Healthy Soils lead the way too…

-         Fertile Soils

-         Resistant Crops

-         Better Moisture Retention

-         Better Nutrient Retention

-         Quality yields

-         Simpler management

-         Lower environmental impact

We are committed to a very individualistic approach to growing areas, ensuring to understand each growing environment, soil make-up, soil health and crop demands before any applications are applied. Following careful and accurate soil testing, we use the results to create specific fertilizer blends for each growing area (block). Furthermore, we can also GPS soil map and test to create a variable rate spread map for each block at the same time, resulting in less fertilizer required, environmental benefits and better results from application as fertilizer is applied at the exact rate required in each area.

This a unique offering you cannot get anywhere else, block specific fertilizer blends, and block specific spread plans to provide you with a complete service that will give maximum return on fertilizer investment (or ROFI). (Compost supply and spread is also available). Armed with the information above we can then build a Centafert Plan to help you and ease your management workload for the seasons ahead. One contact, one invoice, job done.

Approach:

We focus on the relationship between chemistry and biology. The approach to all these recommendations is to firstly improve base saturation percentages. This is because if we can balance these main cations to the correct levels specific to your crop type, we improve the environment for soil biology – which is critical for processing minerals into plant-available forms. If we get correct balance of cations right, then pH will fix itself. Improving biology is critical and much more beneficial for soil and plant health in the long term, in comparison to targeting one nutrient and applying synthetic fertilizer – which negatively impacts soil biology and often the environment through leaching. The focus is to improve conditions for microbes, increase carbon and increase CEC sites where possible so there are more plant-available nutrients. Improving C / N ratio in the soil where it is low will reduce the loss of carbon. Trace elements are not forgotten, we focus on getting these up to the desired levels. Once soil health is improving, we can more effectively build towards those desired nutrient ranges where nutrients are lacking, without negative effects on the environment or soil biology. All these factors combined will build organic matter to create more fertile soils, less drought-prone soils and more resistant crops whilst saving you time, getting you great results and providing you with maximum ROFI.

Centaland Soil Tests:

From your soil tests we gain the vital information about the existing levels of elements, (deficiencies and excesses), pH levels and holding capacity (Cation Exchange Capacity or CEC) of your soils. We use this information to compare the amount of each soil element against the ideal quantity and ratio for the crop and soil type. These results are the basis of the custom fertiliser blend, specific to the growing area tested.

Why do we only use our soil tests?

Soil test results vary between laboratories as there is no standardization of protocols between laboratories. Our recommendations use specific rules particular to our testing and models of soil type and crop type. The outcomes will not be consistent or as accurate even if we recalibrate our soils tests to suit other laboratories.  Our soil and herbage testing partner is Qlabs, they have accurate and consistent soil testing parameters, and have a proven history of creating clear economic and environmental improvements for growers and farmers New Zealand wide. 

Testing:

Cation exchange capacity test (CEC)

CEC test indicates how much nutrients from the fertiliser that your soil can hold and process. This is key as over applying a low CEC soil will result in leaching of nutrients that the soil physically cannot hold or process, or low application to a high CEC soil. Organic matter and clay content are the driving factors behind the holding capacity of the soil, showing the importance of building and maintaining a high OM. Organic matter content will reduce if not replenished, soils will ‘burn out’ and reduce soils ability to store and process nutrients. Lower CEC soils i.e 7 will require little and often, whereas higher CEC i.e 15 can process and store larger and more spaced-out applications, however climate/ rainfall should always be considered.

Anion Storage Capacity (ASC)

This test indicates the soil’s ability to hold on to anions, phosphate, and sulphur. It is a key indicator of potential leaching risk, for example a low ASC may mean smaller, less soluble fertilisers applied to reduce run off, as a heavy application will leach as soil does not have capacity to hold or process.

Organic Matter (OM)

The higher the OM levels, the more likely your soil will have a good structure, water and air infiltration, and moisture retention. Improving OM positively impacts every area of soil health and performance. 

pH

The pH is measured to determine how alkaline, neutral, or acidic your soil is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present. High pH indicates alkaline soil, low pH indicates acidic soil. Test are undertaken firstly using CaCL Extraction and secondly, deionised water.

Trace Elements

ETDA extraction method is used to determine trace elements and is the most appropriate for New Zealand conditions. Herbage testing is key to confirm trace element levels through herbage analysis, especially when low or high levels are determined. Herbage testing gives a better idea of what the plant is actually ‘taking up’ or what the animals are consuming as deficient or toxic high levels will be determined.

Herbage Test

Using both soil and herbage testing creates a more accurate overall picture of the nutrient status of soils tested and ensure a best outcome fertiliser programme.

Contact

P: 03 578 9590

C: 0212282774

E: dillon@centaland.co.nz