The interesting job of Daan Brink involves visiting the various farms in the area in order to perform soil surveys. “We dig profile pits every 50, 75 or 100 metres apart and then examine the textural differences and soil characteristics of the various layers before allocating the soil name and type. Profile pits are usually 1,5m deep and are coded according to the South African soil classification standards. These codes are then used on maps in order to indicate the different soil areas.”

But Daan’s job goes far deeper than the soil itself and requires an accurate study of the soil’s potential for development. Farmers are particularly interested in establishing the most suitable fruit that will yield 100% in harvest. It is also the varied nature of such an investigation that makes the science of soil such an interesting practice. “When we get an enquiry from a farmer we start by visiting the farm for an examination of the soil’s potential. We then advise the farmers what needs to be done in order to achieve a maximum yield.”

“We also look at soil preparation and offer advice on the best location to source soil samples for the laboratory testing and chemical correction process. This is followed by a lengthy discussion on everything that is required to establish the orchard,” explains Daan.

Larger farms require a different kind of planning as there is usually more than one kind of fruit that needs to be indicated on the map. This is also where the climate and microclimate is taken into account in order to ensure that the right plant is planted on the best spot for a 100% yield. “ACI as a company assists the farmer with everything from soil analysis to tree manipulation and problem solving. We can do that because we are a team of qualified specialists in soil science horticulture and viticulture.”

Daan is passionate about his work and firmly believes that he has the best job in the country. “The process to assist the farmer goes from soil analysis right through to the planting and fertiliser stage."

"There is also plant manipulation, irrigation control and the offering of advice regarding the best type of fruit to grow with clearly defined guidelines as to the best position for planting the trees. At ACI we strive to build a long term relationship with the farmer and once we start the process the contract is never ending. We will continue to visit the farms on an annual basis to adjust fertiliser programs in order to assist with the chemical management of the orchard. Because we are selling our expertise, our aim is to strive for 100% accuracy because our reputation as a company is at stake,” notes Daan.

Maps are used extensively when assisting farmers with soil management. The company recently invested in AllyCAD and Civil Designer to help automate the tedious process of producing accurate maps for farmers in record time. These maps are then amended and adjusted regularly until the finished product is produced. “About three years ago we did everything by hand and spent many hours manually shading the various soil types and roads onto the maps. With AllyCAD it’s so easy to update a map with changes and the program has made our lives a lot simpler,” says Daan, laughing as he recalls how some of the wives would assist over weekends with colour shading to help meet deadlines.

Many of the ACI clients reside in neighbouring areas like Ceres, Stellenbosch and Grabouw but the company also has clients in Free State, Gauteng, Lesothu and even Chile. One of the recent projects that ACI has had the privilege to work on include the Lesothu vegetable project. “This rewarding project was a black empowerment initiative that required soil identification, farm planning and advice on the best drainage system to use on the farm. The community project was funded by government and we are pleased that we could offer the local team with some direction.”

Over the last three years Daan has worked on many assignments but clearly battles to single out a single initiative that stands out as his favourite. “That’s a difficult one because I have enjoyed every single project to date. The most rewarding feeling however is visiting a farm a year later and seeing a thriving orchard performing at 100%. This is what makes soil science so fantastic. When you see the result in practice year after year based on your scientific methods and calculations, there is no greater feeling in the entire world!”