Lincoln-based Bioeconomy Science Institute staff and partners rolled up their sleeves earlier this month to transform the  gully on Plant & Food Research Group’s farm site into a pocket of native biodiversity.

With funding and support from Selwyn District Council and Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust (TAK), and a restoration plan from TAK in consultation with Dr Brad Howlett from the Beneficial Biodiversity team, more than 1,000 eco-sourced native plants from the local Department of Conservation nursery were put in the ground.

Research undertaken on the Lincoln farm site supports New Zealand’s arable and horticultural sectors to be more productive and sustainable. This includes enhancing soil health, breeding improved plant cultivars and developing plant disease and farm management tools.

A key aim of the native plantings being established on the site is to support a diverse community of beneficial insects that contribute to crop pollination and natural pest control. Enhancing on-farm insect diversity increases production resilience by ensuring that the most effective pollinators and natural enemies are present and active when needed.

The plantings feature a mix of native plant species that flower sequentially from September to May, providing a continuous supply of nectar and pollen to sustain the life cycles of key insect species.

To prepare for the planting day, over 1000 holes were dug in advance by Farm Management team members Dean Judson and Ronil Lal.

The event was organised by the Lincoln Site Sustainability Liaisons and Field Research Network, who identified the farm gully as great location to plant native vegetation.

Over 55 people attended the inaugural planting day, with all groups within the Bioeconomy Science Institute represented. The day was wrapped up with well-earned pizza and some very muddy smiles.

Source:  Plant & Food Research Group