How much nitrogen does your next crop really need, and where is that nitrogen coming from?

In this episode of An Eco Farmer’s Discovery, Ewan Campbell and Stephen Brunton revisit a discussion about nitrogen, crop residues and soil biology after a farmer challenges their previous claims with detailed production figures. Using the farmer’s wheat and oat rotation as a case study, they work through the numbers, explore the potential role of crop residues in building soil organic matter, and explain why they believe farmers need to understand what is happening beneath the surface.

The conversation looks at soil testing, carbon levels, nutrient availability and the conditions needed for soil biology to function. They also revisit an example soil test from Taranaki to discuss nutrient imbalances, aluminium, boron and calcium, alongside the importance of measuring changes over time. The episode expands into the relationship between soil organic matter, farm profitability, crop quality and nutrient density, with examples from farming experiences and the practical lessons that can be learned by testing, observing and measuring.

In this episode:

• A farmer’s challenge to EcoFarm’s claims about nitrogen and soil biology

• Breaking down the nitrogen requirements of a wheat and oat rotation

• How crop straw could contribute to soil organic matter and nitrogen cycling

• Why the starting condition of your soil matters

• Understanding soil carbon, humus and organic matter

• How soil testing can reveal nutrient imbalances and limiting factors

• The relationship between aluminium, boron, calcium and other nutrients

• Why crop residues need the right conditions for biological decomposition

• What earthworms, fungi and cyanobacteria contribute to soil processes

• How to test and measure changes in soil over time

• The potential relationship between soil organic carbon and farm profitability

• Why crop quality, nutrient density and storage life deserve attention

• Lessons from a long-term soil improvement example in Taranaki

• Why farmers should measure results rather than rely on assumptions

  Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

What if the biggest financial asset on your farm is already sitting in the soil? In this episode, Scott Gordon joins the conversation to break down the financial side of soil fertility, looking at the value of minerals locked up in the soil, the cost of unlocking them, and how understanding your soil could change the way you assess farm value, productivity and return on investment. We also explore the idea of treating soil like a bank account, where better fertility management can turn an underperforming asset into productive cash flow.

In this episode:

• The hidden financial value of minerals in your soil

• Why a soil test should be part of assessing a farm's value

• The "current account" and "term deposit" analogy for soil fertility

• How locked-up nutrients can limit farm productivity

• Why total and available nutrients need to be looked at together

• The potential financial impact of fixing limiting factors

• How soil fertility can affect animal health and production

• Why bankers could benefit from understanding soil productivity

• Using evidence and soil data to make better farm decisions

• How improving soil can create more productive land without buying more hectares

• The real cost of doing nothing with the nutrients already in your soil

  
  

Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠