The importance of the fertiliser advisory service to the sugar industry

The aims of the Fertiliser Advisory Service (FAS) of the South African Sugar Association Experiment Station (SASEX) are reviewed. The performance of the FAS laboratory tvas assessed for efficiency, quality of results and number of samples processed. A trend analysis showed that the number of samples received from growers during the past few years was less than had been expected. The resulting loss of revenue, due in part to the drought years experienced, has affected the viability of the FAS as a User Pays Entity (UPE). However, the overall benefits of the FAS should outweigh the cost to the industry.