Gordon Rajendram the soil scientist

2021

Increasing fertiliser nitrogen price shows how important it is to go biological with clover says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

Waikato-based Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram PhD is considered one of New Zealand’s experts in soil fertility. He is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently, be sustainable while still increasing the farm profitability. Dr Gordon Rajendram worked at AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.  He has developed two fields of calibrated soil tests (N & S) which are used for agronomic advice in NZ and his work on leaching has been included in the Overseer nutrient model. The ever-increasing price of urea has highlighted the value of growing clover to fix nitrogen (N) advises New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). “This increase in Urea price (~$850/tonne) and the 190 N rule may be a godsend as farmers reliant on mineral nitrogen will need to utilize more efficient ways/technologies of applying nitrogen fert and now need to grow more clover to fill this gap,” says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Research shows that above 200 kg of N the fixation of N by clover decreases to where if 400 kg of N/hectare was applied zero fixation of N occurs.  White, red, and subterranean are predominant clovers growing in NZ with white best or most persistent for NZ temperate climate.  “The country’s high-quality primary products are internationally competitive due to a predominate ryegrass and white clover pasture mix, which responds favourably to our temperate climate,” comments Gordon. The annual financial contribution of white clover cannot be overstated. White clover contributes to the economy of New Zealand indirectly through fixed nitrogen, forage yield, seed production and honey production and is estimated to be more than $3 billion. “White clover benefits pastoral agriculture through its ability to fix nitrogen, its high nutritive value, its seasonal complementarity with grasses, and its ability to improve animal feed intake and utilisation rates,” says Gordon. The potential N-fixation rates from white clover can be as high as 700 kg N/ha/year, however the presence of fertiliser nitrogen and factors can limit white clover growth. These factors include moisture stress, low soil fertility and pH, grazing and grazing management, temperature and since 1996 the clover root weevil. As a result of these pressure factors, annual nitrogen fixation levels from white clover in grazed pastures are extremely variable, ranging from 20 kg N/ha/year in infertile, unimproved hill pastures to 400 kg N/ha/year in intensively managed pastures. It is without a doubt that white clover is the key to the competitiveness of our agricultural products on international markets. White clover is considered the best quality component of grazed pastures because of its high nutritive and feeding value. After all, nitrogen has been the base of our pastures for more than a century except in our very driest regions, providing a cheaper source of nitrogen than fertiliser nitrogen. Yet nitrogen deficiency still limits agricultural production. “The challenge over the next decades will be to improve the reliability of white clover to increase annual inputs from N-fixation and effectively integrate the strategic use of fertiliser nitrogen without losing the benefits from white clover,” says Gordon Live weight gains of animals fed white clover are consistently higher than for those fed perennial ryegrass. Research has shown that gross milk yields are higher from cows fed white clover than ryegrass. The higher live weight gains and milk yields on white clover are due to the higher voluntary intake rates and by the higher gross efficiency (gain per unit of intake). Metabolizable energy consumed was approximately 40% higher for white clover than perennial ryegrass. White clover has a lower resistance to chewing than grasses because it has less cell wall and fibres is lower.  The lower resistance to breakdown during eating and ruminating results in 10–35% higher intake rate of white clover than perennial ryegrass. It was clover and N fixation expert Professor Walker that once said, “Any fool can grow ryegrass, but it takes a real farmer to grow clover”. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is dedicated to helping all farmers 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

Increasing fertiliser nitrogen price shows how important it is to go biological with clover says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

Rising fertiliser costs has highlighted the importance of getting your soil tested says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

With increasing fertiliser costs, soil and pasture testing are key if farmers want to get the most out of their fertiliser says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Looking at the numbers, Nitrogen (urea) prices have increased by ~ 50% (~ $565 – ~ $850) and Phosphate prices have gone up from between ~$3 kg to $4 to $5 per Kg P. “Milk solid prices are the highest it’s been for quite a while and lamb and beef pricing is very good,” says Gordon. The reason for these price hikes is due to several reasons. A major culprit of the price spike is international shipping going up due to issues as well as the internal cost of transport lifted due to fuel costs going up. The price of international nitrogen fertilizer is also related to the increase in wheat pricing the farmer is getting.  “GHG footprint for growing wheat – N fertiliser accounts for ~60% when other fert & lime is only ~10%,” adds Gordon. Fertiliser is also in high demand in India due to subsidies given to their farmers for fertiliser. But no matter the reason, farmers will need to get more bang for their buck when it comes to fertilizer. And the answer on how to do this is through soil and pasture/herbage testing. Soil and herbage testing will give you accurate data about the mineral imbalances that may be affecting the health of your crops or livestock. “Soil testing allows you to make the best and most informed, data-based decisions for their farm, resulting in healthier land and stock as well as making a difference on your bottom line,” advises Gordon. After soil testing, you can then develop a fertiliser programme specific to each paddock or area which will save you money by determining the correct proportion of fertiliser to apply in each paddock or area. Spreading on too little fertiliser is just as wasteful as applying too much. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is dedicated to helping all farmers 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

Rising fertiliser costs has highlighted the importance of getting your soil tested says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

There is a lot going on below ground, says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram.

The leaching period is upon us, and there is a lot going on below ground, more than we imagine. This article explores the effect of rate of nitrogen fertiliser on cation and anion leaching under intensively grazed dairy pasture which can have far reaching effects on the way we farm from Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). In New Zealand, there have been limited studies on the topic of leaching of anions and cations in intensive New Zealand dairy farming systems. However, it is an important topic, as it is vital to the soil health and long-term effects on New Zealand farms. Leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil, due to rain and irrigation. Plant essential nutrients exist as anions and cations. Anions are elements or molecules that in their natural state have a negative (-) charge. Cations are ones that have a positive (+) charge in their natural state. Generally, soil is negatively charged and repels negative ions (anions), which are easily leached by rainwater and irrigation drainage.  Negative ions which are leached take a positive ion with it, it is part of nature. “The leaching of anions and cations is conditional on various factors including the amounts and form of nutrients applied in fertiliser, stocking rate, rainfall & therefore drainage, soil type and extent of previous leaching,” says the Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram The increased use of nitrogen fertiliser on dairy farms for the last few decades, has led to the growing concern about the effect on nitrate leaching to groundwater. A study in the mid 1990’s by Rajendram and Stewart Ledgard and other research’s at AgResearch set out to determine the amounts of Ca, Mg, Na, K, nitrate-N, sulphate-S, Cl and inorganic P leached from intensively grazed dairy pasture at three sites (Waikato, Taranaki & Southland) over a five-year period in the absence of N. In addition, nutrient leaching was determined in dairy farmlets at the three sites receiving 0, 200 or 400 kg N/ha/year. “The quantities of cations and anions leached from the farmlets getting no nitrogen fertiliser represented a significant removal of these nutrients from the system, particularly under high drainage,” comments Gordon. Where no N was applied, approximately $240 of fertiliser was applied above ground, but $160 of nutrients was lost below the root zone in drainage. Once the N applied was increased to 400 kg N/ha/yr, the value of nutrients lost below the root zone jumped to $250/ha/year. Another negative impact was, clover N fixation decreased from 180  to 0 kg/N/year when nitrogen application rates increased from zero N applied to 400 kg N applied per hectare per year. Leaching losses for cations and anions were similar between the different non-N-fertilised farmlets even though there were differences in soil drainage characteristics, region, and management practices. This study showed that high-level leaching losses of Ca, Mg, Na, nitrate-N, sulphate-S and Cl occurred from intensively grazed pasture and that heightened farming intensity, through the use of N fertiliser, increased the losses of Ca and nitrate-N. Soil Magnesium levels were decreasing on farms in the 1980’s and 90’s. This study showed the reason why this was the case.  Approximately 30 kg per hectare of magnesium was being leached every year and not replaced in fertiliser or via rainfall. “These results have significant consequences to the sustainability of these systems, the potential for increase in incidence of hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia in animals, and the requirements for nutrient inputs in fertilisers,” advises Gordon.  The research findings were included into the Overseer nutrient model. When farmers are required to determine their N leaching index, cations and anions leached is also generated by Overseer as part of the output. Waikato based Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently, be sustainable while increasing farm profitability. Gordon is one of the leading voices in soil fertility. 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

There is a lot going on below ground, says Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram. Read More »

Media Coverage

Reducing phosphorus leaching in soil 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. Reduce Nitrogen, Phosphate Use Without Compromising Pasture & Milk Production With NZ’s Leading Expert In Soil Fertility Developed from proven science, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD), shows how one farm improved plant nutrient uptake, pasture production, milk production, root growth, earthworm and increased water holding capacity through soil, pasture and clover only testing followed up by sound agronomic advice. New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD) launched a new video about the overuse of phosphate on New Zealand farms. 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. Leading Farming and Soil Nutrition Company Uptake eading Farming and Soil Nutrition Company Uptake New Zealand Provide A Healthy And Sustainable Answer To Agricultural Environmental Woes Dairy News 2 February 2021  

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The Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram (PhD) is serious about soil.

Farmers, do you know what is going on with your soil? Soil testing and sampling is the most crucial step in nutrient management to get the correct soil and mineral balance that grows healthy pasture, crops and animals. Offering reliable and dependable advice, Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram (PhD)  is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be more sustainable while increasing the farm profitability. It’s all about making the farmers’ life easier. With BSc, MSc and a PhD to his name, Gordon is one of the leading experts on laboratory measurement techniques for chemical, biological and physical properties in materials. Gordon is independent which means he can offer you the correct and unbiased advice that will best serve your needs. Gordon is also not linked with any fertiliser brand, so you know that you are getting specialist and independent advice. Putting fertiliser on your soil without knowing the exact nutrient balance needed will lead to over-fertilisation. Testing your soil, pasture or herbage, and specific plants such as clover, before fertilisation, find out what elements are needed. If you don’t test you are doing a disservice to your business. Helping to demystify the science around soil, Gordon can start you on your journey to getting an accurate read on what elements are needed in your soil. In fact, there are 13 elements were needed for plant growth, not just nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil testing can help you more successfully use plant nutrients and reduce the leaching or runoff into waterways. Having professional soil testing done has a variety of benefits that help farmers get the most out of their farm. One of the more major benefits is that it can help increase yields and profitability by providing needed nutrients for the crop. After all a healthy soil enriches crop growth and makes individual plants more competitive with weeds. This in turn will help ease other management practices such as spraying, simplifying crop harvesting and drying and improving market quality. Contact Gordon: Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonRajendramSoilScientist Website: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

The Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram (PhD) is serious about soil. Read More »

Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphate use without compromising pasture & milk production with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

Developed from proven science, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD), shows how one farm improved plant nutrient uptake, pasture production, milk production, root growth, earthworm and increased water holding capacity through soil, pasture and clover only testing followed up by sound agronomic advice. “This study is highly relevant, especially to Canterbury dairy farmers as the NZ Government requirement that no more than 190 kg of nitrogen per hectare is applied in any one year.  It is also likely in the future that there will be restrictions in phosphate (P) use, as P is more of a threat to the environment if it gets into waterways than N” adds Gordon. ‘Farmers are very worried about the 190 N rule particularly in Canterbury, they do not have to be as you can grow enough pasture with high-quality feed if you get the right advice based on sound scientific principles’ adds Gordon. A case study was done on Belfield Dairies, farmed by Andrew & Richard Grant, a 667-hectare farm with 2400 cows on two milking platforms. The soil type consisted of Struan stony silt loam, Eyre stony sandy loam and Waterton deep silt loam soils. Before the study started the practice was to apply nitrogen of 290-300 kg N/ha/year and blanket application of super phosphate (85 % water-soluble P) up to 500kg per year, which is equivalent to 45kgs/ha of P. “We conducted comprehensive soil testing (called soil benchmarking a farm) to determine the nutrient and soil pH status of the farms in winter of 2018 when cows were wintered off,” says Gordon. Through thorough testing and data analysis, paddocks were identified that were below optimum, at optimum or above optimum for each nutrient. From this nutrient, density maps were created for each nutrient or soil parameter. The results from the testing showed that the soil on the farm had low Phosphate retention (ASC) and Sulphur retention ability. The Pasture production monitored for each paddock was monitored. The fertility of individual paddock was reflected in pasture production. The best fertility paddock grew 19-tonne dry matter per hectare per year (DM/ha/year), whereas the worst fertility grew 9-tonne dry matter DM/ha/year. Yearly soil, pasture and clover only samples taken from 12 monitor paddocks established on benchmarking to detect any nutrient deficiencies. Extra testing done was C, N, Organic matter and trace elements Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn. All 16 elements tested are required for pasture growth and animal health. You need to look at the long-term trends in soil & pasture, therefore the establishment of monitor paddocks. The paddocks were limed to an ideal soil pH of 6.3, over a 3-year programme. “But because the farm had low soil ASC values, the farm soils cannot retain phosphate or sulphur, so slow-release products such as Di-calcic P and elemental Sulphur was applied,” adds Gordon. This greatly reduced the potential leaching and runoff of P & S. Also, maintenance application rates were reduced from 45 kg P/ha to 15 kg P/ha year as this is what is taken out the farm gate as P in milk and culled cows. This is all based on science and can be found in any farmers Overseer nutrient budget. To reduce the amount of nitrogen application rates < 200 kg N/ha/year, they have also started to move to N applied in liquid form and rates of between 15 – 20 kg N applied per round. We will look to get it down to 150 kg ha year. The cost of sampling and testing was ~$10/hectare, making it a cost-effective investment for the health and production of the farm. “The soils were very compacted to help fix this and aerate the soil we used the AgraForum soil conditioning program,” advises Gordon.  Also, other major & trace elements were applied to overcome any deficiencies. Trace elements were applied via liquid or suspension form. What Andrew & Richard Grant have noticed is “We can now see earthworm activity in the soils is more evident now which is a sure-fire sign of healthy soil. We also grow more grass, milk production has been increasing every year, and one of the most interesting observations is that the water holding capacity of the soil has increased. Also, our fertiliser costs have diminished,”. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is dedicated to helping all farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more efficiently, be sustainable while improving 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

Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphate use without compromising pasture & milk production with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

Soil chemical and physical testing removes the guesswork out of farming says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

Waikato-based Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram PhD is considered one of New Zealand’s experts in soil fertility. He is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently, be sustainable while still increasing the farm profitability. Dr. Gordon Rajendram worked at AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.  He has developed two field calibrated soil tests (N & S) which are used for agronomic advice in NZ and his work on leaching has been included in the Overseer nutrient model. Soils will continue to change over time, that’s why regular soil testing is crucial to the continued health and success of your farm says Hamilton-based leading Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Soil testing will showcase the mineral imbalances that may be affecting the health of your crops or livestock. Macroporosity is a measure of the proportion of large pores in the soil that provide the air supply to roots and microbes. A 10 % decrease in pasture production for every 1% decrease in microporosity below the critical level of 10 %. It’s the best soil physical field calibrated test for New Zealand and was developed by AgResearch in the late 1990s.   Treading damage can cost loss in pasture production. “When soil structure is damaged, the infiltration, rate decreases and pores that are required for aeration and drainage are destroyed,” says Gordon. Other issues include ~80% decrease in worm populations, Increased runoff of water, sediment, faecal coliforms, phosphate and other nutrients plus Increased greenhouse gases. 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 will test the ability of the soil to hold on to phosphate and sulphur.  An ASC test must be included with every sampled area to determine its level. “This is particularly valuable information when bearing in mind the use of phosphorus and sulphur fertilisers,” adds Gordon.  Low ASC soils have minimal P binding sites. Once you have all the testing done, and have all the accurate information on what needs to go on your soil, the next step is to develop a fertiliser programme specific to each area or paddock. Fine particle or slow-release fertiliser is a great choice. Fine particle fertiliser has improved fertiliser use efficiency with lower spread rates required to get the most out of it. “Featuring a rapid uptake of needed nutrients, with fine particle fertiliser deficiencies can be rectified quickly due to the excellent foliar nutrient uptake,” adds Gordon. With the efficient application the proportion of nutrients can be varied. Not only that, it also has reduced environmental impact. 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. If you want to discover more about the benefits of soil testing 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.  With his BSc, MSc and a PhD, Gordon is one of the leading experts on laboratory and field measurement techniques for chemical, biological and physical properties. 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

Soil chemical and physical testing removes the guesswork out of farming says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

The importance of liming with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

Waikato-based Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram PhD is considered one of New Zealand’s experts in soil fertility. He is committed to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently, be sustainable while still increasing the farm profitability. Dr. Gordon Rajendram worked at AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.  He has developed two field calibrated soil tests (N & S) which are used for agronomic advice in NZ and his work on leaching has been included in the Overseer nutrient model. A lot of farms in New Zealand’s Hill Country have alarmingly low pH soil levels. There has been more emphasis on fertiliser at the expense of liming. However, both can be achieved within the farmers budget if a long-term plan is put in place says leading Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Gordon says that generally pasture species do not like low pH soils as there is increased Aluminium in the soil solution which retards root growth, which in turn leads to less growth of herbage on top. MAF’s recommendation is for soil pH to be between 5.8 and 6.0 based on the dry matter production.  “The ideal pH is around 6.2 if you take into account quality of feed, more clover growth, greater earth worms (which aerates the soil), more calcium in the diet, and phosphate less tightly held by the soil,” comments Gordon. Because of the cost of flying lime on Hill Country, a lot of farmers are put off from trying it. Lime is normally $20 – $35 per tonne, cartage is typically ~$20 -30 per tonne, but flying is ~$120/tonne.  “There is not enough in the farmers’ budget when normal hill country farm fertiliser and lime budget is ~130/hectare/per year,” says Gordon. Normally it takes 1 tonne of lime to lift soil pH by 0.1 unit, but it much depends on the Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil. A low CEC soil, such as a sandy soil, requires much less lime to lift pH by 0.1 unit. The problem with New Zealand farms is that farmers are not applying lime because of the above, so many soils are getting very acidic (< 5.5 pH), with soils getting down to as low as 5.0 pH.  This has a significant detrimental impact on pasture production and clover growth, which ultimately leads to animal performance. The solution lies in having proper soil and pasture testing as without testing you cannot know what minerals needed to be added to your soil and in what amounts. Otherwise it becomes a guessing game.  Expert advice is needed at the right time, with a plan to address the issue within the budget allocated. If these steps are taken, there is enough in the farmers budget to both lime and fertilise to reduce soil acidification.  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 liming with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

Phosphate loss needs URGENT attention, says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

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

Phosphate loss needs URGENT attention, says New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

Mitigating Phosphorus loss in farms with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD).

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

Mitigating Phosphorus loss in farms with New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility, Hamilton-based Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram (PhD). Read More »

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