Rangitata Dairies Field Day 27th February 2024

Thanks to the openness and generosity of Rangitata Dairies, we were able to explore the potential of radio metric mapping and more accurate soil mapping to bring physiographic insights at the paddock scale. 

A critical insight was how different S-Map can be once we focus at farm or paddock scale. Radiometric soil maps have given Rangitata Dairies a much clearer picture of what soil types they have on the property and where they are located. 

The farm now has a much clearer idea of cost-effective mitigation options to further reduce their environmental footprint. Critically the radiometric soil map better aligns with the reality on the ground, which provides reassurance that pivots are set up in a way which enables efficient irrigation without resorting to expensive system modifications such as variable rate irrigation. Much can be achieved simply by working with nature and recognising the strengths and weaknesses of particular soils…