Nitrogen Strategy in NZ: Reducing Reliance on Urea Without Reducing Growth

Nitrogen planning in New Zealand farming is no longer just about response and yield. Urea pricing is tied to global energy markets, and supply depends on international logistics and geopolitical stability. What was once a predictable
input is now less certain. As a result, the focus is shifting from how much nitrogen to apply, to how it is supplied across the season.

Nitrogen Fertiliser NZ: What the Latest BioN Trial Data Shows

Nitrogen fertiliser decisions in New Zealand farming are rarely simple. Cost, application frequency, regulatory pressure, and pasture response all influence how farmers approach nitrogen programmes. Over the past season, Agraforum has been measuring how different nitrogen approaches perform under real farm conditions. The latest pasture cuts have now been added to the BioN trial dataset. […]

Five Cuts In: What the Cumulative Data Means for Cost and Nitrogen Strategy

We have now completed five measured pasture cuts from October 2025 through January 2026 across four replicated BioN trial farms in Mid Canterbury. Rather than focusing on a single growth window, this update looks at cumulative dry matter production across the season to date. When reviewing nitrogen strategy, total feed grown per hectare is what […]

BioN vs Urea: December Trial Update Across Multiple Farms

We have now completed the latest December pasture cuts across four replicated BioN trial sites in Mid Canterbury, providing a clear view of how BioN is performing under early-summer conditions. This update focuses on measured performance in summer, where nitrogen efficiency and consistency become increasingly important. Rather than relying on short term response windows, these […]

BioN vs Urea: What Multi-Farm Dry Matter Trials Show

Over the past several seasons, Agraforum has been running replicated pasture trials across multiple New Zealand farms to understand how BioN performs against urea when pasture dry matter is measured. Rather than relying on modelling or assumptions, these trials are based on harvested pasture that is weighed, dried, and independently analysed. This allows a direct […]

Agraforum New Zealand: Tackling Soil Compaction for Dairy Farmers with Proven Solutions

Canterbury, New Zealand — Soil compaction has long been a significant issue for farmers, especially following severe pugging events and intensive cropping practices that compress the soil and reduce productivity. Agraforum New Zealand, a leader in soil health innovation, has developed solutions to help farmers tackle this ongoing challenge. Compacted soils suffer from reduced hydraulic […]

The Impact of Soil Compaction on Greenhouse Gases: Agraforum New Zealand’s Sustainable Approach

Soil compaction is a critical issue in agriculture, and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O), is a growing concern. Agraforum New Zealand recognises the importance of addressing soil compaction not just for environmental reasons, but for its substantial benefits to farmers’ bottom lines. Compacted soils reduce pore space, creating anaerobic conditions […]

Update – Soil Compaction Trials Boost Pasture Production on Canterbury Dairy Farms, Dr Gordon Rajendram with Agraforum New Zealand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hamilton, New Zealand – August 6, 2024 – Recent trials conducted by Dr Gordon Rajendram, a distinguished soil scientist and consultant, have revealed significant improvements in pasture production on Canterbury dairy farms through the use of soil compaction treatments. Dr Rajendram, formerly of AgResearch and MAF, led these trials to assess the […]