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Irish wasp to the rescue

In January 2006, a tiny wasp was released onto a Waikato farm to kill an enemy that was devastating pastures. Ten years on, these tiny wasps have saved farmers nearly half a billion dollars. An ...

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ARTICLE

Our Land and Water National Science Challenge

Farming is a way of life in New Zealand – about half the country’s land is used for primary production. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise reports that New Zealand-grown produce feeds over 40 ...

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ARTICLE

Plantain research

Plantain has been in the spotlight as scientists and farmers investigate its usefulness as pasture feed and its potential environmental benefits. Why conduct plantain research? Dr Ina Pinxterhuis ...

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ACTIVITY

Liming paddocks

In this activity, students measure the pH of soil collected from a paddock. This will be used to estimate the amount of agricultural lime needed to promote good grass growth. By the end of this ...

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ACTIVITY

Farming and environmental issues

In this activity, students explore ethical issues related to farming and environmental pollution. They learn about the science involved and the range of perspectives among stakeholders. By the ...

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ACTIVITY

Easy care sheep traits – three-level reading guide

Students use a three-level reading guide strategy to locate, interpret and apply the information to consider the role of research in finding easy care sheep traits. Purpose Students engage with ...

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Explore related citizen science projects

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Myrtle Rust Reporter

Myrtle rust is a serious biosecurity threat, and help is needed to monitor its spread. This citizen science project aims to gather information on the location, hosts and intensity of this fungal ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Find-A-Pest

The free Find-A-Pest app makes it easy to report and identify possible pest species. Wherever you are, you can help protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary industries and native species in two ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

The Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey

Earthworms are useful indicators of soil health. This project aims to capture information on earthworm abundance and species distribution throughout New Zealand. Information provided will be used ...

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Explore related PLD

TEACHER PLD

Weeds and native ecosystems – a context for learning

Introduced plant species – friend or foe? This might depend on who is answering the question. Over 25,000 exotic plants have been introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand. Some of these are highly ...

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TEACHER PLD

Effects of silage on a rural stream – unit plan

Students investigate silage production and test a stream to see if run-off from silage is polluting it. Students then produce a pamphlet of their findings to educate the community. Purpose To ...

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TEACHER PLD

Planet Earth and Beyond – Soil

Soil – it’s much more than dirt. Soil keeps us alive. Without soil, we would be hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless and breathless. Soils differ from location to location and are a range of colours ...

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Explore related videos

VIDEO

Ian Yule – Aerial Scanning for Pasture Analysis

Professor Ian Yule, Massey University, is interested in precision agriculture sensing. He has developed a number of tools for the market. Here, Ian and Massey University, Commercialisation and IP ...

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VIDEO

Why conduct plantain research?

Dr Ina Pinxterhuis and Dr Elena Minnée are scientists working at DairyNZ. In this video, they explain their interests in plantain and the variety of paths their research has taken. The video ...

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VIDEO

AFB detection dogs

American foulbrood (AFB) infects beehives. Detection is primarily done through observation by beekeepers and specialist experts. To find faster and more-robust methods of detection, dog trainer ...

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Explore related interactives

SLIDESHOW

Weeds that threaten native ecosystems – slideshow

A slideshow of weeds and the adaptations that make them problematic in a New Zealand setting. Use the Slideshow menu for further options, including view full screen, and go here for the download ...

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INTERACTIVE

The terrestrial nitrogen cycle

An interactive showing the main components of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle. Select one of the buttons to find out more. Go here to view the full transcript and copyright information.

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INTERACTIVE

1080 and pest control – a timeline

This timeline explores the history and science of mammalian pest control in New Zealand. A full transcript is underneath the timeline.

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