Our butternut hand harvesting to collect research data was completed on the 9th and 10th of March. Our hand harvest samples were taken from 3 m × 2 m areas within each of the four subplots of each plot; 16 per treatment, 48 in all. All butternuts within the sample area were cut from the…
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Measuring Soil Infiltration
We were delighted to have Carys Luke join us as our Summer Intern in 2025-2026. Carys’ key project was measuring soil infiltration rates using disc permeameters. These devices work under tension, so water has to be pulled into the soil by capillary forces. By controlling the amount of tension, we can set the soil pore…
Dam Safety Regulations
Do you have a classifiable dam? Make sure you have notified the council and submitted your Dam Safety Assurance Plan to avoid an infringement notice. Unsure if your dam counts? Check out MBIE’s new tool on Classification screening tools for Dams and Canals New regulations to improve the resilience and maintenance of Aotearoa New Zealand’s…
LandWISE Conference Summary – Day 1
The LandWISE Conference, Getting to Carbon Positive, attracted more than 80 people who heard speakers on a wide range of topics related to ongoing sustainability. Day 1 discussed ways to assess our emissions levels, how we can reduce our environmental impact through diverse farming techniques including regenerative practices and soil health, and new research around…
Cover crops emerging
Our process green bean crop was harvested on the 13th of March and yields were excellent – above the level agreed in fact, and we got a reduced payout for the excess. All good though! The cover crops were direct-drilled by Mike Kettle contractors on the 7th of April. There was good moisture, but hot…
Quantofix vs MQuant Nitrate Test Strips
As part of my Te Ahikawariki/Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE) internship I have been helping Dan run workshops in Pukekohe, Palmerston North/Levin and Gisborne. As apart of these workshops we have been demonstrating how to use a Nitrachek device. The Nitrachek device produces a nitrate parts per million (ppm) result based on the colour…
Notice of Special General Meeting
Date of Notice 30 March 2025 To adopt a new Constitution for LandWISE Incorporated There will be an on-line Special General Meeting held at 4:30 pm on Thursday 1st May 2025 Full Members (currently registered financial members) have been sent an on-line meeting invitation and links to more information and an on-line ballot form directly….
STAMP Field Trip – IFAMA 2024
Last year I joined the STAMP (Strategic Thinking Agri-Food Marketing Program) for young professionals working in the agri-food sector. The program is supported by Massey University, AGMARDT and FoodHQ. We meet four times a year to connect, and through workshops, case study analysis, and discussions, we are provided with a platform to gain insights into…
Carbon Positive: comparing crop protection choices.
The last few months has seen us researching and confirming management strategies for our spring tomato crops. A major component is crop protection planning for conventional, regenerative, and hybrid treatments. In a conventional tomato growing system, the 135 day crop typically receives about 15 spray applications, all with several active ingredients. Regenerative principles seek to…
Horticultural Automation in Washington State
In September, Dan joined the Callaghan Innovation Horticultural Automation Immersion tour with a group of like-minded Kiwis from a range of backgrounds – horticultural robotics, precision agriculture research, remote mapping and sensing, kiwifruit management, and vegetable production. The trip was part of the Callaghan Innovation Agritech Activator initiative. There was too much to cover in…