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.
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25 January 2022
Final-year Lincoln University PhD candidate Kirstin Deuss is the 2021 recipient of the NZ Society of Soil Science/Fertiliser Association of NZ Postgraduate Bursary Award.
The award recognises the efforts and present (or likely) contribution to New Zealand soil science arising from a doctorate study. It carries a $5,000 one-year stipend.
Kirstin holds a BSC in Biomedical Science from Victoria University of Wellington and an MSC in Horticultural Science from the Technical University of Munich, Free University of Bozen (Italy) and the University of Bologna.
Her postgraduate research has seen her lead a long-term field study on soil and catchment hydrology in Southland. The findings will help understand the role mole and tile drains play in Southland’s unique landscape.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected as the recipient of the NZSSS Fertiliser Association Postgraduate Bursary, it is an honour that I will cherish for the rest of my career,” says Kirstin. “I love working with soils and my career objective is to apply my field, research and management skills towards supporting the sustainable management of New Zealand’s soil resources.”
“My PhD has been challenging but also so rewarding, and this award is a real confidence boost as I prepare to start my new career at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research in February. I wouldn't be where I am without the support of my many great mentors, friends and colleagues, who have given me so much of their time and energy to help turn ideas into reality and put it all into the written word!
“It's truly been the best experience of my life and I am really looking forward to where it is going to take me.”
Kirstin was nominated by Peter Almond, Associate Professor, Department of Soil and Physical Sciences at Lincoln University. He described her to the judging panel as a “highly adept scientist capable of complex quantitative analysis of soil-hydrological systems”.
“I think she is a deserving recipient. The prestige of the award would further her goal of securing a position working professionally in soil science in New Zealand so that she can contribute to environmental sustainability of our primary industries.”
Fertiliser Association chief executive Vera Power described Kirstin’s research as “hugely important”.
“The more we can understand what’s happening in our soils and catchments, the better placed our primary sector will be to improve farm management, all while protecting the environment.”
24 November 2021
FANZ has made a submission to the Ministry for the Environment on Te hau mārohi ki anamata - Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future.
The primary sector has a key role to play in helping achieve global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining food security. This requires low-emission production systems, with increased efficiencies and the use of new mitigation technologies.
Investment in the development and adoption of new technologies requires a clear regulatory pathway to market. We will need to work internationally with trading nations and also locally with existing qualified networks within the agricultural community for the extension and adoption of new mitigations.
You can read our submission in full here.
30 September 2021
We recently submitted evidence to the Environment Select Committee on proposals to ban nitrogen fertiliser.
11 August 2021
Creating tools to assist farmers to make the right choice on nutrient management is a long and sometimes expensive process. The Fertiliser Association is committed to a journey of enabling New Zealand farmers to meet their goals for profitability and heightened environmental responsibility.
5 July 2021
Fertiliser co-operatives are determined to assist their farmer owners with reducing their environmental impact.
9 June 2021
From 1 July 2021, the Government's new regulations for the application of nitrogen fertiliser to pastoral land, will come into effect. Here's what you need to know.
15 April 2021
Good soil fertility is critical for our agricultural economy. We welcome today's report. One of the areas highlighted in the report is soil quality, and in particular, soil fertility as measured by the 'Olsen P' soil test. However, the report's analysis is based on a limited data set. Our analysis of industry data suggests a slightly different picture than presented in the report.
31 March 2021
Congratulation to Tim Jefferd, Regional Manager for the Eastern North Island at Agricom, who became the 300th person certified through our Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme.
31 March 2021
In our recent submission to He Pou a Rangi, Climate Change Commission on their draft advice to Government, we focus on the policies to support emissions reductions from the agricultural sector.
17 March 2021
We would like to thank Justice Woolford for his careful consideration of the case. This case is about the investments made by the NZ Superfund, and consideration of New Zealand's supply chain for essential phosphate fertiliser.
