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Research Activities

The NZCPA has a strong research background, through both postgraduate student research and commercial contracts. We undertake a wide range of work in GIS, precision agriculture, and resource management. Listed below are selected research programmes undertaken by the Centre.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Turitea soil survey a GIS database of soils in Palmerston North, south of the Manawatu River (Massey University and surrounds)
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Flood photography aerial photographs of the floods experienced in the Manawatu region during February 2004.
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• GIS data online an extensive database of New Zealand orthophotos, national topographic, and vector data online. This site utilizes Image Web Server, Java, and MapServer software. This database is currently restricted to use by Massey University staff and students.
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Fertiliser use

• Aerial topdressing an evaluation of variable rate aerial topdressing procedures on the productivity of contrasting landscape units on New Zealand farms, with a focus on the effects of particle ballistics during application, and the growth potential of winter pastures.
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• Fertiliser placement an in-depth analysis of the potential for ground spread machines to accurately apply site-specific fertilizer rates in New Zealand.
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• Properties of lime testing the shear strength and flowability of lime samples to assess suitability for use in aerial topdressing.
  
• Remote wind station using a ground-based wind sensor that communicates wirelessly with another sensor in the aircraft, the swath pattern and width can be automatically adjusted to account for changes in wind speed or direction.
  

Crop and pasture yield/land evaluation

• Yield mapping an extensive project employing precision farming technologies to identify the causes of yield variability within a paddock.
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• Pasture sensor the development and testing of a rapid pasture sensor for on farm pasture assessment (kg dry matter per hectare).
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• Soil variability mapping mapping the variability of soil across a vineyard using electromagnetic induction to measure soil electrical conductivity to improve selection of appropriate grape varieties.
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• Frost protection machine placement an investigation of the importance of site-specific placement of frost protection systems to maximise protective coverage of vineyards and minimise economic loss during frost periods.
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Animal tracking

• Cattle tracking GPS receivers were attached to two beef cows for a one year period in order to record detailed information on cattle movements and analysed in relation to slope and aspect to improve landuse planning and strategic fertiliser placement.
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• Falcon (threatened NZ native) Satellite transmitters were attached to threatened New Zealand falcons in order to better understand the movements New Zealands only endemic raptor.
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• Elephant (South Africa) In September 2003 a satellite transmitter was fitted to an African Elephant in South Africa.
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Resource management/ecological economics

• Visitor preferences in a National Park (South Africa) � an economic analysis of visitor utility and recreation preferences in Kruger National Park, South Africa. This research involved conjoint analysis survey methods that revealed some of the factors underpinning visitor demand.
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• Soil conservation workshops (Tonga) a series of workshops for Tongan farmers, students, extension officers, teachers and government officials that aimed to increase the knowledge and understanding of soil erosion and erosion control techniques.
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• Estuary education an interactive educational CD-ROM for late primary to early secondary aged school children that explores the environmental and social aspects of estuaries, and the Manawatu Estuary near Foxton Beach in particular.
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