Crops and Forage
Cereals just the start of winning formula
A sustainable rotation of crops and livestock helps an award-winning arable farmer to maintain his soils and profitability. Words Heather Chalmers, Photos Peter Hewson.
No quick fix to eliminate crop weeds
South Canterbury grower Nigel Rathgen has had difficult-to-eliminate grass weeds in some cropping paddocks for a few years. Words Heather Chalmers.
Chertsey arable project a glimpse into future
A paddock in Mid Canterbury is providing a platform for the Foundation for Arable Research to offer a glimpse into the future of arable farming. Words Heather Chalmers.
Adding value with legumes
As nitrogen fertilisers are a substantial expense on arable farms, growers are looking to incorporate short-term cover crops and legumes as a way to provide an alternative home-grown nitrogen source to the usual bagged supply. Words Heather Chalmers
Optimising opportunity
Livestock plays an important role on most arable farms. Heather Chalmers of the Foundation for Arable Research talks to two Mid Canterbury mixed arable farmers about how they are optimising the integration of cropping and livestock.
Agyields database seeks users
The Agyields database - a central library housing all of New Zealand’s historic and future pasture and crop growth and yield data - has come to fruition thanks to the forward thinking of Professor Moot,
Online checks for soil moisture
A demonstration site is allowing farmers to check out what moisture probe readings look like on provider companies’ software platforms.
Soil nitrogen to reduce maize growing costs
Farmers growing maize can save money in nitrogen (N) costs as well as make environmental gains by making better use of plant-available N naturally present in the soil,
Putting endophytes to the test
Without endophytes, ryegrasses suffer. Sandra Taylor reports on research into the fungi, their positives and negatives.