As stewards of New Zealand’s productive farms, we are keenly aware of the importance of sustainable farming practices, especially in light of the recent announcement by Fonterra regarding their climate ambitions and emission reduction targets. In this article, we’ll explore why humates are an excellent choice for New Zealand farmers, offering a sustainable approach to address the climate challenges we face.
Fonterra’s Climate Roadmap:
Fonterra has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint and on-farm emissions. The Co-operative has set an ambitious target of achieving a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions by 2030, based on a 2018 baseline. This initiative aims to further reduce the emissions profile of dairy products, with 86% of Fonterra’s emissions originating from on-farm activities.
The Challenges We Face:
New Zealand’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen pollution. As responsible farmers, we must address these challenges to protect our environment and ensure the sustainability of our farms.
Why Humates Are Good for New Zealand Farmers:
Humates, derived from organic matter, offer several advantages that align with Fonterra’s climate goals and our collective commitment to sustainable agriculture:
Carbon Sequestration: Humates have a unique ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere when added to the soil. By enhancing soil organic matter, humates help mitigate CO2 emissions, contributing to our efforts to combat climate change.
Reduced Nitrogen Leaching: Humates improve soil structure and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), reducing the leaching of nitrogen and helping to safeguard our precious water resources.
Enhanced Nutrient Efficiency: Humates contain fulvic acid, which enhances nutrient chelation, making essential elements more available to plants. This means that we can achieve better crop yields with reduced reliance on nitrogen-based fertilisers, aligning with Fonterra’s emission reduction targets.
Support for Sustainable Practices: By incorporating humates into our farming methods, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices and contribute to New Zealand’s climate goals. Humates promote soil health and microbial activity, creating resilient and productive ecosystems.
Conclusion:
As we embark on the journey to address climate challenges and reduce our carbon and nitrogen footprint, humates stand out as a sustainable option for New Zealand farmers. Humates ability to sequester carbon, reduce nitrogen leaching, improve nutrient efficiency, and support sustainable practices aligns perfectly with Fonterra’s climate ambitions and our shared commitment to a greener future.
By embracing humates in our farming practices, we can play a pivotal role in achieving Fonterra’s emission reduction targets and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our farms and our beloved New Zealand. Let’s continue to farm responsibly, protect our environment, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.
