About
Us
United by our shared dedication to advancing growers’ success, we are a team passionate about bridging the gap between current agricultural practices and optimal outcomes. Our mission involves integrating diverse facets of crop nutrition to amplify effectiveness and enhance value for both the crop and the farm.
We anchor ourselves in unwavering values that bind us together as individuals and form the bedrock of our company. Rooted in science and grounded in nature, our commitment extends to irrigation scheduling, fertigation, and comprehensive crop nutrition strategies, all underpinned by rigorous science-based research. Our approach is not about reinventing the wheel but about infusing practical recommendations with scientific precision, addressing challenges from the root level to the implementation of both short- and long-term strategies.
Boasting over 50 years of collective experience, each team member brings unique expertise and collaborates with strategic partners. This synergy allows us to deliver a service we take pride in—one that aligns with our passion and encompasses a broader spectrum of offerings. Beyond our core focus on crop nutrition, we extend our support to encompass a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern agriculture. From innovative irrigation solutions to advanced tools, we provide a holistic suite of services that empower growers at every stage of their journey. With a commitment to excellence, we strive to cultivate success in every field we touch.
Our
Team
Dirk Sutherland
Earning his BSc degree in Viticulture and Enology with additional subjects in Soil Science and Plant Pathology from Stellenbosch University. He began his career as a viticulturist for Orange River Wine Cellars and Dried Fruit Technical Services under the direction of Henning Burger. After which he worked for Omnia as an agronomist in the Western Cape, where he developed his specialty and passion. He received intensive training in fertigation and was the exclusive agronomist for some of South Africa’s biggest and best farmers. After 10 years, Dirk decided to offer his value and passion directly to growers through Rooted.
Frank van den Heever
Originally from the Northern Cape, Frank obtained a BSc Degree in Agricultural from the University of the Free State. His passion for agriculture and people is what has led to his involvement with some of South Africa’s biggest and most successful farmers for the past 30 years. During his years as an agronomist for Yara in the Western Cape, he played a key role in the establishment of both irrigation and fertilization programs, developing crop-specific withdrawal figures as well as running soil fertility programs. The partnership between Frank van den Heever and Rooted is what enables us to address all aspects of plant nutrition.
Johan van der Bank
Johan started his career in 2017 as an irrigation designer and technical consultant within the Spilhaus Group. After entering the world of informatics in 2020 with the idea of bridging the gap between agriculture and technology, he moved to Southeast Asia where he started studying BSc Computer Science while working for various institutes – including research and development for the YPB Group. Since returning to South Africa in early 2022, Johan has mainly been involved in developing cross-platform applications and data analytics in the agriculture sector.