Archive: 2024

Soil compaction is a critical issue in agriculture, and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O), is a growing concern. Agraforum New Zealand recognises the importance of addressing soil compaction not just for environmental reasons, but for its substantial benefits to farmers’ bottom lines. Compacted soils reduce pore space, creating anaerobic conditions that favour the production of N₂O, a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

A study by Sitaula et al. (2000) found that N₂O emissions could be four times higher in compacted soils compared to non-compacted soils. This increase is primarily due to restricted oxygen flow in the soil, which accelerates the denitrification process—a key contributor to N₂O production.

Another interesting finding from Ball et al. (2013) is that soil compaction can reduce the diversity of soil microbial communities. This reduction in microbial diversity can further exacerbate the imbalance in soil nutrient cycling, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

In New Zealand, particularly in dairy-intensive regions like Canterbury, soil compaction is a major challenge. According to DairyNZ, the compaction of soils not only exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions but also leads to increased nitrogen leaching, negatively impacting water quality. New Zealand leads the world with the lowest carbon emissions for dairy farming.

Addressing soil compaction also leads to lower input costs for farmers. Improved soil structure enhances nutrient uptake, reducing the need for nitrogen fertiliser while maintaining or boosting crop growth. Healthier soils also support better plant growth, decreasing the reliance on bought-in feed and improving animal health, which further lowers veterinary and feed expenses.

Graph 3: Shows the accumulated grass growth across all four farms over the trial period. The Agraforum New Zealand treated farms clearly grew significantly more pasture compared to the Untreated farms.

Dr Gordon Rajendram, a leading soil scientist, strongly endorses Agraforum New Zealand’s program. “By improving soil structure and addressing compaction, farmers can significantly reduce nitrogen leaching and lower the need for fertilisers,” Dr Rajendram explains.

Agraforum New Zealand’s solutions are designed to tackle these challenges head-on, offering farmers a practical way to improve their environmental footprint and save money. By adopting these practices, farmers can lower their costs, improve yields, and reduce the negative impacts of nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions on New Zealand’s ecosystems.

To find out more, give Allan a call and he can discuss the benefits of their products and how they can enhance your farming operation.

Contact Agraforum

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

www.Agraforum.co.nz

References:

• Sitaula, B., Hansen, S., Sitaula, J., & Bakken, L. (2000). Effects of soil compaction on N₂O emission in agricultural soil. Chemosphere – Global Change Science, 2(3–4), 367–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1465-9972(00)00040-4

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1465997200000404

• Ball, B. C. (2013). Soil structure and greenhouse gas emissions: a synthesis of 20 years of experimentation. European Journal of Soil Science, 64(3), 357–373. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12013

https://bsssjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejss.12013

• DairyNZ. (2023). On-Farm Emissions: Reducing Nitrous Oxide. Retrieved from https://www.dairynz.co.nz/environment/climate/on-farm-emissions/.

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

www.mediapa.co.nz

When urea fertiliser is applied to pasture, it undergoes a series of chemical transformations vital for plant growth. Profile Fertilisers ensures these processes are managed efficiently to maximise yield and minimise environmental impact, offering advanced solutions backed by the latest agricultural research.

Urea, a concentrated form of nitrogen (typically 46% nitrogen by weight), is initially broken down by the enzyme urease, naturally present in soil. This hydrolysis process converts urea into ammonium (NH4+), a form of nitrogen, which is then converted to nitrate (NO3-) which the plant can then uptake. The reaction’s speed is influenced by soil temperature, moisture, and pH levels. Profile Fertilisers provides expert advice on optimal application timing, helping prevent nitrogen loss and improve nutrient uptake by plants.

Once ammonium is formed, it can either be absorbed directly by plants which is a small proportion compared to most of the applied nitrogen which undergoes nitrification, where soil bacteria convert it into nitrate (NO3-), which is the most plant-usable nitrogen form. Nitrate is highly mobile, prone to leaching.  Research shows that the nitrogen applied, that only 1% of this nitrate is directly leached, and most of the leaching is due to nitrate from the urinary nitrogen excreted by animals. Applied urea can also be lost into the atmosphere as a gaseous nitrogen forms like nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Research shows up to 50% of applied nitrogen can be lost if not properly managed. Profile Fertilisers’ products are designed to optimise nitrogen use efficiency, reducing losses and ensuring more nitrogen is available for plants.

Urea efficiency can be enhanced through strategic application, such as applying it before rainfall to incorporate fertiliser into the soil. This practice reduces nitrogen loss through volatilisation, where nitrogen escapes as ammonia gas. Profile Fertilisers offers tailored solutions and guidance to ensure your pasture receives the right nitrogen at the right time, maximising growth and minimising environmental impact.

In summary, urea is an effective nitrogen source for pastures, but its efficiency depends on careful management. Profile Fertilisers provides the expertise, products, and support to optimise nitrogen application, ensuring sustainable and productive pasture management.

Contact Profile Fertilisers

Don Henderson: 021 643 698

Factory:027 222 7698
donh@profilefert.co.nz

www.profilefert.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz

An anonymous Hamilton-based farmer has supported the call for more competition in the fertiliser industry from renowned Hamilton soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram.

“Improving soil biology with less environmental impact is a significant step forward. Improving productivity is one of the most important things any nation can do to help its people, so I think competition and new ways are great,” the farmer said.

“Furthermore, with increasing restrictions and tighter compliance standards being put on farmers, you are providing them with a choice and making it sustainable over the long term,” he said.

Dr Gordon Rajendram has been vocal about the critical need for increased competition in the New Zealand fertiliser market. According to Dr Rajendram, the current market dynamics stifle innovation and result in higher costs for farmers, ultimately impacting the agricultural sector’s sustainability and productivity.

The farmer emphasised the intense pressure faced by those in the dairy sector, where compliance with stringent environmental standards is a constant challenge. “Being in dairy, I am aware of how much pressure farmers are under from all sorts of things, so innovation and alternative choices are great for this sector.”

Dr Rajendram’s research underscores the importance of soil biology in enhancing productivity while minimising environmental impact. “By focusing on improving soil health through innovative fertilisers, we can achieve higher yields with less environmental degradation,” he explains.

“More competition in the fertiliser market would lead to lower prices and better products for farmers,” Dr Rajendram asserts. “This is crucial not only for improving soil health but also for meeting the stringent environmental standards imposed on the farming community.”

One of the key issues Dr Rajendram highlights is the limited number of players in the fertiliser industry, which leads to a lack of incentive for companies to innovate and offer environmentally friendly products. With New Zealand’s farmers facing increasing pressures from both regulatory bodies and market forces, the need for cost-effective and sustainable fertiliser options has never been greater.

In conclusion, Dr Rajendram’s call for more competition in the fertiliser market is not just about reducing costs; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation that benefits both farmers and the environment. As New Zealand continues to strive for more sustainable farming practices, embracing competition and encouraging innovation in the fertiliser sector will be key to achieving these goals.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

About Dr Gordon Rajendram: 

Dr Gordon Rajendram is a distinguished independent soil scientist with extensive experience in the agricultural sector. His work focuses on improving soil health and sustainability practices in farming, making him a respected voice in the industry.

Contact Media PA

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz