LandWISE Projects

Our Projects

LandWISE projects seek to maximise sustainable profitability in the cropping and process vegetable sector through researching and promoting best practices. Maximum profit in the short term, can lead to lower profits in the longer term if resources are degraded.

Strip Tillage in the Manawatu Click here for more information

During the 06/07 cropping season LandWISE is working with farmers in the Manawatu to improve the performance and understanding of strip tillage in this region. Two replicated trial sites have been set up to demonstrate the strip tillage system. One at Waitatapia Station (just south of Bulls) and another at Robert Fleming's (SH1, Oroua Downs). A number of other farmers are using the strip till concept including David Lee-Jones (Marton).

We have undertaken several projects designed to test and promote sustainable crop production. The primary project is Controlling the Strip in which we have been trialling innovative field cropping practices. This project builds on earlier work done on strip tillage and minimum tillage as well as precision agriculture, irrigation efficiency and enhancement and herbicide resistance.

Controlling the Strip involves more than 20 trials over 3 years in different parts of the North Island where various production methods are being assessed. As part of this project we have a Banded Fertiliser trial on the go in Hawkes Bay and a Controlled Traffic programme in Gisborne.

Through our projects we work with industry organisations and farmers to co-ordinate on-farm trials. Their help and assistance is invaluable.

The MAF Sustainable Farming Fund funds our projects with support from our Gold Sponsors.

Standard Site Layouts

Field trial demonstration sites allocate about 1ha to each treatment within larger cropping paddocks. Within each treatment four sampling plots of 15x15 m are established, with replicated measurements taken from within these plots.

• Soil Indicator measurements are taken from each plot prior to trial establishment to ensure similarity.
• Crop development is monitored in each plot through the season.
• Yield assessment are taken within each plot at harvest.
• Further soil indicator measurements are taken within each plot at harvest.

Contact us:

E-Mail: info@landwise.org.nz