2022

When a young Gordon Rajendram took a casual summer job at Ruakura Research Centre, no-one involved had any inkling that he would go on to be a research trailblazer and a leading expert around soil fertility.  Although that summer job was undertaken while studying for his first degree at Waikato University – Ruakura Reserarch Centre went on to play a pivotal role in Gordon’s career and he ended up working at the prestigious Research Centre for 22 years. Now with BSc, MSc and a PhD to his name, Dr Gordon Rajendram is widely regarded as a pioneer in laboratory measurement techniques for chemical, biological and physical properties in materials (aka he specialises in soil fertility). He holds a number of patents (five to be exact) and along the way has been nominated by AgResearch for Kudos Awards: Scientist of the Year in 2008 for work done on the soil sulphur test and its agronomic advice. He was also nominated by Ministry of Science and Innovation for Kudos Awards: Science Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010 for his work done on precision farming. Continuous growth And now in the next phase of continued development, Gordon has recently launched his new website (gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz): dedicated to helping farmers get the most out of their soil, and providing soil knowledge to help farms work more efficiently and sustainably, while improving profitability.  Specialising in independent soil advice, Gordon brings more than 35 years of experience in analytical testing development, applied research and consulting to farmers and fertiliser companies.  “This website has been a long time coming and I am excited to finally share it,” he says.  Information shared on the website also highlights the importance of getting soil tested and why this needs to be done regularly. “Soil testing can help you more effectively use plant nutrients and reduce the leaching or runoff into waterways,” says Gordon. Helping to demystify the science around soil, Gordon is driven to help farmers on their journey to getting an accurate read on what elements are needed in their soil.  “With increasing fertiliser costs, soil and pasture testing are key if farmers want to get the most out of their fertiliser. And the way to do this is through soil and pasture/herbage testing. “Soil and herbage testing give 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, a fertiliser programme can be developed specific to each paddock or area which will save 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.” Early Days Having moved to New Zealand when he was nine years old, Gordon’s introduction to rural living came via time spent on the two farms at St Peter’s School in Cambridge, where his father taught.  “In fact, I pulled out ragwort on one of those farms when I was about nine years old – and got paid for it!” Following that early introduction to farm labour, Gordon went on to experience other elements of rural life, involved in haymaking and milking cows on a Taupiri farm before heading to university to pursue his studies.  Any time not dedicated to researching knowledge, was spent playing or watching a variety of sports, from rugby and league to cricket and tennis. Quiet achiever While Gordon has prolifically achieved throughout his career, his soil fertility research has by no means made him a household name, even though the impact of his research has been far reaching in farming, horticultural and fertiliser industries. Much of his work has been included in Overseer. Unfortunately, minimal government funding has drastically reduced research work being carried out, but Gordon continues his commitment to sharing his knowledge and insights.  A member of New Zealand Society of Soil Science and of New Zealand Grasslands Society, he has more than 70 publications to his name (mainly achieved while working at MAF and its predecessor AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre in Hamilton). Among the many areas his research has impacted is his study into Soil Nitrogen (N) and Field Calibration. In 2008, he developed a field calibrated pastoral soil N test for New Zealand which would benefit NZ agriculture massively.  Revolving around the strategic use of N fertiliser on areas of farm based on the N status (Organic –N and the easily mineralised N fraction) of the soil; this IP was brought by Ballance Agri nutrients as part of an $18 Million funding deal with MSI and AgResearch. It was initially called ‘N Guru’ but has been renamed as ‘Pasture planner’.  Much of Gordon’s research and knowledge can be found on his website and Farm Trader welcomes him to its team of regular columnists also. 

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 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. There are many aspects to consider for healthy soil and pasture production. The appropriate soil testing can help you get it correct says Hamilton-based Independent Fertiliser Consultant and Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram PhD. There are two key factors that drive pasture production. Firstly, there is soil temperature measured at 10 cm. At 5 or 6 degrees, pasture stops growing.  Second is soil moisture. With a soil moisture <25 % there can be significant impact on pasture production. ‘Using a Field Calibrated Soil Test will help the farmer identify if they are achieving maximum pasture production, low productivity or wasting money due to excessive use of a nutrient,” says Independent Fertiliser Consultant and Soil Scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendram PhD. In addition, pasture species struggle on low pH soils due to the increased Aluminium in the soil solution which retards root growth, resulting in less growth of herbage. New Zealand farmers are not applying lime particularly on hill country, so many soils are getting very acidic (< 5.5 pH), with soils getting down to as low as 5.0 pH. However, with right testing and planning there is room in every budget for both lime and fertiliser to reduce soil acidification.  Leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil, due to such factors such as rainfall and irrigation. “Amount of nutrient lost via subsurface flow is related to amount of rainfall and drainage,” says Gordon. Plant essential nutrients exist as anions and cations, and the leaching of these anions and cations is conditional on various factors including the amounts and form of nutrients applied in fertiliser, stocking rate, drainage, soil type and extent of previous leaching. Anion Storage Capacity (ASC) or Phosphate retention (P-retention) is a measure of the soil to remove P from soil solution.  “This is key test which is inherent of the soil type should be included with every sampled area to determine its level. This is exceptionally valuable information when bearing in mind the use of phosphorus and sulphur fertilisers,” adds Gordon. Research shows that 70% of sulphur applied in a soluble form is leached from NZ soils. Phosphate is a key element for plant growth. Any phosphate applied needs 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, and overuse of soluble forms of P. Mitigating P losses < 40% ASC greater potential to lose P from soil Apply little bit often Important to use right product Apply slow-release P & S products Combo of water soluble/slow-release P & S is best it is important to remember that fertiliser itself is only one aspect of a productive fertiliser management system. “If you don’t test and do it properly you are doing a disservice to your business,” adds Gordon. Ensuring that it is applied at the right time, place and rate is equally important. About The Soil Scientist Gordon is a Independent Fertiliser Consultant and 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