Hosted by the Kiwifruit Regen/Soil Biology Group, this field day will be held on a conventional kiwifruit orchard in Pukehina, Bay of Plenty, on November 7, 2024.
Topics being covered include:
- Cover Crop Observations
- 2023 cover crop and 2024 replanted cover crop.
- Alternate row planting in 2024 block: comparing new germination vs. 2023 regrowth.
- Insights on managing crops across seasons and maximizing long-term benefits.
- Crop Management Techniques
- Live demonstrations of mowing, rolling, and crimping.
- Exploring the differences between these techniques and their impact on plants and soil.
- Mitigation Strategies
- Impact of spraying antibiotics and managing the cover crop
- Management of spray rows and transitioning away from weed spraying.
- Dealing with the potential for weed overgrowth after stopping weed sprays.
- Male Pruning & Mulching Challenges
- Addressing the challenges of male pruning and mulching on the orchard.
- How the orchard has effectively managed these issues.
- Breakout Group Sessions
- Groups will rotate through 10–15-minute focused discussions on specific topics.
- Opportunities for in-depth questions and discussion with presenters.
- Post-Discussion Conversations
- Informal discussions during the BBQ with presenters and other attendees.
- Further exploration of topics can be done online or at the next field day.
- Closing Remarks
- The goal is to provide an educational and engaging experience for all attendees.
More information and registration details can be found here.