SVS – UNDERSTANDING GROWER AND AGRONOMIST PERSPECTIVES Gemma Carroll : Potatoes NZ Inc. communications & engagement officer Based on a report prepared by Waka Paul, social scientist, Plant & Food Research Institute.
Understanding the nutrient management needs and goals of growers and agronomists is a key focus of the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) programme in order to enable improvements for better environmental, and in turn, economic outcomes. Tools and practices
Examples
Testing period
Soil testing once a year in summer
Soil testing every 3 years
N tests and tools
Nitrate Quick Test
Potentially mineralisable nitrogen (PMN)
Monitoring
Soil and moisture probes
Management
Growing practices
Before planting and after harvest
Soil testing every paddock
Petiole test
Crop removal models
Hot water extractable organic nitrogen (HWEON)
Nitrate sensors
Weather stations
Historical database + maps
Software, e.g. Hawkeye, Trimble, Cool Farm Tool
Nutrient budget tools / calculators
Fert Rep. recommendations
Environment plans
Irrigation, slurry applicators
Cover crops, Base dressing
Fertigation
Precision Machinery
62 NZGROWER : MAY 2022
Soil testing new ground
Crop rotation
Wet (liquid) / dry (solid) fertiliser
