Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
Different things are happening at different rates and an example of high uptake is auto steering that enables an operator to put a machine in exactly the right place easily.
Yule says devices to put fertiliser and spray in the right place are now commonly used, but the uptake of yield mapping is low, yet this technology offers significant benefits to farmers.
Precision agriculture can increase production by more efficient use of inputs, and it is important to target areas of a farm that are performing poorly.
“The old adage ‘right place, right time’ is the starting point for getting things right…. I don’t necessarily think precision agriculture is the whole answer, but if you take a measure and you don’t manage it effectively, then I think you are wasting your time.”
Yule says there is lots of evidence that the level of management on an average farm is not maximising productivity; precision agriculture can make a difference in such cases.
In dealing with nitrogen leaching into soil, housing cows indoors off the pasture is an option. – Peter Burke
