WorldWide Drilling Resource

University to Study the Nitrogen Cycle at Deeper Levels Thanks to Drilling Adapted from Information by Landcare Research and Lincoln University Located in Canterbury, New Zealand, Ashley Dene Farm has been owned by Lincoln University for over 100 years and it is used for both re- search and teaching. The location is used to study current techniques to improve the environmental performance of dairy and livestock farming sys- tems. Recently, David Whitehead, senior Landcare Research scientist and his team of about ten researchers performed the herculean task of gather- ing and processing about 50 soil core samples from the research farm. The logistical feat was made possible with the help of a drilling rig operated by McMillan Drilling group, who designed a custom-made drill head to push sterilized PVC pipes more than five feet into the farm’s extremely stony soil. Research technician Graeme Rogers dreamed up the idea of using a rig used for geotechnical work in Christchurch to ex- tract the samples. Graeme's ingenuity provided a platform to test and research the nitrogen cycle on a new scale. According to Gwen Grelet, Landcare Research plant-soil ecologist, there has been a great deal of research on the top 7- 12 inches of soil, because that's where most of the activity and carbon is stored. “So to go to these depths, we are in new ter- ritory here," Grelet stated. The team, including two new Ph.D. students Jonathan Nuñez and Balin Robertson, first sifted the samples by depth, then sent them to the lab, where a crew led by molecular technician Carina Davies sorted root, rhizosphere, and soil samples for DNA sequencing. Soil scientist Sam Carrick brought his expertise on how water movement through deep soil affects nitrate leaching. The research project is trying to locate particular microbes which regulate the nitrogen cycle deep in the soil and how deep-rooted plants may promote the activity of the microbes. The idea is, in deep-rooted pastures, the fungi and bacteria doing all the hard work during nitrification are far more active at depth than previously thought. "If this is confirmed, then our findings will help us explore options for farmers to improve land management to reduce nitrate leaching and maintain soil carbon," Whitehead explained. For more information, contact Dave Schulenberg E-mail: contactus@mwwda.org • www.mwwda.org Montana Water Well Drillers Association Convention & Trade Show (Feb. 7 - 9, 2018) Best Western Plus Heritage Inn Great Falls, Montana Wednesday, February 7 th Exhibitor andSilentAuctionSet-up, EarlyRegistration, and MWWDA Hospitality Room Thursday, February 8 th Registration, Silent Auction Opens, 811 Update (1 CEU), TBD Class (1 CEU), Annual Meeting and Lunch, Trade Show, Cocktails, and Supper Friday, February 9 th Registration, Hydraulics (1 CEU), Pumps (1 CEU), Business Succession, Past Presidents Meeting, and Board of Directors Meeting 34 DECEMBER 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®