13 OCTOBER, 2008
NZ farm nutrient management tools and research showcased at conference
The New Zealand fertiliser industry has led the world in developing tools which enable pastoral famers to manage their
nutrient use to achieve production targets while at the same time protect the environment from degradation.
Over the past two years use of these tools has seen a significant decline in both superphosphate and nitrogen fertiliser
use on the country’s farms.
At a time when fertiliser costs have tripled in the space of 12 months, these tools have also ensure farmers are able to
precisely manage one of their largest production costs, and ensure they extract every dollar of value from the
fertilisers they purchase.
The full extent of the nutrient management tools available to today’s farmer will be the focus of the 2008 Fert Research
conference being held in conjunction with the NZ Grassland Association Conference in October.
The Fert Research programme consists of four papers covering research findings, and the benefits achievable by using the
nutrient management tools.
A key element of the tools is a unique New Zealand computer software programme OVERSEER® jointly owned by Fert Research,
MAF and AgResearch.
OVERSEER combines the intellectual property and knowledge owner by fertililser companies, the primary industry sector,
agricultural research organistations and MAF, and combines th results of more than 25 years of field trials, research
and knowledge around soil nutrients, plant growth and farm operations.
OVERSEER is used in developing nutrient budgets, nutrient management plans and identifies environmental impacts
including nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions.
WHAT: 2008 Fert Research Conference in association with NZ Grassland
Association Conference
WHEN: 14 – 16 October, 2008
WHERE: Marlborough Convention Centre, Blenheim
ENDS