Selwyn_Times: September 06, 2023

44 Selwyn Times Wednesday September 6 2023
SELWYN RURAL LIFE
Advertising Feature
Indepth study: nitrate in
• By Isabelle Teresa
There is much attention to the topic of nitrate in
our waters. A recent indepth study by Environment
Canterbury (ECan) explores some of this topic’s
complexities.
The report delves into the concept of nitrate “time
lags”. This is the period between land use change
(either damage or attempted improvement) and the
resulting change in nitrate concentrations as recorded
at specific monitoring locations, eg well, spring,
stream, river, wetland or lake.
The report’s purpose is to learn more about how –
and when – we will know whether land management
changes are working.
Soil nitrogen balance changes when nutrients are
applied to land (by fertiliser or effluent), grazing
animals urinate, or land is cultivated. It takes time to
break the compounds down into forms of nitrogen
that easily dissolve. Some of this soluble nitrogen is
taken up by growing plants, but excess is leached.
Organic nitrogen in plants, soil organic matter
or animal manure takes weeks or months to break
down. Ammonium from fertiliser and urea can
convert to nitrate in hours to days.
STOCK FEED PELLETS
“Gladfield stock food has been a favourite at
our farm for some time. We love the simplicity
of the pellet form. Our chooks, calves, cattle,
and sheep go crazy for the tasty brew! Thanks,
Gladfield – we appreciate your innovation!”
– Vic, Rosaleigh Farm, Hororata
20kg bag
“Happy animals, happy customer,
great accessibility, great product.
Highly recommend!”
– David Marshall, Holly Farm, Leeston
$15 +GST ORDER NOW:
orders@gladfieldmalt.co.nz
Phone: 03 325 4447
Mobile: 027 259 9461
Pick up available from Gladfield Malt,
721 Hororata Dunsandel Road, Dunsandel
General purpose pelleted feed from
Gladfield. Ideal for calves, pigs,
horses, hens, sheep, goats and deer.
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