Factors influencing fertiliser and lime decisions on South Island high- and hill-country farms

Abstract

Highlights • Fertiliser and lime decisions by high-and hill-country farmers directly impact on their farm performance, but the factors influencing these decisions are not well understood. • Factors influencing South Island high- and hill-country farmers’ fertiliser and lime decisions are a complex matrix of both biophysical and socioeconomic components, such as costs, location, soil conditions and public perception. • Factors influencing these farmers’ fertiliser and lime decisions reflect the complex farm systems and the wider socio-economic environment that they operate within. A greater empathy between the farming and non-farming communities will help alleviate some of the challenges faced by these farmers.