When Lachy, our viticulture and horticulture consultant, moved to Marlborough 40 years ago it was a province with diverse land use - lots of shelter belts, and a multitude of crops and livestock farms forming an interesting tapestry on the valley floor. Now most of the diversity is gone in the lower plains, and at last count there are some 26,000 hectares of vineyard. Vines have brought a lot of wealth into the province but also, a loss of diversity.
The regenerative agriculture movement has cast a spotlight on the way we farm, highlighting the need to get back to fundamental ecological principles. In cropping and pastoral farming it is possible to work up the ground and make changes to the soil environment, and the plant species being grown, with relative ease. Permanent row crops by definition however, present some different challenges to cropping or pastoral systems. Either way, the fundamentals of all soil ecosystems remain the same. Improving any ecosystem starts with the soil and involves looking at the three fundamental components of soil - physical, mineral and biological.
The physical attributes of a soil are largely determined by geography and geology. Drainage and compaction are commonly addressed prior to the establishment of a permanent crop, however the constant movement of equipment along the same tracks of established row crops creates ongoing compaction issues. Mechanical ripping of the rows and periodic working and re-sowing are options in some cases, but not where the underlying structure is rocky or on sloping terrain. Changing the inter-row sward from shallow rooting grass to a mixed species cover with a variety of root structures offers an ongoing solution to mechanical compaction.
Having adequate availability of the minerals required for plant growth is fundamental to growing good crops. Soils can be analysed to determine the potential availability of minerals for plant growth, and there are many amendments available to address shortages. The relative simplicity of soil test data contradicts the complexity of the soil system and it is an art as much as a science to determine what should be applied to improve soil fertility.
The tools for measuring biological activity are far less cut and dry than those for measuring minerals in the soil. For this reason the complexity of biological systems is poorly understood. There are laboratories offering biological testing of soil life and while these have value for benchmarking from time to time, they are often too expensive for routine use.
Fortunately, there are many clues in nature itself that, when understood, create a very useful picture of how the ecosystem is functioning. Our predecessors relied on these observational clues in the absence of modern scientific analysis, and arguably were better farmers as a result. Sadly, many of their astute observations and practices have been forgotten.
We can help you identify potential opportunities like this to improve your soil health and boost growth. Our soil testing regime is one of the most comprehensive in the country.
At Soil Matters , we look at how we can improve the cycling of airborne nutrients (CO2, N, H2O and S) by applying and implementing fundamental natural principles into your modern day farming practices. We will help you improve your soil structure and enhance the ability for your soil biology to thrive and ensure nutrient (carbon) cycling occurs.
All farming practices are a product of their environment. This environment is made up of a balance of mineral, biological and physical influences.
By relying on managing just one environmental influencer, for example just fertiliser (mineral inputs), not only does the environment get a little out-of-balance, but the opportunities that the other environmental influences offer are not utilised.
Our approach takes all factors of the environment into consideration with which we can provide many tools from our toolbox that are tailored for your unique farming environment.
When you work alongside a Soil Matters specialist, first we’ll tee up a farm visit so we can get to know each other, and to learn what your goals are for your farm. Next we’ll gather the relevant information to assess the health of your soil (you can start with a specific area or we can do a whole farm assessment). Then we’ll take this information, and together with the other experts in our team as required, we will look to identify any factors which could be limiting your plant growth and put a plan in place!