Feeding the world’s growing population
New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.
Storage conditions shall ensure that fertiliser is never contaminated with other chemicals or chemical products, and that fertiliser does not escape from the storage facility. Some stores may also need to provide appropriate signage.
Fertiliser storage buildings shall be sited to minimise any risk of environmental contamination. In particular, storage sites must not present a risk of direct water contact with stored fertiliser. This includes the entry of storm water or runoff from surrounding areas. See the best management practices at the end of this chapter.
Fertiliser buildings shall be constructed so that stored fertiliser remains in a useable condition. In particular, fertiliser should stay dry and free from contamination by other fertiliser types or any foreign material. Bulk fertiliser shall be stored in a manner that preserves the physical properties of the fertiliser and allows the fertiliser to be retrieved from storage and used without contamination. The fertiliser shall be stored on an impermeable surface to prevent leaching to groundwater and to prevent the localised accumulation of contaminants in the soil.
Fertiliser blends or physical mixtures shall only be used if there is no risk of chemical or physical (e.g. moisture absorption) reaction between fertilisers in the blend or mixture that may reduce application accuracy. The blend or mixture should be such that there is little or no physical segregation (separating out or settling) of the blended or mixed components in transport and handling operations. Expert advice should be sought before creating a blend as some fertilisers are not compatible.
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and Dairy NZ funded development of the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP). This industry-wide certification aims to ensure that advisers have the learning, experience and capability to give sound nutrient advice.
9 December 2020
Aqualinc has been awarded the Irrigation New Zealand Innovation in Irrigation Award for 2020, in recognition of their work for the Fertiliser Association on N-Wise irrigation strategies.
25 November 2020
Two PhD students who have been supported by the Association, have published information on their research. The first measures the impact of phosphate fertiliser derived fluorine on soil microbiology and white clover. The second analyses the effect of soil cadmium on root organic acid secretion by forage crops.
Stay in touch with the latest fertiliser industry news and research