May 2023

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, half of the gross emissions come from agriculture, which includesthe majority of nitrous oxide and biogenic methane emissions. Agriculture is a significant emitter, but reducing emissions will build the sector’s resilience.To meet our 2050 target, it is crucial to decrease these emissions, specifically biogenicmethane emissions, by 24-47% by 2050.One central approach to reducing emissions is through changes in significant polluters suchas the Tiwai smelter. This could involve transitioning from coal power to a different form ofgas.The second approach is to release water vapour from the exhaust of hydrogen-powered carsrather than a carbon molecule.The 3 rd approach is to reduce carbon (methane, NO 2 and CO 2 ) from agriculture. “As a scientist, I know we must do all these to reduce carbon emissions for asustainable future”. Farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs in New Zealand are skilled at finding innovativesolutions. Vaccinees are being worked on and testing trials are being conducted.For example, they have discovered a way to reduce methane emissions by feeding cows acertain type of seaweed (as much as 90% reduction) or biochar (15% methane reduction),which also helps to bind nitrogen and reduce NO 2 emission from cow dung and preventnitrate leaching once the biochar gets to 10% of the soil volume. “New Zealand signed up to the Paris Protocol – so we are heading in this directionwhether we agree or disagree”. Livestock accounts for about 75% of agricultural emissions, primarily from biogenic methane.Nitrous oxide from nitrogen fertiliser use accounts for about 3.9% of agricultural emissions.Additionally, we have set separate targets for reducing biogenic methane emissions.Specifically, we aim to decrease biogenic methane emissions by 10 per cent by 2030compared to 2017 levels and by 24 to 47 per cent by 2050.The agricultural industry significantly impacts the environment, accounting for a growingportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the sector must take action to limit the effectsof climate change.There are various ways to decrease nitrous oxide emissions, such as: Reducing production intensity, even by a small amount, can positively impact theenvironment while maintaining profitability. In addition, farmers can offset their greenhousegas emissions by planting trees.Studies have shown that optimising food production by altering farming methods is vital todecreasing emissions from agriculture. By utilising a range of established technologies andpractices currently in use, we could achieve up to 20% of the necessary emissions reductionfor the sector by 2050. Steps to reduce emissions How can we improve the efficiency of pasture and crop production? Reducing nitrogen loss and emissions are firmly connected. The focus is on lowering N-surplus, decreasing imported/harvested feed and reducing methane.Some tips for reducing N-surplus: An effective way to reduce methane emissions is by regulating the feed given. Studiesindicate that there is a connection between methane production and feed consumption. This implies that the more feed given per hectare, the higher the methane emissions will be. Research shows there is a direct link between feed intake and methane produced. For everyadditional kg of total feed eaten per hectare, total methane emissions increaseproportionally. “Feeding Biochar to Cows is an Innovative Solution for Improving Soil Fertility andFarm Productivity”. One of the issues of cattle farming is the urine patch, and high fertility, i.e. the loss ofnutrients in the ground.“If you feed animals with carbon supplement such as biochar, you can reduce methane by15 per cent and nitrous oxide by 50 per cent and reduce nitrate leaching”.To conclude; by the start of 2025 ALL NZ farms must have a written plan to measure andmanage their emissions aligning with the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Act. Dr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand Independent Soil Scientist specialising in Soil Fertility, Agronomy & Farm Environmental Consultancy. Gordon Rajendram9 Kakanui Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216P: 021 466 077E: rajendram@xtra.co.nzWeb site: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz‘ Bringing science to the farm.’ Phillip Quayphillip@mediapa.co.nzP: 0274 587 724www.mediapa.co.nzfacebook.com/mediapa

A recession is looming closer and taking farmers’ profits with it. In addition, farmers continually face rising costs, inflationary pressures, regulatory obligations and increasing demands for sustainably produced food –  the inflation genie is out of the bottle, and it could be challenging to get it back in. As a result, farmers are tightening the purse strings; however, maintaining good soil health during a recession will increase a farm’s long-term profitability. New Zealand’s farming practices have long depended on grass and livestock that eat grass. It has been the economic backbone of the agricultural industry pre the European settlement era and a well-established reputation for being the best at converting pasture to protein as milk and meat. However, there are still areas for improvement in this process. Studies have shown that New Zealand farmers have the smallest carbon footprint when producing milk and meat compared to other countries. During a recession, it’s crucial to comprehend the significance of soil health. A farm’s profitability begins in the soil; therefore, ensuring a farm’s profitability must start with prioritising the soil quality. Farmers benefit from regular soil testing and monitoring to better understand soil conditions. There are sixteen essential elements required for optimal pasture and animal health. However, it’s possible to spend unnecessary money on factors that are not needed. Factors to consider: 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: Proper fertilisation is crucial for enhancing water quality and maximising nutrient use efficiency. On the other hand, incorrect application of fertilisers can harm the quality of grass and crops and eventually animals, resulting in decreased profitability, emphasising the importance of obtaining the correct independent soil advice. Maintenance fertiliser refers to the nutrients needed to balance the nutrients removed from the farm through meat, wool, milk, crops, and silage with the nutrients remaining in the soil. Several factors, including soil type, topography, stocking rate, future land use, crops, and rainfall, impact the requirements for maintenance fertiliser. Different farming operations and production areas on a farm have varying maintenance requirements. Nonetheless, when applying fertiliser, it is vital to aim for soil fertility levels no higher than the recommended nutrient range for optimum plant growth, known as agronomic optimum. In autumn, it is crucial to understand how specific nutrients react in the soil to reduce the risk of nutrient loss. For example, when applying phosphate, avoid high-risk months (April-October),and defer application if rainfall is likely to cause runoff within seven days. When testing the soil it is imperative to avoid dung and urine hotspot patches that can skew readings because of high nutrient levels. Animals excrete 66% of what they eat. The soil can yield lush and nourishing pasture by ensuring a proper equilibrium, resulting in happy animals and contented farmers. Dr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand Independent Soil Scientist specialising in Soil Fertility, Agronomy & Farm Environmental Consultancy. Gordon Rajendram 9 Kakanui Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216 P: 021 466 077 E: rajendram@xtra.co.nz Web site: http://dev.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz ‘ Bringing science to the farm.’ Phillip Quay phillip@mediapa.co.nz P: 0274 587 724 www.mediapa.co.nz facebook.com/mediapa