June 2025

Effluent is not waste – it’s a nutrient-rich fertiliser source. When used properly, it can save money on synthetic fertiliser and support healthy soils. But when mismanaged, effluent can contaminate waterways, harm stock health and result in large fines. Here’s what farmers need to know. The Right Way to Manage Effluent What Can Go Wrong – and the Cost Case Study 1: Waimana, Bay of Plenty (2023)Two farms were fined a total of $77,000 for discharging effluent into a stream. A travelling irrigator had operated too close to a drain in damp conditions, with no soil moisture checks or documented system. Result: obvious ponding and discoloured stream water. Case Study 2: Waverley, Taranaki (2018)A faulty oxidation pond led to raw effluent entering the Moumahaki Stream. The farmer was fined $54,000. In a separate incident, ponded effluent ran off land into a creek – a $45,000 fine followed. Poor maintenance and storage management were to blame. Final Word Effluent is an asset – if managed correctly. Use industry calculators (like DairyNZ’s Effluent Spreading and Storage Tools), regularly maintain systems, and apply with care. The environment, your pasture, and your wallet will thank you. Want tailored advice for your farm?Get in touch with Dr Gordon Rajendram today to ensure your effluent management is safe, compliant, and working for your soil. Visit www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz or contact him directly for a personalised consultation. Sources: Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Foliar fertiliser means spraying water-soluble nutrients directly onto plant leaves. In effect, it’s like a quick “vitamin boost” through the foliage. Research has long shown that leaves can absorb nutrients via stomata (tiny pores), cuticle and leaf hairs. So foliar feeding bypasses the soil and gives plants nutrients within hours. According to soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram, foliar sprays “deliver nutrients exactly when and where they’re needed” during cooler weather (1). Why It Works Better, Particularly in Winter, Than Granular Application Foliar feeding is especially handy in cold seasons. When soil temperatures drop, root uptake of nitrogen slows dramatically, so grass barely grows. But a foliar spray can still feed actively growing leaves. Dr Rajendram explains: “Applying foliar fertiliser in winter means you’re not relying on soil temperatures to activate the nitrogen… You’re feeding the plant directly — it’s faster, more efficient, and leads to better results with less input.” In other words, you get a quicker response even when the ground is cold. Trials in New Zealand found that foliar N improved pasture growth at low temperatures, helping farmers extend growth into winter (1,2). Real Results from New Zealand Trials Figure: A replicated pasture trial found that using 9 kg N/ha as a foliar N spray produced essentially the same grass yield (1,426 kg DM/ha) as 37 kg N/ha of granular urea. This means the foliar method gave about 61 kg of dry matter per kg N versus 14 kg per kg N for soil urea – roughly 4× more efficient (2). The response was quick and lasted for 24 days. Better Efficiency, Less Waste The efficiency gains are dramatic. By targeting nutrients to the leaves, plants use more of the fertiliser and less is lost. A recent review notes that foliar sprays “deliver nutrients directly… thereby helping to reduce negative impacts” on soil and water (3). In trials on wheat, even very low rates of foliar phosphorus in winter corrected mid-season deficiencies and boosted P use efficiency (4). Overall, foliar feeding can increase nutrient-use efficiency and yield, especially for micronutrients or in special situations. When and How to Use It Of course, foliar feeding supplements, not replaces, normal soil fertilisation. Think of it as an extra tool. Bulk N, P, K still come from soil and applied fertilisers, while foliar applications give fast fixes of nitrogen, major and trace elements. For best results, spray when leaves are moist (e.g. morning dew or light rain) and avoid very hot, dry weather to prevent leaf burn. The bottom line: foliar fertilisers are a practical way to get nutrients into the plant quickly, especially when soil uptake is slow. As Dr Rajendram reminds us, with the right timing farmers can grow more winter grass with less input. By combining foliar sprays with a solid soil fertility plan, farmers can boost efficiency, reduce losses, and keep pasture growing through the cooler months (1,2). About Dr Gordon Rajendram Dr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand-based soil scientist with over 40 years of experience in nutrient management and soil fertility. Formerly with AgResearch, he is widely respected for his work on improving nitrogen efficiency and sustainable farming practices. References Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

At the 2025 “Grow Grass in the Colder Months” Field Day, New Zealand soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram delivered an insightful talk on how strategic foliar fertiliser application is transforming pasture-based farming. Hosted on-farm and designed as a practical “how-to” event, the day focused on helping farmers grow more, higher-quality pasture during the colder months, when traditional systems typically slow to a crawl. Dr Rajendram explained how foliar fertilisers, specifically Cold Grow, can be used to feed pasture directly through the leaf, delivering nutrients exactly when and where they’re needed. This method improves nitrogen uptake efficiency, reduces environmental loss, and supports continued pasture growth during cooler conditions. “Applying foliar fertiliser in winter means you’re not relying on soil temperatures to activate the nitrogen,” Dr Rajendram said. “You’re feeding the plant directly — it’s faster, more efficient, and leads to better results with less input.” He also highlighted how foliar nutrition supports soil biology by stimulating root exudates — the sugars plants release into the soil — which in turn feed microbes and improve overall soil health. The result is not just more grass, but better-quality pasture with higher nutrient density. The event also showcased the BA Sprayers LM Series and Brandt tractors from Power Farming, demonstrating how modern equipment makes foliar application practical and precise. A Q&A session followed, with Dr Rajendram joined by a farmer already using the foliar system and Mike Prendergast from BPM. Moderated by the event organiser Jolyon Ludbrook, the panel discussed real-world applications and gave attendees a chance to ask questions throughout. The goal was simple: ensure every farmer walked away with practical knowledge they could apply on their farm immediately — no purchases required. Dr Rajendram’s message was clear: with the right tools and timing, farmers can grow more grass in winter, reduce inputs, and build healthier soils — all while improving profitability and maintaining flexibility on-farm. How to Grow More Grass Efficiently with Dr Gordon Rajendram Unit N40 (extra kg DM per unit N applied over 40 days of growth) for the different seasons and regions using Granular Urea. Reference: G.S Rajendram et al (2009). Nitrogen Fertiliser Trial Base. Taken from 1272 Nitrogen Fertiliser Response trials throughout New Zealand over 80 years conducted by MAF and AgResearch. Why Choose Foliar? ✅ More yield per unit of nitrogen✅ Lower environmental loss✅ Faster uptake and response✅ Effective at lower application rates With mounting pressure to reduce nitrogen losses and improve input efficiency, foliar fertiliser offers a smarter, more sustainable solution for pasture management. Pasture growth (kg ha-1) from harvest one, 24 days after the fertiliser is applied. kg of Dry Matter produced per kg of N applied: Granular: 14kg Liquid (Foliar) UAN: 61kg Foliar is x 4 more efficient than Granular. About Dr Gordon RajendramDr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand-based soil scientist with over 40 years of experience in nutrient management and soil fertility. Formerly with AgResearch, he is widely respected for his work on improving nitrogen efficiency and sustainable farming practices.021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz | www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz  Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz