Healthy farming systems don't come from a single silver bullet. They come from understanding how every part of the farm works together, from the soil beneath our feet to the people managing it every day.
That's the philosophy behind the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project.
Across 11 dairy farms stretching from Northland to Taranaki, the project team is working alongside farmers to explore practical land management practices that improve soil health, farm resilience, environmental outcomes and long-term profitability. At the centre of this work is a practical framework known as the Rere ki uta rere ki tai Toolbox.
Rather than focusing on one practice in isolation, the toolbox takes a whole-farm systems approach, recognising that every farm is unique and that meaningful change comes from understanding how different management decisions work together.
Starting with a baseline
Every farm begins its journey by establishing a clear picture of where it is today.
The project team carries out detailed soil and pasture assessments to understand the current health of the farm system. This provides valuable baseline information that helps identify strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Using this information, the team works alongside farmers to develop recommendations that are tailored to the needs of each individual property.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every recommendation is designed to suit the farm's landscape, goals and management style.
Building healthy soils
Healthy soils are the foundation of productive, resilient farming systems.
One of the key focus areas within the toolbox is helping farmers optimise nutrient management through the appropriate use of fertilisers while also exploring natural inputs that support soil biology and long-term productivity.
By improving soil function, farmers can create farming systems that are better equipped to withstand seasonal variability, improve nutrient efficiency and support healthy pasture growth.
Diverse pastures for resilient farming
Another important part of the toolbox is the establishment and management of diverse pastures.
Introducing greater plant diversity can improve resilience, support healthier soils, provide more consistent feed throughout the year and contribute to stronger animal performance.
The project is continuing to investigate how diverse pasture systems can play an important role in future farming systems across Aotearoa.
Trees that work for the farm
Trees provide far more than aesthetics.
Within the Rere ki uta rere ki tai Toolbox, farmers are supported to identify where trees can deliver the greatest value across their farm.
This includes protecting vulnerable areas, improving biodiversity, reducing erosion, providing shelter and shade for livestock, and creating healthier microclimates for both animals and soil.
By placing the right trees in the right locations, farmers can improve environmental outcomes while strengthening the resilience of their farming systems.
Smarter grazing and land use
Grazing management is another key component of the toolbox.
How stock move across a farm has a significant influence on pasture recovery, soil health and productivity.
Alongside grazing management, the project also uses land mapping to ensure the right land is being used for the right purpose.
Every farm contains different soil types, slopes and landscapes. Understanding this variability allows farmers to make informed decisions about how different areas of the farm can be managed to achieve the best outcomes.
Weaving together different knowledge systems
One of the unique aspects of the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project is the integration of Mātauranga Māori alongside science and practical farming experience.
Rather than viewing these knowledge systems separately, the project weaves them together to create practical solutions that support better farming outcomes.
This whole-systems approach recognises that indigenous knowledge offers valuable perspectives on working with the land, seasonal rhythms and long-term stewardship, helping farmers build resilient systems for future generations.
A toolbox for every farm
The Rere ki uta rere ki tai Toolbox is not a checklist or a prescription.
Instead, it provides a collection of practical tools that farmers can draw on as they transition towards farming systems that are productive, environmentally responsible and economically resilient.
By combining soil science, pasture management, nutrient planning, land capability mapping, trees, grazing management and Mātauranga Māori, the project is helping farmers develop systems that work with nature rather than against it.
As more farms join the journey, the toolbox continues to evolve, sharing practical knowledge and real-world learnings that can benefit farming communities across Aotearoa.
To learn more about the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project and explore the toolbox for yourself, visit rkurkt.org.nz.
