SA’s Pratley strikes again.
Exactly fifty two years ago, on 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. But he had a little help from a sticky South African invention.
Pratley Putty, invented by Krugersdrop resident George Montague (Monty) Pratley, was used by NASA on the space craft.
Initially introduced to the market as Pratley Plastic Putty, the South African invention was used to attach some component of the landing craft, and was carried by astronauts in case repairs were needed on the moon.
This year, Pratley is back again but in cannabis farming
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has unveiled a masterplan to industrialise and commercialise the R28 billion cannabis industry. The masterplan focuses on the cultivation of hemp and marijuana. South Africa legalised marijuana for personal use in 2018, setting the wheels in motion for the government’s masterplan to regulate and formalise the industry.
This has resulted in cannabis becoming a key focus for sustainable farming practices. Thus, a Perlite-based horticultural growing medium like Pratley Grolite stands to play a major role in the burgeoning cannabis farming sector. “Using this product is a highly cost-efficient means to boost yields for sustainable small-scale and large-scale farming practices,” comments Pratley Marketing Director Eldon Kruger.
Pratley Grolite is available nationwide in various grade sizes to cater for specific blends. The fact that it is free of weeds and pathogenic microbes makes it an ideal horticultural growing medium. In addition, it promotes water drainage while still retaining an ideal moisture content level in the root zone.
Pratley actively produces and processes a local mineral called Perlite, which is actually a volcanic glass. The Perlite raw material is processed in proprietary furnaces to produce products like Grolite® that enhance agricultural practices and increase crop yields. Tiny micropores on the surface of the expanded Perlite particles capture nutrients and water molecules.
The capillary action in the voids between the particles ensures uniform distribution of water and nutrients, resulting in consistent crops. Grolite® also maintains optimal soil aeration. This is a critical factor in normal plant growth, as the supply of oxygen to roots in adequate quantities is essential for healthy plants.
Pratley Grolite is processed at temperatures in excess of 950°C, resulting in a completely sterile and safe product. Unlike ordinary horticultural Perlites, the strong surface structure of Pratley Grolite® means it does not deteriorate during transportation or when it is mixed. This unique feature means hydroponic farmers, for example, can reuse the product for more than one season, increasing its cost-effectiveness.
SEED INC asks Eldon where to from here;
- What made Pratley decide to first move into the cannabis space?
Our Grolite is used as a growing medium for seedlings by many nurseries across the country, who grows a wide variety of plants. The cannabis growers saw the potential and advantages of growing in Grolite and started using Grolite with great success.
- What do you see the benefits of legalization being for the South African economy?
We have seen an upsurge in the sale of Grolite and I personally think the change in legislation will add growth to an already struggling economy. It will create jobs for the unemployed and put food on the table for those who desperately need an income.
- As we call it at SEED INC, Pratley is clearly a Cannapreneur, and forging ahead with Pratley Grolite and the cannabis boom, what advice can you share with SEED INC readers on how they can achieve their goals?
Our Policy Statement at Pratley states the following: “The performance of our products must exceed all others on the World Market.” This is quite a bold statement to make, and we believe in the quality of our Grolite. Seedling growers can be assured that they are using a high-quality growing medium that has the potential to improve their yield and add value to their nurseries and ultimately increase their profits.
- Is Pratley Grolite being used in the agricultural sector/cannabis industry already and have you received positive feedback?
We constantly get positive feedback from growers using our Grolite and they always attest to having healthy seedlings. A good indication for us is; that all our new customers always return to purchase more Grolite as they experience the benefits of using Grolite.
- What is next on the cards for Pratley Grolite?
We are constantly seeking out new markets for our Grolite and ultimately would like to see every seedling grower in South Africa use Grolite. We are also expanding internationally and have seen a steady increase in sales into Africa.
About Pratley
Established in 1948 by George ‘Monty’ Pratley, the various companies in the Pratley stable rest on a foundation of research and innovation in both the manufacturing and mining sectors. The various Pratley companies, drawing from 73 years of experience, have filed over 350 patents worldwide, and are ISO 9001 certified. Operating divisions are Pratley Adhesives, Pratley Electrical, Pratley Minerals, Pratley Craft & Decoupage, and Select Hairdressing Supplies.
