Lincoln White is pursuing a Master's degree in soil science at Lincoln University. He is conducting a survey of vineyards and orchards in the Central Otago, Nelson, and Marlborough regions.
The objective of this research is to investigate the possible correlation between the use of copper-based fungicides and climate change-driven changes in local climates. Lincoln is exploring the reports of copper migration from vineyard/horticultural soils to local waterways and assessing if such events are occurring in New Zealand, with changing climatic conditions potentially playing a role.
The results of this research will be valuable in establishing sustainable management practices for local orchards, as well as increasing awareness of the impact of climate change on orchard management.
If you can answer “Yes” to the following questions about your operation, Lincoln would be very interested in including you in his research project:
- use of fungicides is common practice in your industry
- a commercial operation in Central Otago and/or Hawkes Bay
- operating for at least ten years
- registered with an industry body (e.g. SNZ, NZAPI etc.)
Lincoln will ask participants to take part in a short telephone interview, share information about past management practices and to allow access for soil sampling on their properties. In return, participants will get free soil analyses for copper content and basic chemical characteristics, and an overall summary of the research findings at the end. All information collected as part of this survey will be treated in strict confidence and used for research purposes only.
To take part, please contact Lincoln White by telephone (+64 27 213 1575) or email below.