Hawke’s Bay Case Study
In the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay, a recent cage-cut trial has revealed powerful insights into pasture performance under real-world farming conditions.
Conducted using a selection of Profile Fertilisers’ trusted products — Duo-T3, Elevate Plus S, and Elevate Plus S + Trace Elements — the trial measured the impact of each blend on pasture growth, density, and overall feed quality. The results offer valuable guidance for farmers looking to improve productivity, optimise nutrient uptake, and make informed, seasonally adaptive decisions.
Cage Cut Trial Results
Fertiliser Application
| Date | Product Applied | Tonnes | Total Hectares | Kgs/ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb-22 | Duo - T3 (67%) Elevate (33%) | 276 tonne | 1750 | 150 |
| Feb-23 | Elevate Plus S | 60 tonne | 600 | 100 |
| Jan-24 | Elevate Plus S + Trace Elements | 119 tonne | 700 | 170 |
Pasture Production and Average Pasture Growth
|
Average Daily Growth Rate (Kgs Dry Matter per ha /day) YEAR - 1 |
Average Daily Growth Rate (Kgs Dry Matter per ha /day) YEAR - 2 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Monitor Paddock | 51 | 44 |
| Increase (Decrease) in Daily Growth Rate each year | |||
| Area 1 | Monitor Paddock | n/a | (7) |
|
Total Dry Matter Produced Per Year (Kgs per ha / year ) YEAR - 1 365 days |
Total Dry Matter Produced Per Year (Kgs per ha / year ) YEAR - 2 365 days |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Monitor Paddock | 18,449 | 16,021 |
| Increase (Decrease) in Total Dry Matter Produced each year | |||
| Area 1 | Monitor Paddock | n/a | 2,428 |
Notes:
The second year of pasture management saw a very dry summer and autumn with semi drought-like conditions.
- Therefore the pasture production was lower in the second year.
- Whereas the climatic conditions were more favourable for the first year.
- In a 2022 PhD thesis, the estimated pasture production on hill country farms in Hawkes Bay was 9 tonne Dry Matter per ha / year.
- In Waikato hill country the pasture grown in field trials in the 1980’s was estimated to be 7.1 tonne Dry Matter per ha/ year
- A summary of field trials estimated hill country to grow 8.2 tonne Dry Matter per ha/ year
Why Choose Profile Fertiliser
Smarter Fertilisers for Smarter Farming
Not Just Fertiliser. A Formula Built for Your Soil.
Better For
The Environment
pH Balanced
for Soil Health
Kinder on Animals,
Better for Soil
Cost Effective Lime Application
For Hill Country Farms
Combat Aluminium
Toxicity
Tailored Fertilisers
Without The Added Cost
Can Apply Once
a Year (Not Twice)
Includes Trace Elements
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