Adding nitrogen to pastures — how and why at Raetihi meeting

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 44, 15 April 1986, Page 14

Adding nitrogen to pastures — how and why at Raetihi meeting

Waimarino farmers have the opportunity to hear the latest information on the use of nitrogen in pastoral farming at a meeting organised by MAF tomorrow. Greg Lambert from grasslands division, DSIR, in Palmerston North, will speak on his research in Ballantrae, near Whariti. This is a south-facing area, which, according to farm advisor Will Wilson, is very relevant to the Waimarino. The work shows that the autumn application of nitrogen on hill country pastures gives a prolonged response through winter. Mr Lambert will talk about production and economic aspects. Will Wilson will talk on the economics of the use of nitrogen in both hill country and more intensive farms. He will particularly detail the results of trials at Don Baker's Lakes Road property from where measured responses are available. He says that the supplementary use of nitrogen gives a six to eight week response, and a lift which goes right through winter to September. The production manager for Petrocorp will also be there to talk about urea as a product, its manufacutre and properties. The meeting will be held in the Raetihi Hotel lounge bar at 2pm on Wednesday 16 April.