FAR Technical Report Issue 1: Moisture Monitoring Project 2023/24

This Herbage Update summarises three seasons of irrigation experiments investigating yield penalties from early versus late-season drought and identifying mechanisms to guide irrigation strategies for improved water-use efficiency.

This report outlines findings from the moisture probe trial including the performance of each of the systems tested in Year 2 (2024-25) and outlines key points to consider when choosing a moisture monitoring system based on findings from both year’s work.

The moisture probe trial is back for 2025-26 season. We have moisture probes from different providers installed at our Chertsey research site. View the different companies dashboards here.

With Spark and One NZ decommissioning their 2G and 3G networks across the country near the end of 2025. FAR has contacted the companies involved with the moisture probe trial to find out how it could affect your farm.

Read the booklet for the 2025 autumn round up series here. 

What are greenhouse gases and how do they affect climate? Which GHGs are produced on arable farms and how can you measure them?  This book provides a Greenhouse Gas 101 for New Zealand arable farmers. It provides the information you need to understand public discussions and start considering a management plan for your farm business.

FAR's technology manager Chris Smith gives you some tips and tricks to help you pick the best moisture sensor for your system.

FAR's updated Environmental Strategy provides a framework for research, development and extension activities to assist arable farmers safeguard vital resources and secure their future.

Pure Oil NZ and FAR are collaborating to monitor oilseed rape (OSR) paddocks to identify strategies to improve yields. Their work has identified that many growers could reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to OSR crops without impacting on yield or profit.

This Arable Extra discusses optimal nitrogen rates for crops based on 2024-25 fertiliser and crop prices.