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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 159Email: allan@Agraforum.co.nz www.Agraforum.co.nz References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1465997200000404 https://bsssjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejss.12013 Contact Phillip Quayphillip@mediapa.co.nzP: 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 7698donh@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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hamilton, New Zealand – August 6, 2024 – Recent trials conducted by Dr Gordon Rajendram, a distinguished soil scientist and consultant, have revealed significant improvements in pasture production on Canterbury dairy farms through the use of soil compaction treatments. Dr Rajendram, formerly of AgResearch and MAF, led these trials to assess the impact of soil compaction on pasture growth and to demonstrate the effectiveness of Agraforum’s soil treatments. Dr Rajendram stated that “The trials have shown that addressing soil compaction through targeted treatments can significantly enhance pasture production, providing a sustainable solution for farmers to boost their productivity.” Pasture production is influenced by five primary factors (1): 1. Soil Moisture: Adequate rainfall or irrigation is crucial, with less than 25% soil moisture negatively impacting growth. 2. Soil Temperature: Grass growth ceases when the soil temperature at 10 cm depth falls to 5-6 degrees Celsius. 3. Soil pH and Nutrients: Thirteen essential elements for plant growth, along with Co, Se, and I for animal health, are vital. 4. Soil Microbiology: Beneficial microbial activity supports plant health. 5. Soil Air Space (Air-Filled Porosity or Macroporosity): Compacted soil, with less than 10% air-filled porosity (AFP), significantly reduces pasture production. Each percentage drop below this threshold results in a 10% reduction in yield (based on AgResearch trials)(2). Since 1995, the Waikato Regional Council has been monitoring soil quality at 150 sites across the Waikato region, focusing on volcanic ash and pumice soils used for dairying, beef, cropping, and forestry. Seven soil quality tests are conducted at each site, including air-filled porosity. The 2019 data revealed that 94% of dairy farming sites had concerning soil quality, with excessively high fertility and soil compaction affecting approximately 85% of the sites. (Waikato Regional Council)(3). Aim and Methodology The aim of the trials was to demonstrate that Agraforum’s soil compaction treatment can improve soil aeration and pasture growth. The trials involved: – Four irrigated Canterbury dairy farms, with two using Agraforum’s treatments for several years and two untreated. – Monthly pasture measurements using a ride-on mower and digital scales. – Soil temperature monitoring, starting at 14 degrees Celsius and dropping to 5 degrees Celsius by the third cut. Each farm had ten plots (2m x 10m), and the trials commenced in the last week of February 2024, with pasture cuts taken over a 105-day autumn period. Findings The results were conclusive: – The two treated farms produced approximately 1,000 kg DM/ha (33%) more dry matter than the best untreated farm. – Compared to the second untreated and most compacted farm, the treated farms yielded over 2,000 kg DM/ha (80%) more pasture. Graphs from the study clearly illustrate the superior performance of treated farms in terms of total pasture grown and growth rates, particularly for the first cut. Graph 1: Shows Total pasture grown for ~ 105 days for the 2 Agraforum Treated and Untreated Farms. Graph 2: Shows the growth rates for the first cut for the farms. The Treated farms grew twice and 3 times the more pasture than the Untreated farms for the first cut. Graph 3: Shows the accumulated grass growth across all four farms over the trial period. The treated farms clearly grew significantly more pasture compared to the Untreated farms. Error bars show the 95% confidence interval at each cut, calculated from the ten replicate plots within each farm. Raw Data Agraforum- Treated -Farm 1 Kg DM hectare Days Growth Kg DM/day Temperature Cut 1 1958 ± 230 27 73 ± 9 14 Cut 2 1226 ± 90 35 35 ± 3 10 Cut 3 388 ± 23 43 9 ± 1 5 3572 ±294 105 34 ± 3 Agraforum Treated -Farm 2 Days Growth Kg DM/day Cut 1 1827 ± 129 29 63 ± 4 Cut 2 1180 ± 108 40 30 ±3 Cut 3 307 ± 30 36 9 ±1 3314 ± 241 105 32 ±2 Non Treated Farm-3 Kg DM hectare Days Growth Kg DM/day Cut 1 1127 ±121 40 28 ± 3 Cut 2 1173 ±111 53 22 ± 2 Cut 3       2300 ±219 93 (105) 25 (22) ±2 Non Treated Farm – 4 Kg DM hectare Days Growth Kg DM/day Cut 1 429 ± 94 30 14 ± 3 Cut 2 262 ± 65 34 8 ± 2 Cut 3       691 ± 157 64(105) (7) ± 1 The 95% confidence intervals have been calculated from ten replicate plots for each cut within each farm. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of addressing soil compaction to improve pasture production. Agraforum’s soil aeration treatments have proven to be highly effective, offering a practical solution for farmers seeking to enhance productivity and sustainability. It takes ~ 10 kg of Dry matter of good quality pasture to produce 1 kg milk solid.(4) Four other field trials alongside Agraforum will be commencing this Spring in the Otago region, so watch this space. “By improving soil aeration and reducing compaction, we can unlock the full potential of pasture growth, ensuring healthier soils and more productive farms.” – Dr Gordon Rajendram, PhD, Soil Scientist/Consultant — About Dr Gordon Rajendram Dr Gordon Rajendram is a renowned soil scientist and independent consultant with extensive experience in soil fertility, agronomy, and farm environmental consultancy. His expertise has been instrumental in bringing scientific solutions to the agricultural sector, improving productivity and sustainability for farmers across New Zealand. About Allan Pirecy Allan Piercy is a seasoned vet who worked in a rural clinic in South Taranaki for 20 years before moving to Mid Canterbury, where he headed a large veterinary practice. His primary focus was on dairy cattle, preventive medicine, and ensuring economic returns for farmers. Recognising that many animal health and production issues stemmed from poor soil nutrition and structure, Allan founded Agraforum New Zealand in 2007, aimed at addressing animal health and production issues through improved soil and crop management. Allan’s guiding principle is, “Correct the cause of a problem, don’t continue to treat the symptoms.” Contact Agraforum