66 | Precision ag tools and compost extracts Norman says the focus is simple, feed the microbes and let them feed the plant. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » JCL Contracting JCL Contracting is expanding its soil biology programme across the Western Bay of Plenty, increasing on farm trials that aim to cut fertiliser dependence by strengthening microbial activity in soil and improving nutrient cycling in both pasture and maize systems. Founded in 2008 and based in Paengaroa, the contracting business is combining precision agriculture tools with compost extracts and biological inputs, with crop manager Norman Higgins overseeing agronomy and trial work across a growing number of farms. Norman says the focus is simple, feed the microbes and let them feed the plant. “We are continuing down the line of trying to get the soils in the area better,” he says. “We used our 1000 litre Tow and Fert last year which gives us the capability to put microbes on pastures, and now we have the 4000 litre Tow and Fert to allow us to do more trials.We will be doing trials on numerous farms in our area where farmers are struggling with annual weeds that need constant chemical sprays to keep them in check. Once soil Fungal to Bacterial ratios improve, annual weeds will no longer receive the signal to germinate, eliminating the need for chemical sprays.” Over the past 12 months, JCL has trialled compost extract applications on both client paddocks and its own farm blocks, including areas affected by persistent bristle grass. “On our own land we had some bristle grass which is notoriously difficult to control. Using our compost extract a lot of that has now disappeared.” Early trials also indicate improved soil structure, with compacted ground softer underfoot as microbial activity increases aggregation and root development. Norman says farmers are now seeing visible differences in pasture performance where soil biology has been addressed, compared with untreated areas. “They can actually see the difference. Chicory is better, clover is double the size, plantain is responding strongly, and ryegrass perfoms better. Farmers want to see results in their own backyards and that is exactly what is happening.” JCL Contracting owner Japie Jordaan says the approach is built around replacing synthetic inputs with biological activity over time rather than sudden change. “We are not trying to take fertiliser away overnight. It is about reducing dependency while increasing biology. Fertiliser is like a support system that we gradually reduce as the soil biology increases.” JCL is developing its compost operation, although site selection remains ongoing. “We need a site within reasonable travelling distance so we can monitor the compost closely to ensure the highest quality is produced.” Beneficial microbes are extracted from finished compost using the modified Tow and Fert sprayer before remaining material is re-composted. This extract is then applied to the soil with the Tow and Fert sprayer, along with a blend of microbe foods. JCL works alongside Agraforum to help farmers with compaction issues, using products such as Enviro-Cal for compaction and BioN which ntroduces nitrogen fixing bacteria into soils. “BioN’s Nitrogen fixers pull nitrogen from the air and turns it into a steady, usable nitrogen nutrition for pasture and crops,” Norman says. “It works in conjunction with the plant to create only as much nitrogen as the the plant needs, so you don’t get any nitrogen leaching. Natural nitrogen is not recorded against councils’ nitrogen reporting, so this helps farmers stay within their council’s regulation limits” Japie says the long term goal is a fully functioning soil ecosystem where multi species pastures and active root systems feed soil life, creating a nutrient cycle.
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