Gordon Rajendram the soil scientist

August 2020

The benefits of Near-Infrared Spectrophotometry for soil testing with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

Near-Infrared spectrophotometry is able to adequately measure the status of key nutrients within New Zealand soils says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). There is no doubt about it, New Zealand’s rural and agricultural community relies on nutrient testing to determine whether soils are below, above or at maintenance for any given nutrient. Near-Infrared spectrophotometry powerful and quick analytical tool for accurate soil testing. “New Zealand has a wide variety of different soil types, so routine soil testing must be completed to ensure a balance of essential nutrients at all time and near-Infrared spectrophotometry can offer quick results,” says Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). The demand for rapid field soil monitoring has never been greater. This is where the use of near-Infrared spectrophotometry if of great benefit. The time it takes for a measurement to be taken is rather quick with results being available within minutes to hours, rather than days. One of the biggest advantages of using near-infrared spectroscopy for soil analysis is the simple sample preparation. Numerous soil properties and nutrients can be assessed from the spectra signal of the measured soil.  “Near-Infrared spectrophotometry doesn’t need any sample preparation, doesn’t need the use of any chemicals, and are quick and easy to do,” advises Gordon. “In the future, near-Infrared spectrophotometry may enable rapid, inexpensive and on the spot tests for soil nutrients. This is an exciting space to watch,” adds Gordon. 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. If near-Infrared spectrophotometry is a tool you want to use for your rural business, contact the Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD) today! 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 benefits of Near-Infrared Spectrophotometry for soil testing with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

Why an Anion Storage Capacity test should be your first soil test, with Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

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         

Why an Anion Storage Capacity test should be your first soil test, with Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

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