Abstract
M.Sc.
Different agricultural practices of field melon cropping in the Vhembe Distrinct, north of
the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province, South Africa are investigated
in this study. To achieve sustainable agriculture, farm management practices must be
optimised and it is essential to understand the microbiological aspects and how they
interact. An initial fungal survey was undertaken in melon fields, of the fungal species
present in these soils and how the different management practices affect the filamentous
fungal population. Soil samples were also analysed for bacterial pathogens. Physical and
chemical soil properties were analysed. Farm management practices are discussed in
terms of conservation tillage, controlled traffic, permanent beds, versus conventional
tillage. Aspects that may assist in optimising processes towards becoming a biological
farmer are discussed, with the goal of encouraging farming to be more biological, by
working with nature, to promote sustainable agriculture for present and future
generations.