FACTSHEET

BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES IN THE LAKE
NGAROTO CATCHMENT
SEPTEMBER 2013
This factsheet provides farmers in the Ngaroto
catchment with current information on BMPs
which can be implemented on farm to reduce
the impact farming has on the lake.
Eight farms in the catchment
have had Whole Farm Plans
carried out during 2012
2013. Many of the BMPs
already being implemented are
highlighted over the page; along
with recommendations from
Headlands consultants for actions
that would beneft the lake and
the surrounding environment.
MAIN THREATS TO LAKE NGAROTO
Nutrients and Sediment
Although nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are critical
for farm production, excess quantities entering lakes
(through surface runoff, subsurface fows and via
drains and streams) can be extremely damaging. Even
small increases cause weeds or undesirable species
to proliferate producing algal blooms. Increased
sediment entering the lake results in poor clarity of
the water which in turn affects the fora and fauna of
the lake.
Drainage and cultivation
of the surrounding Peatland
Drainage and cultivation of peat soils for pasture and
cropping results in oxidation and shrinkage of peat
soil that cannot be reversed.
Deepening drains lowers the water table in surrounding
farmland. However, the water level in nearby peat
lakes becomes higher than the surrounding water
table, causing water to spill out onto neighbouring
land. Lake levels in the peat lakes are then lowered to
prevent fooding.

NUTRIENT USE AND EFFICIENCY:
Use a combination of herbage and block specifc
soil testing to determine exact pasture nutrient
requirements so that fertiliser is not over applied but
key defciencies can be identifed.
Use of minimal cultivation techniques to minimise
soil and nutrient loss to water by reducing the
amount of soil that is prone to runoff during the
spring and winter. Direct drilling and strip till
cultivation techniques also conserve valuable soil
organic matter and minimise peat shrinkage.
Timing applications of N fertiliser to when the
pasture is actively growing reduces N losses to the
environment.
G.P.S is now available by most fertiliser spreaders
and should be used where possible for proof of
placement of fertiliser.
Recommendation that every farm have an accurate
up-to-date Overseer nutrient budget done for their
farm. This should be used by a qualifed nutrient
advisor to formulate nutrient recommendations for
the farm.
Farmers should aim to understand the N leaching
and P loss fgures generated by Overseer and aim
to reduce these losses over time by adapting farm
management strategies where possible.
FARM SYSTEM AND DESIGN:
Accurately assessing your farms long term average
annual pasture harvests and matching the stocking
rate accordingly. This reduces overstocking,
improves per cow effciency and reduces the loss
of N via leaching. These changes also ensure
that businesses are resilient and less vulnerable to
fuctuations in weather and milk payout.
Farms with a higher percentage of pasture as the
diet tend to have lower costs of production as well
as lower stocking rates. Lower cost of production is
strongly correlated with proftability.
Crops such as chicory and plantain have a better
access to nutrients and good summer growing
qualities using effuent on these crops results in
improved nutrient effciency of applied effuent.
FARM INFRASTRUCTURE:
Tracks/races should be well maintained and
runoff directed to paddocks where nutrients and
sediment can be fltered by the pasture before
entering waterways.
Good maintenance of fences around peat drains
to ensure stock exclusion.
PHYSICAL RESOURCES:
Biodiversity is becoming increasingly important,
riparian and wetland planting, and retiring steeper
land to native plantings will not only reduce the
amount of runoff reaching water courses but will
also help improve habitats for valuable insects
including bees, and birds. Planting also improves
the aesthetics of the farm.
Cadmium is a heavy metal that is contained in
phosphate fertiliser it is estimated that 8.3 tonnes
are applied to Waikato soils each year. It can
be tested as part of your routine soil test. Excess
cadmium in your soils may limit market access and
potential subdivision in the future.
PEOPLE AND THE BUSINESS:
Investment of time and money on training staff will
improve the performance of any farm business. By
ensuring that staff are aware of all the aspects of
farming i.e. economic, social and environmentally
sustainable, it is more likely that the farm will
achieve good outcomes in all of these areas.
Deep rooting plants.
Drains fenced and planted.
CHECKLIST OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTISES (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) WHICH ONES ARE YOU
DOING?
Action on Farm Beneft to Environment
Strategic use of fertiliser Low use of synthetic N and Soluble P reduces amount lost to
environment.
Good water use effciency achieved through
recycling
Reduced water take.
Upgrade of races on farm Runoff from races diverted into paddocks, avoiding direct runoff to
waterways.
All waterways and drains fenced Stock excluded from waterways reduces faecal matter in the
water and erosion of soil from the land and reduces nutrients and
pathogens entering the lake.
Staff trained in the application of fertiliser No urea spread directly into waterways.
Monitoring soil fertility levels with regular soil
testing and applying accordingly
Reduces over application of soluble N & P fertiliser.
Planting deep rooting summer active species
(Chicory and Plantain)
Improves nutrient effciency, helps cow productivity and draws
nutrients from deep in the soil.
Animal shelter, with sealed base, for
wintering cows
Reduced pugging and pathogen loss in high risk months, soil
protection and reduced runoff.
Feeding cereals to improve dietary balance Reduces the protein load for the cows which reduces urea load in
urine, thus reducing leaching loss to groundwater.
Retiring and planting areas that are wet and
swampy
Grazing the wet/swampy areas causes signifcant soil disturbance
resulting in Phosphate loss through soil erosion. Retiring wetlands is
a major beneft to Lake Ngaroto as it reduces the Phosphate loads
of the drains leaving the farm.
Effuent is applied to >30% of the farm and
there is adequate storage. Manual storm
water diversion is available
This results in better nitrogen conversion effciency and utilisation of
a valuable nutrient resource. All cowshed and feed pad effuent is
captured and pumped from the effuent pond. The large pond is
then empty going into winter.
Feed pad is used for stand-off over wet,
winter months
Some pugging is avoided and soil loss is reduced.
No winter cropping is done Reduces soil loss via runoff that occurs during winter high rainfall
events.
Converting pine plantations to a more
diverse selection of trees, including natives
Provides a sustainable wood lot for the future. Supports natural
biodiversity and improves long term aesthetic value of the property.
Planting steep sidlings and retiring and
planting wet seeps in hillsides
Reduction of soil erosion and nutrient losses, improves carbon
sequestration and will also support biodiversity.
Wetland restoration Runoff from farms is fltered through the wetland, protection of
vulnerable areas from stock simultaneously protecting stock from
misadventure. Planting native wetland species can also provide
nesting sites, food and shelter for wildlife as well as adding to the
natural character of the area.
Low stocking rate with high pasture harvest Very low nutrient loss risk. Aids soil protection. Is a low cost and
resilient farm system.
Low rate application for effuent using
LARRALL system
Low applications and good storage means there is the ability to
store effuent and use at a low rate when soil moisture levels are
suitable to allow best nutrient effciency and low risk to receiving
environment.
For more information contact Nardene Berry and/or
Melinda Dresser at the NZ Landcare Trust:
Email: Ngaroto@landcare.org.nz
Melinda: 07 8593745
Nardene: 07 8593725
www.landcare.org.nz
NOTES FOR MY FARM:
This factshet is an update to
the 2012 BMP factsheet.