Helping Maori farmers operate within a nitrogen cap

AgResearch is working closely with Maori in the North Island where changing compliance standards are set to impact heavily on the commercial viability of farms.

Regional councils are trying to stop the declining water quality in the Rotorua Lakes and Lake Taupo catchment areas. In an attempt to stop the escalating levels of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing from farms into the Rotorua Lakes, and excess nitrogen into Lake Taupo, the councils are requiring farmers to establish a 'nitrogen budget' and are capping leaching levels. Around Lake Taupo, where Maori own at least two-thirds of the land, farmers will have to operate their farm systems within these limits.

AgResearch is carrying out ongoing research work in both catchment areas, headed by Principal Scientist Dr Stewart Ledgard - a member of our Climate Land & Environment Section.

"We've been looking at a range of alternative management systems for these farmers, from everything including stand off pads made of bark or other material which absorb nitrogen from urine, and soil amendments, to choice of animal type or replacing some grazing with harvestable forage crops.

"So far the most effective has been strategically grazing animals off the farm during the key leaching season from May to July."

When working with Maori landowners, projects are tailored to meet their needs - from the beginning of the research through to commercialisation.

The aim is for Maori to benefit economically and socially through this research and, even more importantly, achieve sustainable potential from their land to secure a future for successive generations.

Contact Stewart:

Email: stewart.ledgard@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5133