Daniel Bloomer

• Master of Science
• PhD at Massey University

Seeking low environmental impact alternatives to chemical herbicides that can be integrated into a regenerative agriculture system, we developed and tested flat-plate electrode weeding equipment applying ultra-low-energy electric shocks to seedlings in the field. Better than 90% control was achieved for all species, with energy to treat 5 weeds m⁻²...

Seeking an easy-to-deploy, energy-efficient, non-herbicide weed control method, we tested a flat-plate electrode to apply pulsed electric microshocks (PMS) to a grass and four broadleaf weed species. The method can be deployed via a hand-held unit or as part of a fully automated system to control escape weeds in field crops. The effectiveness of th...

For decades, herbicides have provided easy-to-use, cost-effective weed management, but alternatives are desired. Consumer preference for chemical-free food, awareness of environmental impacts, regulation increasingly restricting agrichemical use, and increasing prevalence of herbicide resistance are forcing changes to weed management strategies....

A search for energy efficient, non-herbicide weed control methods led to development of a novel electrical weeding technology. This study focuses on weed control efficiency and energy as elements of a system that would include machine vision and robotics to control escape weeds in field crops. Two pulse generation systems, one single and one multip...

Growers in Horowhenua and Gisborne have made significant change in nutrient management practices as part of Future Proofing Vegetable Production. Focusing primarily on nitrogen we have seen significant changes as growers receive and are supported to use new information. Making significant impact on nutrient losses requires a major change in on-farm...

Intensive horticulture faces environmental challenges from weather events as does any farmer. Notably however, the consequences can be severe from relatively minor events. Farmers accept and manage these risks, which are predicted to increase with climate change. Changing social expectations add a layer of complexity; consumers wanting year round s...

Plant population and environment vary spatially within crops and determine yield potential. Optimising management to account for the effect these factors have on yield potential could improve production outcomes. Under optimal conditions spatial variability in established population and interplant variability drives within-field yield variability....

New Zealand’s vegetable industry relies heavily on the surface 15 cm of soil. However, there are increasing concerns about the sustainability of current intensive production practices which can reduce the resilience of soils, leaving them less productive and more prone to wind and water erosion. Regional councils need management solutions to help m...

The Canterbury Plains are the major cropping area, and an increasingly important dairying area, in New Zealand. Irrigation is necessary on most of the Plains to achieve high productivity. However, competition for limited water resources means that farmers increasingly have to justify their demands for water. Farmers need to know when to irrigate, h...