A passion for irrigation and computer models

Abstract

Louis Ehlers wanted to be a scientist since his school years in the small town of Bloemhof just across the Free State border in North West. The town lies right next to the Bloemhof Dam, that forms the centre of an irrigation farming community. Louis did not grow up on one of these farms. Landing in soil science during his first year of study at the Free State University was the result of a farmer friend’s advice. His consequent growing interest in the more specialised field of irrigation had much to do with pioneer soil scientist Professor Alan Bennie. “Die Oubaas” – which is how Louis Ehlers between wheat plantings on his latest research project’s trial plot outside Bloemfontein. Louis and two fellow soil scientists from the Free State University are investigating the effect of deteriorating irrigation water quality on crop growth. Louis calls his biggest source of academic inspiration – is now mostly retired from his lecturing post at the same university.

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