Posts

The Rhizosphere: A key player in nutrient accessibility and plant stress resilience

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

The rhizosphere represents a fascinating and complex system, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of the soil ecosystem and the health of plants. This zone is characterized by an intricate web of biological, chemical, and physical interactions between the plant, the soil microorganisms, and the soil itself. One of the key functions of the rhizosphere is to facilitate nutrient uptake by plants, by enhancing the availability and accessibility of nutrients in the soil. Another important role of the rhizosphere is to mitigate plant stress, by providing a range of protective and supportive functions. Understanding the mechanisms underlying nutrient cycling and stress response in the rhizosphere can help us to develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, which can improve soil fertility and plant productivity, while minimizing environmental impact.

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Slurry spreader

Assessment of the potential financial benefits and risks of adopting improved effluent management

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Manure is both a waste product with the potential to pollute, and a potential fertiliser. One challenge in dairy production is managing manure in a way that is advantageous for agricultural production, while minimising the potential negative impact on the environment and public health.

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Effluent pond

Dairy effluent management: Disposal of waste or valuable nutrients?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Effluent may be a waste product generated on dairy farms, but it can be a valuable resource when disposed of correctly and in the right places.

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Could compost tea be part of the solution?

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

Compost tea, if used correctly, can help reduce the use of harmful pesticides through the introduction of beneficial microbes and at the same time bring nutrients that are essential for plant growth and soil functions.

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Green pasture

Growing pasture with minimal nitrogen fertiliser

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

How low have farmers been able to come with nitrogen fertiliser rates, while still maintaining optimal pasture growth?

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Pastures

Case study: Growing cheaper pastures

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

The take-away challenge is for farmers to assess whether their fertiliser costs are decreasing per pasture produced. Are you growing cheaper pastures?

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Why not compost?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Nothing should ever be viewed as “waste” on the farm. Organic waste can be converted into compost that helps improve the farms soil life and fertility.

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Turning effluent from waste to benefit

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

When dairy effluent is viewed as waste water, it is all about getting rid off it. However when it is viewed as beneficial water, it is all about the opportunity costs of the nutrients.

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Testing water quality

Thinking beyond your fence

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

As a farmer, you can contribute negatively or positively towards the problem of freshwater pollution. If you want to make a positive contribution, what practices are you implementing to do so?

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The “too much of a good thing” effect of nitrogen

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Nitrogen is a nutrient that is crucial for the optimal growth of plants. Its role in plant health may very well be unparalleled, but what happens when it becomes excessive in the soil? Is it “the more the better”, or rather a case of “too much of a good thing”?

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