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Upper Waikato nutrient efficiency study

TR 2014/18
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Report: TR 2014/18

Author: AgFirst Consultants Central Ltd

About this report

In 2006, Waikato Regional Council identified that agricultural practices were contributing to rising nutrient levels within the region's waterways. In response, they launched a three-year intensive policy implementation process, the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) pilot project. The objective of the pilot project was to gain an understanding of nutrient management in the farm setting and investigate the potential effectiveness of ICM approaches in achieving sustainable improvements in water quality.

This report assesses the current nutrient use efficiency of a selection of farms in the Upper Waikato Catchment, and identifies options for further efficiency gains and their associated costs to the farm business.

Read or download the report

Upper Waikato nutrient efficiency study [PDF, 1.7 MB]

Contents
Executive summary and recommendations
List of tables
Introduction
Present situation
Pressure within the Upper Waikato Catchment
Methodology
Economic summary of low nutrient scenarios
Economic impact of change on organic properties
Summary of impacts of change due to compliance
Discussion
Strategies used when comparing current with proposed models
Behaviour and feedback
Trend to higher intensity systems (dairy)
Conclusion: tailoring the message
Sheep, beef and deer summary
Appendix: Individual case study information
Glossary of KPIs used
Terms