The Experts

Soil testing from the sky closer to reality

10 February 2020

Hill country farms cover a wide range of varying land slopes, aspects, soil properties and altitudes, all of which influence the potential productivity of pastures. Even within a single paddock, significant differences in soil fertility occur, translating to variability in fertiliser responsiveness. Capturing soil fertility through remote sensing on a scale previously unthinkable offers the opportunity to transform nutrient use and productivity for hill country farms.

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The Experts

The proof is in the pudding: WFST

10 February 2020

The alternative practice of Whole Farm Soil Testing (WFST) is a responsible approach to nutrient management. ARL’s analysis of accumulated laboratory data has shown that it improves nutrient management by reducing nutrient variation between paddocks.

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The Experts

The rise of soil testing

10 February 2020

The increasing requirement for improved nutrient management in soils has seen an 81% increase in soil tests ordered by farmers. Whether motivated by economics or environmental efficiencies, ARL’s soil sample numbers present a significant uptake in precision agriculture and farmer nutrient know-how.

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The Experts

NPS: creating a win-win-win

10 February 2020

Hawke’s Bay farmer Will Foley has had a bit of experience with environmental regulation. Recently elected to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council and a past Federated Farmers provincial president for Hawke's Bay, he talks about how the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management consultation document has been received in his neck of the woods.

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