-
font size
decrease font size
increase font size
Will plantain come to the rescue on nitrate? Researchers at Massey University think so.
Researchers at Massey’s No 4 dairy farm are comparing and measuring nitrate leaching in paddocks planted with three pasture mixes -- plantain only, plantain combined with red clover and white clover, and ryegrass with white clover.
Three groups of 12 cows are grazing the different pastures and every month for ten days data is collected. They also have a reserve mob.
“The project began this summer and took a bit of setting up with fancy plumbing consisting of tile and mole drains so samples could be collected from each grazed plot,” the uni says.
Results from research at Lincoln show that the concentration of nitrogen in cows’ urine is halved when they graze plantain, so we expect a substantial decrease in nitrate leaching from plantain paddocks this winter.
Popular Reads
Farmer concerns are grounded in reality, not 'no-hope narratives'
OPINION: The 'Save Our Sheep' campaign is built on a foundation of structure, integrity, and evidence from the Federated Farmers…Groundswell ramps up ‘Quit Paris’ campaign across New Zealand
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.Federated Farmers reject call to leave Paris Agreement
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.Fibre broadband expansion to 95% of NZ gets green light – a win for rural connectivity
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to…Featured
NZ's best bacon and ham crowned
Two butcheries have claimed victory at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards for 2025.
$52,500 fine for effluent mismanagement
A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.
New Zealand shows climate gains, but urgent action needed
The Climate Change Commission’s 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report reveals steady progress on the reduction of New Zealand’s climate pollution.
M. bovis compensation service closes after supporting 1300+ NZ farmers
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
State farmer forecasts record results
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.
Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
National
Tahuna dairy farmer Annabelle Scherer carries on family legacy
Tahuna dairy farmer Annabelle Scherer is hoping to continue the legacy her mother has handed down to her: One that…
Chlorpyrifos ban in New Zealand sparks concerns over grass grub control
An insecticide widely used to control pests in pasture and grain crops will be banned by the end of next…Kate Faulks urges more farmers to step into governance roles
Farming is changing fast, and future-focused leaders are needed in New Zealand’s boardrooms.Nelson Tasman storms cause devastating damage to farms and infrastructure
"The worst of the worst" is how Richard Kempthorne, the chair of the Nelson Tasman Rural Support Trust, describes the…Barry’s Bay Cheese wins Champion of Champions for Aged Gouda
The basis for making great cheese is good milk, says the owner of Banks Peninsula's Barry's Bay Cheese, which was…Machinery & Products
Samasz XDF Front Mowers launched for NZ's tough terrain
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to…
