| 53 Using data to make practical decisions Clint Rissmann in the soil pit. Clint says international research consistently shows that landscape and soil characteristics are responsible for much of the variation in farm productivity. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Land and Water Science Ltd Land and Water Science founder Clint Rissmann is helping farmers across the South Island unlock productive potential by understanding the science beneath their feet. Working alongside catchment groups, rural businesses, and individual farmers, Clint says the company’s focus has recently shifted from broad environmental assessments toward highly detailed farm specific mapping and analysis that supports practical on-farm decision making. From irrigation planning and fertiliser placement to drainage, consenting, and environmental compliance, the business is using landscape, soil, and water data to help farmers make more informed decisions while protecting long term productivity. Clint says one of the biggest challenges facing the rural sector is that many farms are still being managed using outdated or low resolution landscape information, including but not limited to soils. “The landscape is the main driver of what a farm can produce,” Clint says. “We are seeing really strong links between landscape variability and production outcomes. Often farmers know something is happening in a paddock, but they do not always have the information to explain why.” Land and Water Science works with high resolution spatial mapping, soil analysis, hydrology, and satellite data to identify the underlying causes behind differences in production across farms. That can include drainage patterns, soil mineralogy, groundwater movement, topography, nutrient retention, and irrigation response. Clint says international research consistently shows that landscape and soil characteristics are responsible for much of the variation in farm productivity. “Inputs like fertiliser and irrigation matter, but they work within the limits of the landscape. If you do not understand the land properly, then a lot of those investments are being made by approximation rather than evidence.” He says the challenge is making that science accessible for farmers already under pressure with compliance, seasonal conditions, and day to day workloads. “The information can become overwhelming if it is not communicated clearly. Farmers want confidence and guidance. They want information presented in a way that makes sense to them.” That has led to Land and Water Science spending significant time working directly with farmers and catchment groups to tailor information into practical recommendations. “The best thing for me is sitting down and talking with farmers. They are the observers. Often they will look at satellite or mapping information and immediately know why something is happening because of what they have seen over time.” Land and Water Science has already delivered major financial and environmental gains for clients. In one example, detailed spatial soil mapping identified phosphorus, potassium, and sulphate levels sitting well above optimum across a leased block. Using variable rate fertiliser applications, the farmer saved $140,000 in the first season without any drop in production. Follow-up monitoring continues to track nutrient levels and guide future investment decisions. “We are not just mapping and walking away,” Clint says. “We keep monitoring those areas to understand how they are tracking over time and make sure decisions continue to stack up.” In another project, existing soil maps suggested there was no suitable land on a farm for dairy effluent irrigation. After conducting high resolution soil surveys and imaging, Land and Water Science identified 88ha that met the required criteria, allowing the farmer to progress resource consent applications with confidence. Clint says the wider opportunity for New Zealand farming is significant. “The more farm data I look at across the country, the more unrealised productive potential I see. There are opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and protect the environment at the same time.”
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