A multi-purpose product to help manage nutrient run off
Nutrient loss from agricultural systems can reduce waterway quality through eutrophication.
Gypsum is a highly available calcium source that provides immediately available sulphate sulphur, according to Lindsay Head - an independent horticulture consultant.
He says it assists with in-row trafficking or compaction issues, helps the root zone and air-filled porostity of the sub soil. Heard also claims it helps the roots of the vine be at their best.
Meanwhile, Winstone Gypsum states that their mineral product is a soil conditioner that will improve soil quality, drainage, aeration and particle size.
It consists of 23.3% calcium and 18% sulphate sulphur calcium, which is said to increase the postharvest conservation of apples and subtropical crops such as kiwifruit. The company says it is also a vital element for fruit quality, cell growth and cell wall rigidity.
"Soil applied calcium sources can augment and substitute the foliar applications traditionaly used in apple orchards, in order to lower production costs - provided there is no water shortage," says Heard.
He says that calcium sulphate di-hydrate is uses as 'clean green' soil conditioner and fertiliser.
"Healthier roots are encouraged by assisting the xylem to pump the calcium which is available up the vine up into the new shoots and fruitlets which are forming," Heard explains.
He says the early uptake of calcium is critical across fruit crops - ensuring the nutrient availability is as strong as is practical with gypsum's use.
"As well as the coupled positive of ensuring no discernible effect on pH makes the material a positive form of calcium input."
Winstone Gypsum says the product is also registered as a certified input under BioGro and claims that it enhances dry matter and storage characteristics - offering benefits to kiwifruit grower's return.
"Getting things right at the start of the crop's development and in the root zone," Heard adds. "Strong green leaf matter will result from the sulphate sulphur, which is available very readily via the use of gypsum."
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…