Current research in Strip-till and No-till maize in the Waikato
Rowland Tsimba is the National Research & Agronomy Manager at Genetic Technologies Limited (Pioneer®), Hamilton. An agronomist with more than 25 years’ experience, he has worked across agricultural research, the seed industry, and on-farm extension in New Zealand.
Rowland leads Pioneer’s national field research programmes, with particular emphasis on maize agronomy, crop establishment, soil health, environmental research, and tillage systems. His applied research and extension work includes investigations into soil physical condition, nitrogen management, and practical approaches to reducing the environmental impacts of cropping. Rowland is committed to advancing productivity and profitability while strengthening soil resilience in working farming systems.
Presentation theme:
Drawing on a long-term Waikato field study, this paper interrogates what is gained, and what may be compromised when conventional, strip and no-till systems are put head-to-head under continuous maize silage cropping conditions. It brings together evidence on establishment, yield, soil physical performance, and early carbon dynamics to challenge assumptions and surface the practical decisions that matter in the paddock.
