Author: NZ Business Connect

Agraforum New Zealand, a leader in agricultural innovation, today emphasised the benefits of EnviroCal over traditional mechanical aeration for soil compaction management. Soil compaction is a significant issue affecting crop productivity by limiting root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient absorption. Effective soil aeration is crucial for sustainable agriculture, as it enhances these essential processes. Agraforum’s research and development have led to the development of EnviroCal, a superior solution that addresses soil compaction through chemical means, offering a sustainable, efficient, and long-lasting improvement in soil health.

EnviroCal: The Non-Physical Solution

EnviroCal utilises free unbound calcium to create aeration, unlike bound calcium in lime and gypsum. This approach works quickly, showing results within 4-6 weeks, and offers long-lasting effects without the need for physical intervention. By improving soil structure and reducing compaction, EnviroCal enhances root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient absorption.

The Science Behind EnviroCal

EnviroCal leverages the unique properties of free unbound calcium ions. When applied to the soil, these calcium ions displace magnesium, potassium or sodium ions and bind with soil particles, promoting flocculation. This process helps to create larger soil aggregates, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Improved soil porosity allows for better air and water movement within the soil, which is crucial for healthy root development and efficient nutrient uptake. This scientific mechanism differentiates EnviroCal from traditional calcium sources like lime and gypsum, where calcium is  bound and electrically neutralised and less effective in altering soil structure. By increasing available calcium, this also adjusts the electrical charge of soil colloids, promoting aggregation and improving soil health.

Allan Piercy, Directing Manager of Agraforum New Zealand, stated, “EnviroCal offers a non-physical, effective solution for soil compaction, ensuring sustainable soil health. Our focus is to provide farmers with efficient and environmentally friendly options for optimal soil management.”

Mechanical Aeration: A Labour-Intensive and Less Sustainable Approach

While mechanical aeration provides immediate results by physically creating small holes in the soil, it is temporary because you haven’t changed the under lying cause, is  labour-intensive and requires frequent repetition, making it less sustainable. The method involves using tools like aerators or tillers to break up compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate more effectively. However, the benefits are often short-lived, especially in soils prone to recurrent compaction where the problem is lack of  the correct electrical polarity on the individual soil colloids.

Advantages of EnviroCal:

1. Quick Results: Effective within 4-6 weeks.

2. Sustained Aeration: Long-lasting improvement without the need for repeated physical interventions.

3. Soil Health: Promotes a healthy, well-aerated soil structure which is essential for root growth, nutrient absorption and microbial activity.

4. Environmental Benefits: Reduces the need for frequent mechanical disruption, preserving soil integrity and promoting ecological balance.

Dr Gordon Rajendram, soil scientist, adds, “Understanding the importance of free unbound calcium in soil aeration is key. EnviroCal stands out as a superior solution for long-term soil health and productivity. Unlike mechanical aeration, EnviroCal provides a more enduring solution that supports continuous soil improvement and reduces the need for constant intervention.”

About Agraforum New Zealand

By promoting the use of EnviroCal, Agraforum aims to equip farmers with the best tools and knowledge to improve soil management practices. This commitment to sustainable agriculture ensures that New Zealand’s farmers can achieve higher productivity while maintaining environmental integrity.

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

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

New Zealand – June 18th, 2024 – Profile Fertilisers, at the forefront of the agricultural revolution with their innovative products underscores the critical role of alternative fertilisers in maintaining and enhancing soil microbiology, essential for sustainable agriculture. Their product, Elevate, exemplifies how alternative fertiliser solutions can benefit soil health and crop productivity.

“Alternative fertilisers like Elevate are vital for sustainable soil management, enhancing microbial health and ensuring long-term soil fertility,” says Don Henderson, Director of Profile Fertilisers.

Understanding Soil Microbiology:

Soil is teeming with life, housing billions of microorganisms per gram. These include bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa, all playing vital roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and plant health. Healthy microbial populations are essential for converting organic matter into nutrients that plants can readily absorb, thus maintaining soil fertility and structure.

Key Benefits of Elevate:

1. Enhancing Soil Microbiology:

   – Elevate fosters a diverse and active microbial community, crucial for nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.

2. pH Enhancement and Aluminium Reduction:

   – By raising soil pH and reducing aluminium toxicity, Elevate creates a more favourable environment for microbial life and plant growth.

3. Consistent Nutrient Supply:

   – Elevate provides a reliable supply of nutrients, supporting both plants and microbes over time. This continuous nutrient availability is vital for sustaining robust microbial populations and ensuring efficient nutrient cycling.

4. Improved Soil Structure:

   – Enhanced microbial activity leads to better soil structure, increased water retention, aeration, and root penetration, creating an ideal environment for plant growth.

Dr Gordon Rajendram, a renowned soil scientist, adds, “Elevate’s ability to balance soil pH and foster microbial activity marks a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture. Healthy soil microbiology is the cornerstone of resilient and productive farming systems.”

Conclusion:

Profile Fertilisers’ Elevate demonstrates the importance of the role that lime based products have in promoting healthy soil microbiology. By adopting such innovative solutions, farmers can achieve healthier soils and more resilient crops, contributing to a more sustainable future for agriculture.

For more information, visit Profile Fertilisers or give Don or the factory a call and the team can teach you more about the benefits of their products.

About Profile Fertilisers:

Profile Fertilisers is dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable solutions for modern agriculture, focusing on enhancing soil health and crop productivity through advanced fertiliser technologies.

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

In the ever-evolving field of agriculture, slow-release fertilisers have become a game-changer for farmers seeking sustainable and efficient nutrient management. Profile Fertilisers, based in New Zealand, offers an innovative range of slow-release fertilisers that differ significantly from conventional options. Understanding what sets these fertilisers apart can help farmers make informed decisions for their crops.

Traditional fertilisers often release nutrients rapidly upon application, leading to a quick but short-lived nutrient surge in the soil. This can result in nutrient leaching, where excess nutrients wash away into water systems, causing environmental issues and reducing the efficiency of fertiliser use. In contrast, slow-release fertilisers are designed to release nutrients gradually, matching the natural uptake patterns of plants.

Key Components of Slow-Release Fertilisers:

1. Coating Materials: One of the primary features of slow-release fertilisers is the use of coating materials that control the rate at which nutrients are released. These coatings can be made from natural or synthetic materials such as sulphur, polymer, or resin. The coating acts as a barrier, allowing water to penetrate slowly and dissolve the nutrients at a controlled pace.

2. Encapsulation Technology: Advanced encapsulation technology is employed to encase the fertiliser granules. This technology ensures that nutrients are released over an extended period, typically ranging from several weeks to months. The rate of release can be precisely tailored based on the crop’s nutrient needs and environmental conditions.

3. Controlled Solubility: The solubility of the fertiliser components is another critical factor. Slow-release fertilisers are formulated with nutrient compounds that dissolve slowly in water. This controlled solubility prevents the rapid depletion of nutrients and ensures a consistent supply to the plants.

4. Microbial Decomposition: Some slow-release fertilisers incorporate organic materials that require microbial decomposition to release nutrients. This natural process not only provides a steady nutrient flow but also enhances soil health by promoting beneficial microbial activity.

Profile Fertilisers’ commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in their range of slow-release fertilisers. These products are designed not only to meet the nutritional needs of crops but also to align with the principles of sustainable agriculture. By understanding the science behind slow-release fertilisers, farmers can better appreciate their benefits and make choices that support both their productivity and the environment.

In conclusion, slow-release fertilisers from Profile Fertilisers offer a sophisticated solution to the challenges of modern agriculture. With advanced coating technologies, controlled solubility, and microbial decomposition, these fertilisers provide a steady and efficient nutrient supply, fostering sustainable farming practices in New Zealand and beyond.

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

The Wairepo Catchment Group and the Omarama Stream Water Users Group of Mackenzie Country recently hosted a presentation titled “Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in New Zealand.” The event featured Dr Gordon Rajendram, a soil scientist and independent consultant, and Allan Piercy, managing director of Agraforum New Zealand. Held on 29 April 2024 in Twizel. The talk emphasised the urgent need to reduce nitrate N leaching by half to maintain farming consents, given the region’s low rainfall, cold winters, and predominant dairying, cattle and sheep farming. In order to farm sustainability in this area, there needs to be a whole catchment approach.

Dr Rajendram explained that the area’s soils, with an Anion Storage Capacity (ASC) averaging around 15% and low Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), are not conducive to retaining nutrients. This results in significant leaching losses, especially with higher stocking rates and cattle grazing on pastoral land. Nutrient loading rates in urine patches can be as high as 600-900 kg of nitrogen and potassium, which penetrate below the pasture root zone and leach into waterways.

Twizel experiences low annual rainfall, averaging around 700 mm, and cold temperatures, with winter lows often dropping below freezing. “These conditions hinder nutrient retention and increase the likelihood of leaching. The region relies on irrigation, which is vital for pasture production.” Dr Rajendram emphasised the importance of water availability for effective farming and practical solutions such as using biochar/humates (pure carbon source) to bind nitrogen and other nutrients, use of stand off pads/herd homes to reduce urination events on paddocks or reducing cattle/cow numbers to mitigate environmental impacts. If for instance the cattle were on stand off pads or a herd home for half a day, the nitrate leaching into water ways will reduce by half of what it is at present.

Dr. Rajendram explained that if pure carbon such as Biochar was used and was incorporated into the soil to achieve an approximate 10% biochar/90% soil ratio, it would reduce nitrate leaching down to zero. Any farmer can make biochar from Wilding pines which is a pest in the Mackenzie basin.  Rajendram explains that Trevor Richards of Biochar NZ gave a practical demonstration on a Twizel farm on making biochar in pits using Wilding pines.  

 Allan Piercy’s Contributions from Agraforum New Zealand

Following Dr Rajendram’s presentation, Allan Piercy discussed Agraforum New Zealand’s role in providing solutions to nitrate N leaching. Piercy introduced several key products designed to enhance pasture production while reducing fertiliser dependency. A highlight of his talk was El-I-Tech’s Biodynamic N, a product that facilitates biological nitrogen fixation, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

Piercy emphasised that integrating these products into nutrient management plans can significantly reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. Other notable products mentioned included:

• EnviroCal: Improves soil structure and water penetration, enhancing drought resistance.
• ComCat: Activates plants’ root growth and defence mechanisms, increasing stress resistance and improving crop/product growth.
• ZumSil: Enhances phosphate and mineral uptake, improving soil texture and water retention.

“Our products offer a practical solution to nutrient management challenges, helping farmers reduce leaching and improve soil health for long-term sustainability.” – Allan Piercy, Managing Director of Agraforum New Zealand

Piercy emphasised that integrating these products into a nutrient management plan can significantly reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. Agraforum New Zealand’s focus on sustainable farming practices ensures that their solutions not only address immediate nutrient retention issues but also contribute to long-term soil health and productivity.

These insights and solutions provide a comprehensive approach to tackling the nitrate N leaching challenge in Twizel, ensuring sustainable and productive farming practices. For more information on Agraforum New Zealand’s products, visit Agraforum New Zealand Products.

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Agraforum New Zealand

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

www.agraforum.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz