Hi, I’m Carys, I have just completed study for my Bachelor of Agricultural Science with honours at Lincoln University. My honours project investigated the potential of struvite (a recycled, acid-soluble phosphate fertiliser) as an alternative to single superphosphate for potato production. This experiment compared results when used on soils of high and low phosphate-retention capacities….
Category: Research
Soil Infiltration Calculator
We have launched an online web calculator to process soil infiltration rate measurements collected using a Disc Permeameter. The calculator analyses measurements made at different tensions. It is a beta product, primarily made to assist us in assessing soil infiltration, porosity etc. We are keen for any feedback! Disc permeameters (also called tension infiltrometers) are…
Carbon Positive: Butternut Planting
The butternuts for our 2025-2026 cropping season, in the Carbon Positive trial, have been planted! The Conventional treatment was planted with treated seed and 300kg/ha of Complex fertiliser. The Hybrid treatment was planted with treated seed, coated in TrichoStart and 300kg/ha of Complex fertiliser. Mycorrcin, Biostart N and TrichoStart were applied at planting via liquid…
NZARM Conference 2025
In November, I attended the New Zealand Association of Resource Management Conference in Blenheim. The Changing Landscapes conference explored insights into land use capability and impacts on land management, freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Day 1 consisted of presentations in the morning, and I presented a poster about the Slakes soil aggregate stability project we completed…
Carbon Accounting in Carbon Positive
One way to track greenhouse gas emissions is through carbon accounting. Carbon accounting quantifies carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions. We have been tracking the relative emissions from each of the three different management systems applied in our Carbon Positive trial. There are three scopes within carbon accounting: Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope…
Looking Ahead: Butternut squash
In the 2025-2026 cropping season, the fourth summer of the Carbon Positive trial, we are growing butternut pumpkins for Heinz-Wattie’s. Our planned planting date is the middle of November. In the Conventional system, things are getting underway with a broadcast spray of glyphosate now that the sheep have been moved out. The paddock will be…
Carbon Positive Soil Monitoring
All Systems Stable: Early Insights from a Crop-Driven Carbon Cycle Carbon Positive is, unsurprisingly, tracking soil carbon levels under our three different management approaches. We have two key measurements; total soil carbon and hot water extractable carbon. Hot water extractable carbon is a laboratory test measure of labile carbon, which is the ‘active’ carbon that…
Farmer Friendly Nitrate Testing
Validation and Practical Implementation of the Nitrachek 404 Have you tried to match soil test strip colours against the colours on the tin, and found yourself wondering if you’re seeing the right shade of purple? Those days of guesswork can be over. The Nitrachek 404 is like having a portable lab right in your paddock….
Winter cover crop update – September
After a successful bean crop in the 2024-2025 season, the three systems were planted in cover crops for the winter. The Conventional was planted with ryegrass, the Hybrid with ryegrass, Balansa clover and crimson clover, and the Regenerative was the same as the Hybrid but with the addition of vetch. The Canopeo phone app has…
Cover Crops Survey
With funding from Te Ahikawariki, we teamed up with regional agronomists to ask a number of growers about cover cropping. We wanted to learn what the barriers were to new entrants, and what the ongoing headaches were for those who do use cover crops. Three-quarters of the 32 growers surveyed have been using cover crops…