Granddaughter Kate Graham helping to sort the tomato crop. The cost of desalinating and pumping has yet to be evaluated. Tomatoes are the most salt-tolerant of vegetables, but growth rates are slowed once the TDS exceeds 1000ppm, and fruit size also appears to be affected. We are seeking other produce which can cope with our water, and which is saleable and profitable. The salt problem was never anticipated, and coping with this is taking time which should be used for crop care and the quiet observations so necessary to spot the pests before they exploit our distractions.
Salt is an issue which has to be faced.
The clearing sins of our fathers are being visited on their children of today. This generation has the task of finding solutions, and hydroponics could help find answers. On one hectare of our property, which previously yielded a bale of hay, a fleece and maybe a lamb or two every year, we are growing up to 5000 plants and developing a body of knowledge which may come in use for others confronting the spectre of salt. In any case, we've invested too much in time and dollars to give up now. Us - Email Casper Copyright 2001 Capser Publications .