Scientists from Plant & Food Research have been collecting data from apple orchards in Hawke’s Bay to better understand the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on plant and soil health and support grower’s management decisions.
The Soil Health - Assessment and Recovery Project, which got underway two weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle, has involved working with about 30 orchard owners and managers to study the effects of silt and waterlogging on apple blocks. Working with industry body New Zealand Apples and Pears Inc, the aim is to develop resources that will be shared industry-wide and help optimise grower’s spend on recovery efforts.
Source: scoop.co.nz