New Zealand’s comparatively shallow top soils are a precious resource that needs careful management is among the drivers behind the second New Zealand Soil Management Field Days to be held near Pukekohe on March 8-9. “Pukekohe top soils, in particular, are about 22cm to 25cm deep compared to about 60cm of top soil in the United Kingdom and up to 1m in parts of Europe,” says one of the organisers Shane Smith. “With such shallow top soils as we have in New Zealand, care must be taken with cultivation and many growers quite frankly don’t take good care of their soils. “Better cultivation techniques must be promoted and growers must try these methods in order to preserve their soils for the next generation. “This is why the field days are so important; there is no other event like this in New Zealand which provides live demonstrations and brings so much knowledge and machinery together in one place.” Potatoes NZ and the Foundation for Arable Research are also involved in the field days, with FAR holding three seminars on topics including the latest technological developments and soil rotation.

New technology

Held on a 17ha site at Sundale Farms owned by Murray and Peter Aarts, near Pukekawa, the two-day event includes field demonstrations on cultivation techniques, soil health development, irrigation techniques and new technology in horticulture. These field days are focused on improving current practices in order to bridge the so called yield gap. To this end, organisers are bringing many associated horticultural companies as possible to one location in order for growers to view, and compare equipment and techniques. This is an opportunity to see new technology and techniques from a broad base of suppliers from throughout New Zealand.

Soil’s value

The Pukekohe area has a unique 12 months of the year growing potential, a wide variety of crops, and some of the biggest grower operations in the country. Within New Zealand there are many companies with new ideas and great equipment, which growers may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about. Shane, who is a horticultural consultant, says the value of soils for producing food, and in particular those in the Pukekohe area, can’t be overstated. “There’s a lot of emphasis on the importance of water to grow crops and pasture, but without a good soil as a medium we have nothing. Also the better the soil health, the less water is required to grow crops and pasture.” The field days will be of interest to anyone involved in cultivating soils from those who grow vegetable crops, to maize growers and farmers renewing pasture. The first field days held in 2015 attracted people from throughout New Zealand and even Australia. “We are expecting even more people and exhibitors to attend this year.”