Chapters 5.27

5.27 -use of Tal-Ya tray for fruit trees as a sustainable, low cost, low labour practice for subsistence farmers in Africa

Tara Preston, University of Guelph, Canada

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Preston,T. (2022) use of Tal-Ya tray for fruit trees as a sustainable, low cost, low labour practice for subsistence farmers in Africa, In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Water Scarcity in Africa

Water scarcity impacts one in every three Africans, and specifically 400 million sub-Saharan Africans are unable to receive access to drinking water (Holtz and Golubski, 2021). Because water access is often restricted in these countries, only roughly six percent of all farmland in Africa is irrigation (IFPRI, 2010). The need for new technologies and methods to aid in this crisis are in demand; however, there is a lack of resources, education, and money to invest in these advanced technologies (IFPRI, 2010). Tal-Ya trays were designed to aid in this issue, as they are easy to use and relatively affordable. The main cause of crop failure in arid climates is due to dry periods, where between 50-70% of rain does not reach plant roots before it is evaporated (Rockström and Falkenmark, 2015). This is a concern in the agriculture sector because many farmers rely on rainfall as their main source for watering plants. Subtropical Africa has very few “blue water” sources, such as rivers and lakes, and therefore 95% of farmers solely rely on “green water,” which is the moisture held in soils from the rain (Rockström and Falkenmark, 2015).

Climate Change

By 2050 the Sub-Saharan African population is projected to double (Rockström and Falkenmark, 2015). With many African countries already experiencing water shortages, combined with increased population growth and ongoing climate change, Africa is expected to get warmer and drier (UNEP, 2012). Since 2012, undernourishment in people living in drought-prone areas of Africa, such as Saharan Africa, has increased by 45.6%, which is problematic given that many Africans rely on agriculture as their main source of income (UNFCCC, 2020). The IPCC predicts that with the projected temperature increase, there is a higher risk of crop production and food security failure (UNFCCC, 2020). Women will be the most impacted by climate change in African countries as approximately half of the female population in developing countries are involved in agriculture (UNFCCC, 2020). Integrating simple and affordable technologies such as the Tal-Ya tray can help buffer the impacts of increased temperature and decreased precipitation for African farmers.

What are Tal-Ya trays

Tal-Ya trays were developed and produced by an Israeli-based company; they are made of polypropylene plastic trays that are square and concave shaped (Figure 1) (Knoop et al., 2012; Leichmann, 2019). The material used is from non-PET recycled plastic with the addition of limestone additive and UV filters (Knoop et al., 2012; Leichmann, 2019). Furthermore, the purpose of this product is to provide a microclimate around fruit trees that collects dew during the night and condensation during the day (VENS, 2020). Dew forms from the process of vapourized water condensation and formation of small droplets of water on cool surfaces (Micalizio, 2013). Condensation is the chemical process of water droplets forming when humid air comes in contact with a cool surface (Rutledge et al. 2011). Taking advantage of these two chemical processes (dew and condensation) are great for arid climates, such as parts of Africa, that may not receive repetitive rainfall events (Micalizio, 2013).

How to install and use Tal-Ya trays

Tal-Ya trays are 55 cm by 72 cm in size and are lightweight, making the process of set-up and transportation easy (Knoop et al., 2012). After installation, minimal maintenance is required and the product can last 6-10 years before needing replacement (Knoop et al., 2012). Individual trays cost $3 (USD) each and are easy to use and install by farmers, as quickly as 1 minute per tree (VENS, 2020; Agassi, n.d). To install a tray the following steps are required:

1. Flatten and level desired area and discard any weeds;

2. Open and place the tray around the tree;

3. Scatter soil around the edges of the trays;

4. If using on hillsides or in extreme weather conditions, secure the trays with pegs or nails in the pre-made holes along the edges of the trays (Tal-Ya, 2020).

Integrating Tal-Ya trays into subsistence farming, especially for fruit trees

Fruit production has a higher income value when compared to cereals, root crops, and legume grain crops, especially in developing nations (FAO, 2017; Raney et al., 2011). This specifically applies to women and children involved in subsistence farming. The cultivation and maintenance of fruit crops are usually a woman’s task, allowing her to earn income that goes towards her family (Perasso, 2017). Conversely, fruit agriculture usually requires greater labour and increased water requirements which the use of Tal-Ya trays may alleviate (FAO, 2017). Tal-Ya trays increase the yield, quality, and developmental timing of fruits, while decreasing the need for herbicides, fertilizers, and water (VENS, 2020; Leichmann, 2019). It decreases the need for fertilizer because the tray prevents continuous disturbance to the soil surrounding the fruit tree, ultimately limiting the movement of nutrients that could leach beyond the root system (VENS, 2020). Herbicide use is also lessened because the Tal-Ya trays accelerate fruit growth and serves as an alternative to weed-killer around the most viable roots of the fruit tree (limiting nutrient competition) (IEICI, 2014). Furthermore, many farmers in Africa, specifically East and Northwest Africa, are required to farm on hillsides which often correlates to soil erosion. Adding Tal-Ya trays on hillside farms promotes soil conservation and prevents erosion and salinization (Knoop et al., 2012). Because the Tal-Ya trays reduce evaporation and promote dew formation, salt from brackish water rarely surfaces, and salts are often washed down below the root system (Knoop et al., 2012; Agassi, n.d). Furthermore, the trays allow for water to be concentrated towards the root zone for uptake, thus leading to less run-off and erosion (Knoop et al., 2012). Tal-Ya trays produce a microclimate and prevent weeds from growing near and around the crop, which means the demand for manual weeding and the exposure to pesticides will lesson (Knoop et al. 2012). With the high value of fruit farming, the investment of Tal-Ya trays will be easily recovered.

The overall cost-benefit analysis

Tal-Ya trays can be recycled when they are ready to be disposed of in most areas of Africa (VENS, 2020). The design of the tray allows sunlight to be reflected into the fruit tree canopy increasing photosynthesis, the process of creating energy in plants (VENS, 2020). Economically, the cost of these trays ($3 USD each) can be recovered within 1-2 years (VENS, 2021; Agassi, n.d). Other sources claim that the return on investment can be achieved within the initial growing season because of fertilizer savings, water efficiency, and improved crop productivity (Tree Trays, 2017). Therefore, the lifespan of these trays and the amount of time it takes to recover the expense is well worth the investment. Moreover, the installation of these trays also saves money on the use of chemical, mechanical, and manual weeding practices because the demand for weed control is well reduced (Agassi, n.d). Also, because the trays produce and prevent water loss, the demand for water or irrigation is reduced, leading to less salt accumulation on the soil surface (Agassi, n.d.).

Negative implications and Alternative products

Indigenous practices, before products like the Tal-Ya tray, consisted of placing porous rocks around a crop to collect dew (Kloosterman, 2009). This technique is effective and very cheap, but it is labour intensive and requires heavy lifting. Since the fruit industry in Africa often consists of women, this indigenous practice may not be used by many fruit farmers. The design of Tal-Ya trays was taken from this ancient practice and developed into an easier and lighter product that can be used by all (Kloosterman, 2009).

Another indigenous practice used for water conservation is the Negarim microcatchment concept; basins are created and shaped like a diamond surrounded by embarkments made of soil (FAO, n.d). In the corner of each basin, water is collected into holes or pits and infiltrated into the root zone of the soil (FAO, n.d). This technique is useful for conserving water, but it does not decrease pesticide use/exposure and is only appropriate in semi-arid and high rainfall environments (UF Berlin, n.d). Another downside to this technique is that the soil must be deep enough for the construction of the water-collecting pits and requires continuous maintenance to prevent soil erosion and other vegetation from growing (UF Berlin, n.d). It is costly and takes one day to build two units, whereas the installation of one Tal-Ya tray takes one minute (FAO, n.d).

Groasis Waterboxx® is another product consisting of a box that captures and stores rainwater around a plant (PopTech, 2010). This product can store water that will feed a plant for an entire year (PopTech, 2010). However, a downside of this product is that it is difficult to use on hillsides (PopTech, 2010). One Groasis Waterboxx® costs $38 (USD) which is relatively expensive for a farmer in Africa (Groasis, 2021).

Another product competing with Tal-Ya trays is plastic mulch. It is applied around crops to increase soil temperature, weed control, and decrease water evaporation (Eisen, 2011). Conversely, it is an expensive product and unfortunately prevents rainfall from penetrating through to the soil (Eisen, 2011). Additionally, it is labour intensive and expensive for setting up and removal and must be replaced more often than Tal-Ya trays (Eisen, 2011). Because rainfall cannot penetrate through the plastic mulch, run-off, and contamination into surrounding environments is a concern (Eisen, 2011).

There is a concern of Tal-Ya trays breaking or cracking in the hot sun. Tal-Ya trays contain an aluminum additive that protects the trays from temperature fluctuations between day and night (Kloosterman, 2009). Moreover, the plastic material is UV protected allowing it to handle harsh full sunlight (Tree Tray, 2017). Tal-Ya trays can be shipped to African farmers but there is currently no distribution center located there. They are currently sold in Israel, Chile, Georgia, the U.S, Sri Lanka, and China (Tal-Ya, n.d). However, a nearly identical product is sold in South Africa called Tree-Trays.

Additional information and resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eoPFj_WbF0 Introduction into the Tal-Ya Agriculture Solutions including benefits and features of the product

https://www.treetrays.co.za Alternative product to Tal-Ya trays sold in Africa

https://www.treetrays.co.za/buy-now/ Website that takes you to order Tree-trays (an alternative product sold in Africa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOmyUkDfliY Video showing how to easily install Tal-Ya trays

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323656690_Securing_Water_and_Land_in_the_Tana_Basin_a_resource_book_for_water_managers_and_practitioners Short book containing multiple water conserving techniques adapted by developing countries including Tal-Ya trays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJCCXaIz3xc Information on an alternative product called the Groasis Waterboxx®

https://manualzz.com/doc/6714975/tal-ya-user-guideline Tal-Ya user manual with set-up and maintenance instructions

References

1. Agassi, M. (n.d.). Advantages of the use of Tal Ya trays in the agricultural system. Tal-Ya Water Technologies Ltd. Retrieved from http://www.tal-ya.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Advantages-of-the-use-of-TalYa-trays-in- the-agricultural-system.pdf

2. Eisen, R. (2011). The Ubiquitous use of Plastic Mulch in Organic Systems. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/oacc/en-home/about/about-oacc/documents/newspaper-articles/newsarticles-2011/newsarticle-2011-plastic-mulch.html

3. Falkenmark, M. (1989). The Massive Water Scarcity Now Threatening Africa: Why Isn't It Being Addressed? AMBIO, 18(2), 112–missing 118. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/4313541.pdf

4. FAO (n.d.) Water harvesting techniques. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/u3160e/u3160e07.htm

5. FAO (2017) The future of food and agriculture Trends and challenges. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/i6583e/i6583e.pdf

6. UF Berlin (n.d.) Microcatchment water harvesting. Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Retrieved from https://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/v/iwrm/Implementation/technical_measures/Water-harvesting-techniques/micro_catchment/index.html

7. UF Berlin (n.d.) Main characteristics, benefits, disadvantages and resilience to climate variability. Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Retrieved from https://www.geo.fuberlin.de/en/v/iwrm/Implementation/technical_measures/Water-harvesting-techniques/micro_catchment/main_benefits_disadvantages_micro/index.html

8. Groasis. (2021). Waterboxx® plant cocoon 3-pack. Retrieved from https://www.groasis.com/shop/consumers/plant-trees-in-a-water-saving-way/waterboxx-3-pack.html

9. Holtz, L., and Golubski, C. 2021. Addressing Africa’s extreme water insecurity. Brookings, Washington, DC. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2021/07/23/addressing-africas-extreme-water-insecurity/

10. IFPRI (2010) IFPRI study examines the dimensions of Africa’s irrigation problem. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC. Retrieved from a. https://www.ifpri.org/blog/irrigating-africa

11. IEICI (2014) Israel’s Agro-technologies. The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, , Tel-Aviv, Israel. Retrieved from http://www.export.gov.il/uploadfiles/06_2014/georgiadel.pdf

12. Knoop, L., Sambalino, F., & Steenbergen, F, V. (2012). 4.9. In Securing Water and Land in the Tana Basin: a resource book for water managers and practitioners (pp. 70-71). Essay, 3R Water Secretariat. Wageningen, Netherlands. Retrieved from a. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323656690_Securing_Water_and_Land_in_the_Tana_Basin_a_resource_book_for_water_managers_and_practitioners

13. Leichman, A. K. (2019). The top 12 ways Israel is feeding the world. Israel21C. Retrieved from https://www.israel21c.org/the-top-12-ways-israel-feeds-the-world/

14. Leichman, A. K. (2020). Why the future of Agriculture Lies in Israel’s Desert. Weizmann Institute of Science. Retrieved from https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/in-the-news/why-the-future- of-agriculture-lies-in-israel-s- desert/

15. Micalizio, C. S. (2013). Dew. In Resource library. National Geographic, Washington, DC. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/dew/.

16. Otieno, F., Ocheing, G. (2004). Water management tools as a means of averting a possible water scarcity in South Africa by the year 2025. Water SA, 30(5), 120-124. a. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wsa/article/view/5181

17. Perasso, V. (2017). 100 Women: Are rural women smashing the glass ceiling of agriculture? BBC, London, United Kingdom. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-41366255

18. Photo of Tal-Ya tray on tree. (n.d.). Israël Science Info. Retrieved from https://www.israelscienceinfo.com/en/environnement/tal-ya-israel-recupere-la-rosee-pour-faire-fleurir-le-desert/.

19. PopTech. (2010). Pieter Hoff’s Groasis waterboxx. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJCCXaIz3xc

20. Raney, T., Anriquez, G., Croppenstedt, A., Gerosa, S., Lowder, S., Matuscke, I., Skoet, J., and Doss, C. (2011). The role of women in agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. https://www.fao.org/3/am307e/am307e00.pdf

21. Rockström, J., & Falkenmark, M. (2015). Agriculture: Increase water harvesting in Africa. Nature, 519, 283-285.

22. https://www.nature.com/articles/519283a

23. Rutledge, K., Ramroop, T., Boudreau, D., McDaniel, M., Teng, S., Sprout, E., Costa, H., Hall, H. and Hunt, J. (2011). Condensation. In Resource library. National Geographic, Washington, DC. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/condensation/

24. Tal-Ya tree tray. Tec2B Advanced Innovative Solutions. (2020). Tal-Ya, Western Cape, South Africa. Retrieved from https://tec2b.co.za/tal-ya-tree-tray/

25. Tree Trays. (n.d). Help Young Trees Grow Faster. Tree Trays, South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.treetrays.co.za

26. UNFCCC (2020) Climate Change Is an Increasing Threat to Africa. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change., Geneve, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/news/climate-change-is-an-increasing-threat-to-africa

27. UNEP (2012) Climate Change Challenges for Africa. United Nations Environmental Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved from https://wedocs.unep.org/rest/bitstreams/14750/retrieve

28. USDA (n.d.) Income elasticity of fruit intake by country (ordered by elasticity value for women, age 80). (n.d.). USDA. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/charts/85565/November17_Data_Feature_Meade_fig04.png?v=606.9.

29. VENS. (2020). What is Tal Ya Tray. Times of Agriculture, Hyderabad, Telanagana. Retrieved from https://timesofagriculture.com/what-is-tal-ya-tray/