosynthetic efficiency, enabling plants to maintain growth, preserve fruit quality, and withstand severe environmental shocks.
Although South Africa possesses world-class laboratories for testing soil, sap, and DNA pathogens, Southwood noted that neighboring SASDC countries offer valuable knowledge in economically viable, organic, and semi-organic soil management. He added: 'Every five years, research results double, and we can learn a lot from each other. From a practical standpoint, I would say that if participants leave the symposium, they will need practical tools to implement the studied material.'
In addition to providing immediate practical benefits to delegates, participation in the event supports a broader regional mission. Revenues are directly channeled into the operational activities of the Agri Vision Foundation, contributing to food security, entrepreneurship, and community development in poor rural areas.
The SASDC Plant Nutrition Symposium will take place on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20, 2026, at the Protea Hotel, Technopark, Stellenbosch, with regional delegates able to connect online. To book places or request the program, please contact Marilise Kotsi at symposium@southerncrosstrust.com or via WhatsApp at 082 261 1598.
