Supporting Future Soil Scientists at the Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition

Last weekend, we were delighted to support a team of University of Canterbury (UC) students as they took part in the Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition in Rotorua.

The competition was designed to teach participants how to describe and assess soils, including identifying horizons, textures, colours, structures, and suitability for land use.

The first two days were spent practising in Rerewhakaaitu and Mamaku, before the competition day in Tumunui. Local farmers generously allowed the group to study soil pits on their properties, giving the students a chance to explore Rotorua’s unique soils shaped by its volcanic past. Pumice, allophane, and tephric materials were prominent—features that are quite different from those found in Canterbury. The students were even able to see volcanic layers from the historic eruptions of Mt Tarawera and Taupō in the soil profiles!

The UC team said they learnt a lot leading up to competition day and while they didn’t win any prizes this time around (with Lincoln University taking the top spots), they left feeling proud of their efforts and grateful for the experience. Their new knowledge and hands-on skills will undoubtedly serve them well in their future studies and careers!

This year’s competition saw an unexpectedly large number of participants, and we’d like to thank the organisers who handled the event superbly. As the first UC team to participate, these students have set a strong example for others, paving the way for future teams to represent the university. With next year’s event planned for New South Wales, Australia, and a possible return to New Zealand the year after, it’s exciting to think about the growing opportunities for local students to get involved.

Dr. Gordon Rajendram Soil Fertility, Agronomy & Farm Environmental Consultant.

Bringing science to the farm

New Zealand’s leading expert in soil fertility – Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram (PhD). There are not many people who know the intricate details of soil balance and pasture or plant interaction quite like Hamilton-based soil scientist, Dr. Gordon Rajendram.

As New Zealand’s premier agricultural consultant, Gordon has more than 35 years of experience in analytical testing development, applied research and consulting to farmers and fertiliser companies.

“If you are looking to improve the quality of your soil, get the soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram onto the case”.

Serving both the Waikato region and the rest of New Zealand, Gordon is also independent meaning he can give you the correct and unbiased advice that will best serve you and your needs. Gordon is not linked with any fertiliser company, so you know that you are getting expert and independent advice.

Sampling and Testing is the most crucial step in the process of nutrient management. Having efficient and professional testing done has myriad of benefits that help farmers get the most out of their farm while keeping the environment healthy.

Soil Scientist Gordon Rajendram (PhD) can help farms get the correct soil and mineral balance that grows healthy pasture, crops and animals. Gordon lends his expert knowledge to farmers, helping them get the most out of their soil so their farm can work more efficiency, be sustainable while improving farm profitability. If farm consultancy is something you need, then make sure you get the best in New Zealand, the soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram out to your farm today.

Achievements & Awards

 

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.

With a comprehensive and wide-ranging knowledge of IANZ quality systems and procedures in order to have a laboratory, and its testing methods IANZ accredited, Gordon has over twenty six years’ experience in the laboratory, field and research expertise. This is just one of the myriads of reasons on why Gordon is considered one New Zealand’s leading Soil fertility experts.

Gordon is a member of New Zealand Society of Soil Science and is also a member of New Zealand Grasslands Society.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about soil and herbage testing, please feel free to contact our team of nutrient advisers.

Is your biggest asset working for you?

We believe so strongly in the importance of a comprehensive soil test, that we will shout you two free soil test upgrades, on us.  

Why? We know the results will speak for themselves. The more we know and understand, the more specific and tailored your fertiliser recommendation will be. Which naturally means greater performance not only paddock by paddock, but also in terms of animal health and environmental sustainability.  

 

PROMO OFFER:

Book your soil tests before 31 August 2020 and you’ll receive two free soil test upgrades from basic to comprehensive, on us. Saving  $298 + gst. 

Basic soil test $86* & Comprehensive soil test $235* 

*T&C’s apply.  All soil tests must be completed before 20 December 2020. All pricing GST exclusive. Two upgrades maximum per client and limited to one upgrade for lifestyle blocks 5-50ha.

 

What’s the difference between a basic and comprehensive soil test?

For a soil testing program comparison, please view the basic and comprehensive reporting table examples below.   Left is a basic test, and right is our comprehensive test.

Basic Soil Test
Comprehensive Soil Test

Is your biggest asset working for you? 

Or are you working for it?

The greatest expense for most farming enterprises is the land the business operates on. With this in mind the question to ask is: How is the soil working for me?

Soil testing is the first step to evaluating who is doing the heavy lifting in your relationship

The main objectives of soil testing are:

  • Monitor nutrient status
  • Optimise productivity (Plant &/or Animal)
  • Determine any:
    • Deficiency
    • Excess
    • Imbalance
  • Allow for accurate nutrient management plans to be created

To get all the information that would be significant to decision making for fertiliser use and animal health can be a daunting price, nevertheless when considered on a per hectare basis the price of each test is better viewed as an investment rather than a cost. Particularly so on poorer preforming paddocks.

There is always a scientific reason for poor performance; Chemical, physical or biological

The catch with soil testing is not all soil tests are created equal. To ensure that you are generating a good return off every dollar invested you need to make sure that your soil testing is giving you all the information that would be beneficial, and that this information is accurate.

The importance of macro nutrients (P, K & S) in the soil and the pH level of the soil is well known and has been tested for several years. As a result, most farms have fertiliser programs acknowledge these in the simplest form. Other tests can be done that will increase the efficiency and accuracy of each dollar spent on fertiliser. Some of these are:

Test
Reason
Total Phosphorus (TP) A measure of all forms of Phosphate in the soil
TP estimates the total amount of recoverable phosphorus in the soil. This helps to understand what potential P is available under ideal soil conditions
Organic Sulphur (OS) An indication of potentially available Sulphur in reserve
This result will indicate the longer-term supply of Sulphur. Especially useful on Sedimentary soils, which do not hold onto Sulphate-Sulphur well
Total Sulphur (TS) An indication of the total amount of Sulphur available
This test shows the Total Sulphur level present in the soil that may currently be, or become available in a soil
Anion Storage (ASC) Measures phosphorus and other anions ability to be held in the soil solution.
ASC will tell you how much and often you will need to apply anions (NPS0 but especially phosphorous.

Looking for any gains in production and animal health is vital to get the best return on investment. That’s why getting down to the nitty gritty of soil and /or herbage trace element testing makes a lot of sense. Checking the status of Boron, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Aluminum, Selenium, Iodine and Molybdenum can identify any low levels effecting plant and animal performance. But just as importantly it can also show any excesses which maybe effecting the uptake of other vital elements.

Don’t look at testing as a cost but as an investment.

If you would like to find out more or to book your soil test please feel free to contact us.

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