Friday, March 29, 2024

The root of the problem

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Maize, lucerne, forage sorghum and inoculant producer Pioneer Brand Products (Genetic Technologies) is giving Lincoln University $5000 a year for sustainable farming projects.
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Both want to develop ways to increase farm profitability without compromising environmental quality.

This year’s sponsorship will support work investigating the use of plants in an agricultural setting – such as around paddock borders and riparian zones – to reduce the build-up of nitrates in the soil.

The root systems of some plants can significantly modify the nitrogen cycle, combating the flow of nitrates, limiting the release of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide by up to 80% and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of some farming practices.

The work will be done by ecology department staff including third year doctorate student Hannah Franklin.

The research is concerned with safeguarding the integrity of the soil and water, thus adding value to agricultural systems and ensuring the country’s clean, green credentials through enhanced biodiversity.

For more information visit www.pioneer.co.nz.

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