Impacts of farming practice within organic farming systems on below-ground ecology and ecosystem function

Maintaining ecosystem function is a key issue for sustainable farming systems which contribute broadly to global ecosystem health. A focus simply on the diversity of belowground organisms is not sufficient and there is a need to consider the contribution of below-ground biological processes to the maintenance and enhancement of soil function and ecosystem services. A critical literature review on the impacts of land management practices on below-ground ecology and function shows that farm management practices can have a major impact. A particular challenge for organic farming systems is to explore to what extent reduced tillage can be adopted to the benefit of below-ground ecology without critically upsetting the whole farm management balance

Indicator systems - resource use in organic systems

A balanced use of resources within organic farming systems is required to maintain sustainable systems. Hence, it is essential to have tools that can assess the use of resources within the farming system and their impact on the environment. The range of tools that have been developed include those assessing local farm-scale issues together with those that assess impacts at the global scale. At the global scale assessments are usually made on the basis of a unit of product whereas at the local scale assessments can also be made on an area basis. In addition, the tools also assess a variety of issues, e.g. biodiversity, pollution potential, energy and water use. The level of detail required for the different assessment tools differs substantially; nevertheless it is essential that the indicator systems developed are based on sound knowledge, are acceptable to the farmers and can guide their future actions

Improving supply and phosphorous use efficiency in organic farming systems

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient that needs to be managed carefully in organic systems so that crop yield and quality remain sustainable without contributing to environmental damage, particularly that associated with eutrophication. Under organic regulations, minimally processed rock phosphate (PR) can be used to amend low P fertility soils, although the solubility is extremely low at optimum soil pH for most crop growth (pH 6.5). This paper describes a project (PLINK) which aims to develop methods of improving P efficiency on organic farms, although the same approaches may also be applicable on conventional and low-input farms. The methodologies that the project is developing include the fermentation and composting of crop waste material with PR in order to solubilise P and make it more available to the crop. Some initial results are described here. In addition, the project will investigate the alteration of the rotation to include crops or varieties with high P uptake efficiency, or roots that possess acidifying properties which improve P availability for following crops

Pasture Manipulaton on animal, crop and pasture production

1. Effect of Pasture Manipulation on Animal Production - 81M01 - \u27Ranfurly\u27. 2. Effect of Pasture Manipulation on Crop Production - 81M01 - \u27Ranfurly\u27. 3. Effect of Pasture Manipulation on Animal Production - 82NA29 - \u27Culford\u27. 4. Pasture Manipulation in a 1:1 Rotation at Esperance - 79El5 – \u27Esperance Downs\u27. 5. Pasture Manipulation in a 2 pasture: 1 crop Rotation – 81E35 – \u27Esperance Downs\u27. 6. Pasture Manipulation - Effects on Take-all - 82LG25 - \u27McMahons\u27

Long term pasture manipulation trials

A.W.I.R.C Project 498/0029 Pasture manipulation on the Esperance sandplain. Introduction In 1981 a 2 pasture: 1 crop rotation trial incorporating four pasture manipulation treatments was commenced on the Esperance Sandplain to determine: 1. the effect of herbicide manipulation of pasture composition on pasture and animal production. 2. the effect of grass control on take-all levels in a following cereal crop. 3. the effect of grass control on desicantha weevil levels in a following cereal crop. Rotation trial for wheat comparing a pure clover ley with a mixed pasture ley on the Esperance sandplain - Esperance Down Research Station. The effect of chemical grass control in pastures on subsequent crop production and take-all levels - 82LG25

Exploring the Gender Divide: Perceptions of IT Professionals in New Zealand

The continuing shortage of IT professionals is a global problem and is exacerbated by the lack of women, representing nearly half the potential workforce, who are attracted to the industry. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature by examining the perspectives and experiences of both male and female IT professionals in New Zealand. Using a narrative inquiry methodology the study examines the perceptions of men and women regarding the inability of the IT industry to attract more female graduates. Data analysis is carried out through the lens of Individual Differences Theory to identify key factors influencing the make-up of the IT sector in New Zealand. The study finds that while there is a positive view of women‟s role in IT, there remains a powerful influence from stereotyping of the sector and those who work in it