Author: NZ Business Connect

In modern agriculture, sustainable practices are crucial for maintaining soil health and ensuring long-term productivity. Profile Fertilisers offers an innovative approach to achieving this balance through the use of slow-release fertilisers. These fertilisers, designed to provide a steady supply of essential nutrients over an extended period, offer significant benefits for both the environment and agricultural efficiency.

Slow-release fertilisers help maintain consistent nutrient levels in the soil, which is vital for optimal plant growth. Traditional fertilisers can release nutrients rapidly, leading to an initial surge in availability followed by a sharp decline. This fluctuation can cause nutrient leaching, where essential elements seep away from the soil into waterways, leading to pollution and wasted resources. In contrast, slow-release fertilisers minimise this risk by gradually dispensing nutrients, ensuring plants receive a steady supply throughout their growth cycle.

The environmental advantages of slow-release fertilisers are substantial. By reducing nutrient leaching, these fertilisers help preserve water quality in nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This is particularly important in regions where agricultural runoff has historically contributed to water pollution and ecosystem degradation. Additionally, the consistent nutrient supply reduces the need for frequent fertiliser applications, cutting down on fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and application processes. This reduction in carbon footprint aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promotes more sustainable farming practices.

Moreover, the economic benefits for farmers are significant. With slow-release fertilisers, the frequency of applications is reduced, which translates into lower labour and resource costs. Farmers can achieve the same or better crop yields with fewer inputs, enhancing the overall efficiency of their operations. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that farming practices are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Profile Fertilisers’ commitment to sustainable agriculture is exemplified by their product Enforcer, a slow-release, environmentally friendly fertiliser. Enforcer’s balanced formulation and reduced application frequency make it an excellent choice for farmers looking to optimise plant nutrition while contributing to a healthier environment. By adopting slow-release fertilisers, farmers can achieve better crop outcomes and promote a sustainable future for agriculture.

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

Dr. Gordon Rajendram, a renowned authority in soil science and agricultural sustainability, sheds light on the invaluable benefits of clover as a superior feed option for livestock. With its nutrient-rich composition and impressive protein content, clover stands out as a key ingredient in optimising animal diets for enhanced productivity.

Comparing clover to ryegrass, a common forage choice, reveals the significant nutritional advantage that clover offers. While ryegrass typically contains around 3.0% nitrogen, resulting in approximately 19% protein content, clover boasts a nitrogen content of approximately 5.5%, translating to an impressive 34% protein content. This stark contrast underscores the potency of clover as a high-quality protein source, capable of providing essential nutrients to support the growth and development of livestock.

“Clover stands as nature’s gift to livestock farming, offering a nutritional powerhouse that elevates milk and meat production to new heights. As we strive for agricultural sustainability, harnessing the potential of clover as a superior feed option is not just advantageous; it’s essential for maximising productivity and ensuring the well-being of our animals.” – Dr. Gordon Rajendram

The higher protein content in clover which is 34% holds immense significance for dairy and meat producers alike. Protein plays a crucial role in animal nutrition, serving as a building block for muscle development, milk production, and overall health. By incorporating clover into the diet, farmers can ensure that their livestock receive adequate protein levels, thereby promoting optimal growth and maximising productivity.

Moreover, clover offers additional nutritional advantages beyond its protein content. Compared to ryegrass, clover exhibits higher mineral content and enhanced digestibility, further augmenting its suitability as a premium feed option. These qualities not only contribute to the overall health and well-being of livestock but also facilitate efficient nutrient absorption, leading to improved feed conversion rates and reduced wastage.

In practical terms, integrating clover into livestock diets can yield tangible benefits for farmers. Increased protein intake translates to higher milk yields in dairy cows and improved weight gain in meat-producing animals, ultimately enhancing farm profitability and sustainability. Additionally, the superior nutritional profile of clover can reduce the reliance on supplemental feed additives, thereby lowering production costs and minimising environmental impact.

As farmers strive to optimise their operations and meet the growing demand for high-quality dairy and meat products, the role of feed quality cannot be overstated. Dr. Gordon Rajendram’s insights underscore the pivotal role that clover plays as a superior feed option, offering a potent combination of protein, minerals, and digestibility. By harnessing the power of clover, farmers can unlock the full potential of their livestock, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural future.

Contact Dr. Gordon Rajendram

Soil Scientist

Soil Fertility, Agronomy & Farm Environmental Consultant

Address: 9 Kakanui Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216

Phone: 021 466 077

E-mail: rajendram@xtra.co.nz

Web site:  https://gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz/

‘Bringing science to the farm ‘

Contact Phillip Quay

Phone: 0274 587 724

Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Website: https://mediapa.co.nz/

Facebook: facebook.com/mediapa

The Vital Role of Fertilisers in Enhancing Soil Health

Profile Fertilisers believes that fertilisers are integral to modern agriculture, boosting plant growth and enhancing soil health. Their responsible use can lead to improved agricultural productivity while supporting environmental sustainability.

Balanced Nutrition for Soil and Plant Health

Effective fertilisers provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients that benefit both soil structure and plant health. Key components typically include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Sulphur (S), and Calcium (Ca). Each of these nutrients plays a vital role: nitrogen for plant growth, phosphorus for development and energy transfer, sulphur for chlorophyll and protein synthesis, and calcium for strengthening cell walls and improving soil structure.

Enhancing Soil Structure

Calcium is especially crucial in enhancing soil structure. It improves water infiltration and aeration, crucial elements for robust root development and optimal soil ecosystem functioning. Good soil structure allows for better water retention, reduces erosion, and facilitates root penetration, all of which are essential for healthy crop production.

Sustainable Nutrient Release

The adoption of slow-release fertilisers represents a sustainable approach to agriculture. These fertilisers ensure a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period, reducing the risk of leaching where nutrients seep away from the soil into waterways. This gradual release helps maintain a consistent nutrient level, supporting plant growth throughout the growing season.

Supporting Plant Health in Cold Seasons

Applying fertilisers during the colder months—from late autumn to early spring—can be particularly effective. During these times, cold soil temperatures can inhibit nutrient uptake, and a well-timed fertiliser application ensures that plants receive the necessary nutrients to thrive even under challenging conditions.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

With slow-release fertilisers, the frequency of applications is reduced, which cuts down on labour and resource usage. This approach not only saves costs but also minimises the environmental impact associated with frequent fertiliser applications. It helps in reducing runoff, preserving water quality, and decreasing the carbon footprint of farming operations.

Introducing Enforcer

At the end of this discussion on the importance of fertilisers in modern agriculture, it’s worth highlighting Enforcer, a product by Profile Fertilisers. This innovative fertiliser is designed as a slow-release, environmentally friendly option that exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Offering a balanced formulation and reduced application frequency, Enforcer is an excellent choice for farmers seeking to optimise plant nutrition and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable farming future.

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 realm of modern agriculture, managing soil health is paramount, yet soil compaction remains a significant barrier to productivity. Agraforum New Zealand’s presents EnviroCal, a groundbreaking solution that offers readily available ionised calcium, which directly combats soil compaction and enhances the soil structure. This approach marks a departure from traditional methods that rely on microbial activity to break down calcium sources like lime and gypsum.

EnviroCal’s effectiveness stems from its unique composition, allowing it to immediately increase the electrical charge of soil colloids. This enhancement promotes the aggregation of soil particles, which is essential for reducing compaction and improving the soil’s aerobic zone. The result is a deeper, more flocculated soil layer that facilitates better root growth and nutrient uptake.

Dr. Gordon Rajendram, renowned soil scientist, emphasises the importance of calcium in agricultural practices: “Calcium is critical in managing soil structure. It not only helps decrease soil compaction but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing nutrient availability and root development.”

The benefits of incorporating EnviroCal extend beyond simple soil improvement. By increasing the soil’s water retention capacity, EnviroCal reduces the need for frequent irrigation, thereby lowering water usage and supporting sustainable water management practices. Moreover, its ability to improve soil pH and enhance microbial activity contributes to a healthier, more resilient soil ecosystem.

Farmers using EnviroCal can expect not only to see improved crop health and yield but also to experience economic benefits. Reduced need for passes over fields, decreased reliance on products like urea, and enhanced fertiliser efficiency all contribute to lower operational costs and increased profitability.

EnviroCal represents more than just a product; it embodies a shift towards sustainable and efficient farming. By addressing the root causes of soil degradation rather than merely treating its symptoms, EnviroCal is setting a new standard in agricultural practices, promising a healthier future for our soils and the broader environment. Contact Agraforum New Zealand today to find out more.

Contact Agraforum New Zealand

Mobile: 0274 485 159

Email: allan@agraforum.co.nz

www.agraforum.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

0274 587 724

www.mediapa.co.nz