Archive: February 2024

At Agraforum NZ’s designated site A117-118 at the Southern Field Days site in Waimumu on Monday morning, a hive of activity unfolded as exhibitors geared up for the opening day today (14^th February). Various vehicles, including utes, trucks, trailers, and cranes, were in full swing, transporting everything from hay to brand new vehicles and an array of farming implements. Agraforum NZ, positioned at site A117-118 Agri Centre, was no exception, showcasing its contributions to the agricultural sector.

Southern Field Days President Steve Henderson, in discussing the event’s inclusivity, emphasised that it caters not only to farmers but also to a diverse audience. “There’s something here for everyone – there will be plenty of options if you’ve forgotten to buy your partner something for Valentine’s Day, which is on Wednesday,” he remarked with a laugh. “There’s lots going on inside, plenty going on in the tents, and then all the farming gear further out in the paddocks.”

Despite a relatively quiet site last week, Monday morning witnessed a surge in activity. Water was strategically spread to minimise dust as vehicles traversed the area, posts were erected, and marquees were meticulously set up.

Highlighting the logistical intricacies, Henderson remarked, “The logistics and the investment in getting everything to the site are pretty staggering. You’ve got stuff coming in from the North Island, a lot coming in from Canterbury. Even though we’re in Southland, there will be farmers here from further north, so exhibitors have to have gear here that caters for them as well.”

With all 760 sites sold out and 805 exhibitors, Henderson expressed optimism about the event’s success, targeting 14,000 to 15,000 visitors each day. This marks the first Southern Field Days in four years, following the cancellation in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“People will be keen to come along and see some new stuff on display and what’s changed since four years ago. Plus, it’s a good reason to get off the farm or out of the house,” Henderson added.

Gore, the hosting location, will witness its first temporary traffic lights for three days to ensure smooth traffic flow on the main roads leading to Waimumu.

Agraforum NZ will be showcasing its contributions in the Agri Centre to the bustling event. While the organising committee can control most aspects, weather remains beyond their influence. Henderson expressed confidence, stating, “It’s looking pretty good actually. We might get a bit of rain overnight on Wednesday, but other than that, it’s looking pretty dry. The site certainly isn’t going to get any worse by the looks of things.”

Check out Agraforum’s updated website to learn more about what they can bring to the table.

http://www.agraforum.co.nz

Southern Field Days

www.southernfielddays.co.nz

Contact Agraforum

Mobile: 0274 485 159
Email: allan@agraforum.co.nz

www.agraforum.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
P: 0274 587 724
www.mediapa.co.nz

Amidst the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand’s agriculture, Dr. Gordon Rajendram stands as a beacon of expertise and commitment in the realm of soil health. Armed with a Ph.D. from Waikato University and a wealth of experience garnered during his 22 years at AgResearch’s Ruakura Research Centre, Dr. Rajendram is a distinguished figure in the field of soil science.

A Pioneer in Soil Fertility:

Dr. Rajendram, with over 70 publications and six patents to his name, has been at the forefront of soil fertility research in New Zealand. His extensive contributions have been pivotal in advancing the agricultural industry. Notably, during his tenure at AgResearch, he developed two field-calibrated soil tests for Nitrogen and Sulphur, both integral components of the Overseer nutrient model used for agronomic advice nationwide.

Personalised Approach:

What sets Dr. Rajendram apart is his commitment to a personalised approach in his interactions with farmers. Believing in the importance of face-to-face communication, he continues to visit farms across New Zealand. This personal touch allows him to understand the specific challenges faced by each farmer, ensuring that his recommendations are tailored to their unique needs.

Independent Fertiliser Consultant:

Dr. Rajendram’s independence is a cornerstone of his consultancy services, bringing over 35 years of experience in analytical testing development, applied research, and consulting to farmers and fertiliser companies. Unlinked to any fertiliser company, he provides farmers with unbiased and expert advice. His dedication to offering the most accurate guidance aligns with his mission to help farmers enhance the quality of their soil and achieve sustainable success.

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture:

Dr. Rajendram’s commitment to sustainable farming practices is evident in his research on nutrient leaching, which has been incorporated into the Overseer nutrient model. This dedication extends beyond the laboratory, as he actively works towards helping New Zealand farmers maximise their soil potential for increased efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Conclusion:

In the dynamic landscape of New Zealand agriculture, Dr. Gordon Rajendram’s journey from pioneering soil fertility research to independent consulting showcases a lifelong commitment to the betterment of farming practices. His invaluable contributions, personalised approach, and unwavering dedication to sustainability make him a trusted advisor for farmers seeking to unlock the full potential of their soil for a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future.

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

www.mediapa.co.nz

By Fiona Stephen
Embark on a transformative journey just a scenic 40-minute drive from Auckland’s CBD by booking
the Bethells Beach Cottages Pavilion for your lectures, wellness events, and a variety of special
occasions. Nestled on the iconic West Coast, this 9 sq.mtr pavilion offers a natural luxury space that
promises to enhance and inspire the essence of your gathering.
Venue Highlights:
The Pavilion is not only a haven for wellness events but also a versatile space for birthdays, reunions, celebrations, and more. With a capacity to accommodate up to 70 seated guests, the pavilion is suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger events. It also serves as an ideal space for smaller conference groups, offering a unique iconic setting.

Wellness Offerings:
Immerse your participants in an atmosphere of serenity, breathe fresh salt air, listen to birdsong and waves and visions of natural beauty. The pavilion is the perfect setting for a range of wellness activities, ensuring a transformative experience for all. From yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Quong, meditation, shamanic, silent retreats and more. What would you as a practitioner like to bring to these surrounds?

Dining and Accommodation:
Enjoy various dining options for your group from our menu selection.
The Pavilion boasts a large commercial pizza oven, providing a unique handcrafted dining experience
that adds to the charm of your event. Accommodations are also available at the cottages, allowing
guests to extend their stay and truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this iconic West Coast beach while being true to yourself in relaxation and pampering.

Te Koinga Cottage, Turehu Cottage, Wairua Apartment and Wedding & Events Pavilion

Bethells Beach                Waitakere                  Auckland                     New Zealand

Contact Bethells Beach Cottages

+64 9 810 9581

info@bethellsbeach.com

www.bethellsbeach.com

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz

In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. Gordon Rajendram, a Hamilton-based soil scientist, in collaboration with Agraforum of Ashburton, introduces EL-I Tech’s Biodynamic Nitrogen (Bio N) as a groundbreaking biological approach to address nitrogen deficiency in New Zealand soils. This innovative approach to nitrogen fixation, pioneered in South Africa by Gerhard Vermaak and dubbed EL-I Tech involves the application of microbes and substrate through foliar spraying, facilitating the biological fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere for plant utilisation.

The trials, conducted in collaboration with Agraforum, took place on three dairy farms in mid-Canterbury from early November 2023 to the end of January 2024, spanning a 12-week period. The comprehensive study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bio N in comparison to traditional synthetic nitrogen (urea), focusing on pasture growth, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

On Eiffleton farm, where both Bio N and Urea were applied, Dr. Gordon Rajendram observed that Bio N exhibited comparable daily growth rates to Urea over a 9-week period. Moreover, the total pasture produced using Bio N slightly surpassed that of Urea, demonstrating its effectiveness in sustaining pasture growth.

Farm 1: Eiffleton farm

• Area: 210 hectares
• Peak Cows: ~750
• Bio N and Urea applied on 8 November 2023
• Grass growth measured by GrassCo. over 63-day period (9 weeks)

Table 1c: Total pasture produced over a 63-day period (kg dry matter/hectare)

Bio N (kg DM/hectare)	Urea (kg DM/hectare)
5103	4977

Similarly, on Farm 2 Maronan farm, Bio N, applied only once on 8th November 2023, demonstrated competitive growth rates with Urea over an 11-week period. The total pasture produced with Bio N exceeded that of Urea, showcasing its potential for cost-effective pasture management.

Farm 2: Maronan Farm

• Area: 125 hectares
• Peak Cows: 485
• Biodynamic N applied only once on 8 Nov 2023 and grass growth measured for 11 weeks, till 22 January 2024).  Cost is $80 per hectare.
• Urea applied at a rate of 18 kg N in granular form every round for ~ 21 days. Four rounds of urea applied, therefore 72 kg N applied within 11 weeks. Cost of urea N is $140 hectare.

Table 2c: Total pasture produced over a 77-day period (kg dry matter/hectare)

Time	Bio N (kg DM/hectare)	Urea (kg DM/hectare)
77 days	6160	5698

On the Alford Forest Area farm, where Bio N was applied only once on 27th November 2023, the results were consistent. Bio N offered comparable growth rates and kept a consistent total pasture production alongside Urea over 8 weeks.

Farm 3: Alford Forest Area

• Area: 125 hectares
• Peak Cows: 485
• Biodynamic N applied only once on 27 Nov 2023 and grass growth measured for 8 weeks, until 22 January 2024. Bio N cost is $80 per hectare.
• Urea applied at a rate of 18.4 kg N in granular form every round for ~ 21 days. Three rounds of urea applied, therefore 55 kg N applied within 8 weeks. Cost of urea N is $108 hectare.

Table 3c: Total pasture produced over a 64-day period (kg dry matter/hectare)

Time	Bio N (kg DM/hectare)	Urea (kg DM/hectare)
64 days	3712	3968

The collaborative efforts of Dr. Gordon Rajendram and Agraforum underscore that Bio N not only matches Urea in pasture growth but also requires only one application compared to multiple rounds of Urea. Additionally, the cost of producing pasture with Bio N is lower than that of Urea, making it an economically viable alternative. The potential environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint, are acknowledged, although further research is needed for a comprehensive evaluation.

In conclusion, EL-I Tech, presented by Dr. Gordon Rajendram and Agraforum, Biodynamic Nitrogen emerges as a promising biological solution for overcoming nitrogen deficiency in New Zealand soils, providing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional synthetic nitrogen applications.

Photo: “Bio N applied on this pasture.  Visually, Where Bio N is applied in paddocks, I found the pasture cover over the paddock is very uniform. i.e. urine patches did not stick out.” – Dr Gordon Rajendram

Contact Agraforum

0800 488 118

allan@agraforum.co.nz

www.agraforum.co.nz/contact-us

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

www.mediapa.co.nz

An opinion piece by Hamilton-based soil scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendram

In New Zealand, where agriculture and gardening are vital components of the economy and lifestyle, understanding and optimizing soil health, including soil fertility in New Zealand, is crucial for successful crop production and gardening. Soil testing and analysis are powerful tools that provide valuable insights into soil composition, nutrient levels, and other critical factors that influence plant growth. Here, we explore some key techniques for soil testing and analysis that benefit New Zealand’s farmers and gardeners while addressing the importance of soil health, farm profitability, and farming practices in New Zealand.

Soil Sampling: The process begins with soil sampling, where small samples are collected from various locations in the garden or field. Sampling should be representative of the entire area and consider variations in soil types.

Soil pH Testing: Soil pH is a fundamental parameter that determines nutrient availability. In New Zealand, the optimal pH range varies depending on the crop or plant, but most prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils. Soil pH can be measured using pH testing kits or digital pH meters.

Nutrient Analysis and Fertilisation: New Zealand soils can be nutrient deficient, and nutrient analysis is essential to understand what fertilizers or soil amendments are needed. Standard soil tests assess essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but micronutrients like copper, boron and zinc should also be considered.

Organic Matter and Texture: Determining the organic matter content of the soil and its texture (sandy, loamy, clayey) provides insights into soil structure and water retention. Organic matter content is crucial for fertility, and the right texture is essential for root development.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): CEC reflects the soil’s ability to retain and exchange cations (positively charged ions). Understanding CEC helps in optimizing nutrient management and reducing leaching.

Soil Microbiology and Soil Health: Assessing the soil’s microbial activity, including the presence of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, can provide insights into the biological health of the soil.

Soil Contaminant Testing: In urban or industrial areas, soil contamination can be a concern, and testing for heavy metals or other contaminants is essential for ensuring food safety and environmental health.

Comprehensive Analysis and Inflation in New Zealand: Many soil laboratories in New Zealand offer comprehensive soil analysis services, providing a full picture of soil health and recommendations for soil amendments. Addressing inflation in New Zealand’s agriculture sector is vital for maintaining farm profitability.

Once the soil analysis is complete, farmers and gardeners can make informed decisions about soil amendments, organic matter additions, and nutrient management strategies. Regular testing and analysis are essential to monitor changes in soil health over time and make necessary adjustments to optimize plant growth and crop yields.

In conclusion, soil testing and analysis techniques, as advocated by soil scientist Gordon Rajendram, are invaluable tools for New Zealand farmers and gardeners. By understanding the unique characteristics of their soil, they can implement sustainable and productive agricultural and gardening practices, contributing to the success of New Zealand’s vital agricultural sector and the beauty of its gardens.

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

Phone: 0274 587 724

Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz 

Website: https://mediapa.co.nz/ 

Facebook: facebook.com/mediapa