Soil moisture sensing enables precision capability to manage crop productivity. We designed and implemented a spatial, vertical and temporal model for mapping soil moisture at the farm level. Upscaling data from soil probes to the farm level provides better insights about fluxes of soil moisture. Our on-farm soil moisture monitoring system is modular, with each component that can be readily updated and improved. Soil moisture monitoring networks cannot be set-and-forget systems, but require longer term planning and monitoring.

Soils can increase in carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This study assessed the potential of soils to increase in soil carbon at the farm scale. Soil type and mineral surface area were the main drivers for differences in the carbon sequestration potential at the farm scale. An understanding of the distribution of this potential at the farm scale could allow for targeted management practices to increase SOC.

As part of global efforts to restore forests and combat climate change, our study investigates young forest restoration plantings in northern New Zealand. Spatial variation in soil, vegetation, and carbon storage across a small hillslope area showed that several topographical, soil- and vegetation-related characteristics significantly influenced soil carbon stocks. This discovery underscores the crucial role of landscape characteristics in shaping the success of forest restoration initiatives, emphasising the need for thoughtful planning that incorporates the unique features of each terrain.

Enhancing the mobilisation of soil legacy phosphorus to increase phosphorus use efficiency in agroecosystems may be very important, while phosphorus reserves will be depleted within 100 years. The studied green manures have rapidly mobilised different soil phosphorus pools. Therefore, the green manures may convert less labile soil phosphorus into more labile forms for the main crops, leading to a reduction of phosphorus inputs.

Formation of lower solubility ammonium salts may be a simple and cost-effective way to slow the release of nitrogen from fertiliser. Several modified mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser compounds were prepared by adding magnesium silicate to regular MAP fertiliser and reconstituting the granules. Shoot yields were lower when barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants were grown with the modified MAP fertiliser compounds compared to standard MAP fertiliser. This reduced growth was likely due to decreased nitrogen availability through a slower release of nitrogen.