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Phosphate is a key element for plant growth in New Zealand soils, but urgent change is required in how we use it to prevent environmental degradation before it’s too late, says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). New Zealand soils and phosphate have a long history together, going back to World War Two when New Zealand soils were deficient and phosphate was imported as RPR and made into Superphosphate. “The issue with this is that the continuous use of Phosphate over the last 70 years will mean it is no longer deficient in most soils and can be detrimental to the other nutrients or lime being applied,” says Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). The traditional method of farming was primarily focused on production. More grass, more protein, more milk and meat produced while environmental issues were not a concern. But farming has changed, he says. Now we want to produce as much as possible but also keep any phosphate applied to stay in the soil and not runoff as particulate P or leach into subsoils.  “Much of the loss is related to the soil type, climate, Anion storage capacity (ASC) or otherwise known as P retention, and overuse of soluble forms of P. P as a nutrient is one of the most expensive nutrients per kg,” advises Gordon. The scientific evidence is telling us not to use a highly water-soluble P fertiliser, as this type of fertiliser is far more likely to end up in waterways and particularly on low phosphate retentive soils.  “It is not nitrogen in waterways which is the issue, its P, only need small quantities to get into waterways to trigger eutrophication (algal blooms),” comments Gordon. It as Professor Walker once said, ‘Superphosphate has done more for NZ than any politician ever has’ this is true but we need to move on as this old technology”. About Dr. Gordon Rajendram – The Soil Scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendram worked at AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton for 22 years.  He has developed two field calibrated soil tests ( N & S) which are used for agronomic advice in New Zealand.  He also quantified the leaching of cation & anions from pastoral systems and this has been included in the Overseer nutrient model. He now consults to farmers and fertiliser companies. Contact Dr. Gordon Rajendram – The Soil Scientist: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA

Phosphorus (P) is critical for healthy plants to grow in New Zealand’s naturally P deficient soil says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). However, the shifting of P from farmland soils to local bodies of water has become a very serious environmental concern as too much P in waterways can cause the massive growth of aquatic plants and algal blooms. In a recent article by Warwick Catto on the subject off P loss, states that P loss comes from many sources but the contribution from fertiliser can be easiest to address. The two pathways of P loss have been identified as overland flow and by leaching through the soil profile. “P losses to the environment, from either of these sources can also affect farm profits, so it’s smart business sense to minimise them where you can,” says Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). The article also recognised that reducing P loss within farm systems independent analysis identifies the use of low water-soluble fertilisers to be one of the least cost mitigations to achieve this. Rajendram’s own 2012 paper on P loss concluded that peat soils will lose more P than other soils. This is shown in my paper when I separate the 4 different soil types used for agronomic advice (ash, sedimentary, peat and pumice).  It only needs 0.1 kg of P in 1 hectare with 400 mm of drainage to cause eutrophication,” advises Gordon. Losses in an AgResearch study showed on two peat farms losses were 5 kg and 46 kg/ ha/year, and were directly related to P retention ability of the soils. There are other soil types around NZ with low phosphate retention ability which will be losing P readily. “The issue lies in the fact that highly soluble P fertilisers are still being sold to peat soils in Waikato and Hauraki Gulf.  And farmers are unaware of this issue,” advises Gordon. Using a lower water-soluble P fertiliser can reduce the loss of P into waterways. However, it is important to remember that fertiliser itself is only one facet of a good fertiliser management system. Ensuring that it is applied at the right time, place and rate is equally important. Dr. Gordon Rajendram – The Soil Scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendram worked at AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton for 22 years.  He has developed two field calibrated soil tests ( N & S) which are used for agronomic advice in New Zealand.  He also quantified the leaching of cation & anions from pastoral systems and this has been included in the Overseer nutrient model. He now consults to farmers and fertiliser companies. Contact Dr. Gordon Rajendram – The Soil Scientist: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA

More than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, there are 13 elements were needed for plant growth says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). As an expert in all things soil, Gordon wants to showcase these unsung heroes, cobalt, selenium and iodine and how they are essential for animal health and nutrition. Known as an essential micronutrient, cobalt contributes a lot to soil organisms, plant performance and healthy animals. Cobalt is a key component of Vitamin B12 and propionate. Propionate is one of the main sources of energy which a plant uses to grow. Vitamin B12 is critical for cell division, which in turn plays an important part in plant growth because it provides more cells for the plant to grow in a healthy manner. Cobalt also helps with the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes in the plant and can aid in the efficiency of ruminal digestion. “In particular, lambs have a high requirement for cobalt, followed by calves, adult sheep and adult cattle. Young animals are more likely to be affected by cobalt deficiency than fully-grown animals, so it’s important to watch out for,” comments Gordon. Selenium plays an important role in milk production, disease resistance, placental shedding, stock reproduction, calf viability and immunity. “Selenium is vital for cows and ewes from before mating to the end of the gestation period,” advises Gordon. By testing and treating the soil for selenium, instead of the animal, a reduction in cases of selenium deficiency in animals can be gained. Treating the soil for selenium deficiency will also work out a lot cheaper than treating individual animals. Iodine is needed for energy metabolism. milk production, protein synthesis and reproduction “We have seen that the uptake of iodine by pasture can be quite low,” says Gordon. Moreover, iodine is also easily leached during wet weather. Iodine is also an important player in immune system functions, such as sending immune cells to the site of injury and bacteria-killing ability. Soil testing can recognise deficiencies in the soil, such as Iodine, so it can be rectified quickly. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is dedicated to helping all farmers get most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com

Knowing the nutrient profile of your soil can improve the yield of your crop, storage characteristics and plant vigour says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Ideal for vineyards, orchards and more, horticulture soil testing is done to get an accurate read on the soil quality and nutrient levels. “This supports monitoring fertiliser programmes and helps to recognizing nutrient deficiency or toxicity,” says Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Ideally soil testing should be completed at the time of establishment, so the correct fertilizer and lime treatment can be applied before planting.  However, it’s not too late for already established orchards and vineyards.  “Soil testing and sampling works best when used in conjunction with plant testing for correct nutrient management,” advises Gordon. Soil testing can show you the soil nutrient levels in your soil are high enough to sustain excellent level of plant growth. Through soil testing you can also monitor soil pH and organic matter. It can also help with uniform crop growth, which makes individual plants more competitive with weeds which makes practices such as spraying, simplifying crop harvesting and drying and improving market quality easier. If you have poor plant growth, little response from the use of fertilizers, difficult weeds, low crop yields, poor quality forages, irregular plant growth in your fields, soil testing can help you discover exactly what is causing these issues and the best ways to correct them. “Soil testing gives you the potential for higher yielding crops, better quality crops and more effective and resourceful fertilizer use,” adds Gordon. Looking for a better and more efficient way to meet your crop needs and yield goals? Then get The Soil Scientist on the case! Gordon can help all farmers get independent advice to they can get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA

Take the guesswork out of nutrient management by making soil testing your first step in your annual fertiliser applications says soils says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Soil testing gives you an accurate measurement of the nutrient status of soil for your farm. “From large scale operations to lifestyle blocks, having a clear understanding of the soil nutrient status is important no matter what type of farm you have,” says Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Not only can soil testing improve pasture production, but it can also cut fertiliser costs. But with utilising the results from soil testing you can know what nutrients to apply and where. This will help avoid oversaturation with wasted fertiliser. “With soil testing, you are maximising your fertiliser dollar,” adds Gordon. Animals need a balanced diet to stay healthy. A balance of essential elements, such as copper, zinc, selenium, sodium and others, is key to sustaining an animal’s healthy diet, promoting strength and size and helping the animals fight off sickness and decreasing stress levels. Soil testing will inform you exactly what elements are needed to keep your stock happy and healthy. Not only should soil testing be your first step when planning your fertiliser application, but should be in your calendar to repeat regularly. “Analysing trends in soil test over time will give you a better suggestion of how well your fertiliser management programme has performed,” advises Gordon. “To put it simply, if you don’t test you cannot manage the soil and Leaf analysis or ensure the adequate nutrients for growth,” says Gordon. Gordon Rajendram has more than 34 years of experience in Agricultural and analytical testing development and research. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is dedicated to helping all farmers get most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA

The importance of getting your soil tested before you add fertiliser was on show at Uptake’s Mid-Winter Christmas event with a talk from Hamilton-based leading Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). “I’ve got a saying – if you do not test, you cannot manage,” says Gordon. An expert in all things soil, Gordon advises that “it’s very important that you must test the soil and herbage, this testing will come in at less than one percent of your fertiliser bill,”. Soil testing is an investment in the future health of your soil. An ASC test (Anion Storage Capacity), previously known as P Retention, is a measure used to define the phosphorus (P) immobilisation potential of a soil “This is the number one test for me, it’s the ability of the soil to hold on to phosphate and sulphur,” says Gordon.  An ASC test must be included with every sampled area to determine its level. This is then extremely valuable information when bearing in mind the use of phosphorus and sulphur fertilisers. The ASC test is done by testing the level of iron and/or aluminium oxides in the soil. A low ASC soil will have little P binding sites, while high ASC soils will have numerous binding sites. “Soils on New Zealand farms generally typically have an array of ASC between 0 – 96%. Soils with ASC with less than 40% are more likely to be susceptible to phosphate loss,” advises Gordon. Soils can change over time, that’s why regular soil testing is crucial to the continued health and success of your farm. You may not be able to change your soil type or the climate, but you can control the amount and type of phosphorus and sulphur that are applied to vulnerable areas. Gordon has dedicated his professional career to helping farmers across the country get most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NZMediaPA         

Hamilton-based expert Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram has just launched a new video based on his educational talks at the Fertco Workshop. This address was about the benefits, slow release fertilisers, fine particle fertiliser and the overuse of phosphate. Taking place at Rerewhakaaitu Domain near Rotorua, this seminar looked at the overuse of phosphate, what wrong phosphate products are being used and its consequences to the environment. This is highly pertinent to Rotorua and its surrounding lake catchments. “There are more losses occurring below the ground due to the climate and soil type,” says Gordon.  The amounts lost, it’s value and how you can mitigate these losses are where Gordon has his expertise. With a PhD, Gordon is one of the leading experts on laboratory measurement techniques for chemical, biological and physical properties in materials in New Zealand. Gordon has ‘over thirty-five years’ experience in the laboratory, field and research expertise. Gordon also highlighted the benefits of utilising fine particle fertiliser. “Fine particle fertiliser allows for the rapid uptake of nutrients while improving fertiliser use efficiency with lower spread rates,” adds Gordon. With fine particle fertiliser, deficiencies in the soil can be rectified quickly due to foliar nutrient uptake.  “Efficient in application, particularly of trace elements and minerals, with fine particle fertiliser proportion of nutrients can be varied,” comments Gordon. If you want to discover more about the benefits that fine particle fertiliser can bring to your farm, then make sure you get the best in New Zealand, the soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram out to your rural farm today.   Gordon is dedicated to help all farmers get most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently and be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. You can view the new video here:  https://youtu.be/lVwPLnCuEos Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 466 077 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NZMediaPA         

Soil testing is the plays a critical part in having a soil that has all the nutrients it needs says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). If you need more convincing, here are five reasons why you need to get your soil tested. Expert AdviceAs New Zealand’s premier agricultural consultant, Gordon has more than 35 years of experience in analytical testing development, applied research and consulting to farmers and fertiliser companies. There is no one better to have testing your soil. “I can give you the correct and unbiased independent advice that will best serve the unique needs of your farm,” comments Gordon. The Right ElementsTraditionally, farmers have just used nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, thinking that it will be sufficient. However, comprehensive studies and research have shown that 13 elements are actually needed for quality plant growth. “Cobalt, selenium and iodine have been shown to be essential for animal health and nutrition,” says Gordon. Nitrogen is now seen as the most limiting nutrient in combination with soil temperature and moisture Correct ApplicationThrough soil testing, Gordon can advise on the right way to apply the combination of elements to your soil. Gordon supports the use of fine-grind nutrients blended in suspension as the most effective way to deliver the right elements in the right quantities. This type of application allows the spreading of each needed nutrient, to evenly cover each square metre of the farm so it can penetrate into the soil profile, fast and evenly. Less WasteKnowing the exact quantities of fertiliser your farm needs will result in zero wastage. “By knowing the quantity fertilisers your soil need prevents farmers from wasting money on unnecessary extra fertiliser application,” advises Gordon. There is no more wasted resources with you use soil testing. Increased Soil FertilityRegular soil testing with good record-keeping system can serves as a scale to show whether soil fertility is increasing, decreasing, or remaining constant. Heavy fertilizer use and crop yield statistics can be an indication that soil fertility on many farms may be declining due to incorrect nutrient management. About Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Through expert soil testing and analysis, Gordon is dedicated to help all farmers get independent advice to they can get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NZMediaPA

Soil testing is an investment the future prosperity of your farm or rural business says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). “Put simply, soil testing help to identify production problems related to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances,” says Dr Gordon Rajendram. But how do you know which elements you need and what quantity you need to ensure that your livestock and crops healthy and nutrient efficient? The answer is soil testing! Coming in at less than one percent of your total fertiliser costs, it is a cost-effective investment. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are commonly used on New Zealand farms, however, contrary to popular belief, there are actually 13 elements were needed for quality plant growth. Another three elements of cobalt, selenium and iodine are essential for animal health and nutrition. “Soil testing gives farmers a decision-making tool to determine what nutrients to apply and how much,” says Gordon. Soil testing delivers assurance that fertiliser nutrients are being applied to soils for beneficial reasons, with the backup of scientific analysis With soil testing you can have the confidence to know that you are applying the exact nutrients at the optimal rates at the correct time to maximise pasture production and quality as well as reducing the environmental impact. Soil testing can also help in optimising soil pH levels in every paddock. “Soil testing allows you to have more efficient fertilizer use which allows for potential for higher yielding crops and higher quality crops,” advises Gordon. Through expert soil testing and analysis, Gordon is dedicated to help all farmers get independent advice so they can get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving the farm profitability. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soil-scientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoilscientistnz/ Contact MediaPA: Phone: 0274 587 724 Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz Website: www.mediapa.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NZMediaPA