36 | Ravensdown Funding pledge by partners Ecopond – methane mitigating effluent pond technology from page 34 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Farming smarter- page 38 are the two research partners. “The other piece of research that we’ve been looking at is around precision fertiliser. The more precise we can be with where the fertiliser is placed, the less opportunity there is for loss. “We’re looking at various sophisticated technologies in respect to ground and aerial spreading machines, so that we can be very confident the fertiliser is going exactly where the farmer plans it to go. The partners have made a funding commitment that will rise to around $35 million a year by 2025, matched by Government, which would see at least $170 million invested over the next four years. Garry says that each of the partners brings unique and complementary innovations, insights and strengths to the table. “Ravensdown takes a science-led approach to smarter farming for a better New Zealand. Using technology, science, and smart people, we work in partnership with our farmers to provide the nutrients and agronomic solutions they need, hand-in-hand with innovative environmental products and services. “We’re making good progress with advancements in things like precision fertiliser, effluent pond systems and soil science, but there’s much more we can all achieve together.” Mike Manning, Ravensdown’s General Manager Innovation and Strategy adds that effluent ponds on dairy farms are a common occurrence and without intervention will naturally emit methane into the environment — commonly referred to as one of the Greenhouse gasses — the others being carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. In conjunction with Lincoln University, Ravensdown has developed technology to stop methane being generated and emitted from those effluent ponds. “That technology is available now and farmers can start to adopt it to help reduce their on-farm methane emissions,” says Mike. “In partnership with the Crown, Ravensdown has also just embarked on a $22 million seven year research project, looking at whether other farming emissions can be reduced, principally nitrous oxide, and also nitrate leaching into waterways.” Most nitrous oxide on farm comes from urine spots deposited in a concentrated area by animals grazing pasture and crops. Those urine deposits contain high amounts of nitrogen. “The research will look at whether we can reduce the emissions and leaching at a farm level. With technology we believe we can. Lincoln University and Plant & Food Research Coastal Bulk Shipping Ltd Phone 03 961 1487 doug@coastalbulkshipping.co.nz www.coastalbulkshipping P.O. Box 974, Whanganui We are pleased to provide structural engineering services for Ravensdown TC1/TC2/TC3 Slab Design “GIS capability is placed in the aircraft or the fertiliser ground spreader and that enables the fertiliser to be delivered with precision to the correct location and rate applied. This requires sophisticated computer technology.” Mike says Ravensdown has been researching this technology for some time. It is now at the point of commercialisation, with the technology starting to be rolled out to aircraft and ground based spreaders.- Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?
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