Emissions calculator
Options to reduce emissions focus on reducing inputs of nitrogen-based fertilisers. Cropping and some horticultural enterprises have lower soil carbon stocks than livestock farms. Management practices aimed at increasing carbon inputs to the soil have demonstrated that maintaining or increasing stocks may be possible in some situations.
Know your number first
Knowing what your greenhouse gas emissions are is the first critical step towards planning for reductions. A recent survey found that only 2% of New Zealand farmers know what their emissions are. Find out more about knowing your number.
Action for growers
-
Nitrogen fertiliser
Reducing the use of nitrogen fertiliser is a measurable way of reducing the amount of nitrogen available in the soil to be transformed into nitrous oxide.
-
Trees and vegetation
There are many benefits from planting trees or restoring woody vegetation on a farm, including to help combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide. However, it's a complex topic.
-
Potential actions
Some practices and technologies have been promoted as options to reduce emissions, but research is ongoing to get them into the national greenhouse gas inventory and/or fully demonstrate their efficacy on farm.
Case studies
-
Craige Mackenzie, Canterbury
Mid-Canterbury arable and dairy farmer Craige Mackenzie's philosophy is right input, right quantity, right place, right time—which makes sense for his business and for the land, waterways and climate.
-
Efficient farming for future sustainability
An emphasis on efficiency improvements and soil health are helping keep greenhouse gas emissions down on Hugh Ritchie's complex arable, livestock and horticulture operation in Hawke's Bay.
-
Growing more with less environmental impact
At Woodhaven Gardens near Levin, Jay Clarke and his family have been figuring out how to reduce their vegetable farm's impact on the climate.
-
Farming with whakapapa and the future in mind
Farming has long been a way of life for Orete – a Māori Incorporation with 1,500 owners on the tip of the remote East Cape. Te Taiao is at the heart of all they do, including finding ways to keep their agricultural greenhouse gas emissions down.
-
Soil health and innovation focus help reduce emissions
A passion for innovation has been a common thread through four generations of farmers on the Abbiss' property near Halcombe. Now they're turning their attention to how they might reduce their impact on the climate.
-
Robin Oakley, Canterbury
Fifth generation farmer, Robin Oakley, has been growing vegetables in Canterbury since he was a kid and now supplies supermarkets around the country. His family is committed to sustainable farming and is starting to think about what that means for the climate.
More information
-
Understanding your farm's emissions
Build a clearer picture of the greenhouse gas emissions linked to your farm system, including stock, feed and fertiliser inputs.
-
Nitrogen use and nitrous oxide
Using nitrogen efficiently can help reduce nitrous oxide emissions while supporting productivity and input efficiency.
-
Soil health and carbon
Healthy soils support pasture resilience, productivity and long-term farm performance. Research is helping build understanding of what works under NZ conditions.
-
Trees and vegetation
There are many benefits from planting trees or restoring woody vegetation on a farm, including to help combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide. However, it's a complex topic.