Taking care of our environment is a priority – explore below to find out more about what you can do to take care of your farm environment.
Environmental management
![Hands holding soil](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Soil.jpg)
Holding on to soil
Some soil – or sediment – in a stream is natural. But, if sediment levels get too high, it can disrupt ecosystems and kill freshwater species. It’s also a major source of phosphorus, because phosphate sticks to soil particles.
![Image of tui](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Tui.jpg)
Improving biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. As a general rule - the more diversity, the healthier that environment.
![Water landing on grass](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Nutrients.jpg)
Making the most of nutrients
Nutrients are essential for both plants and animals, but too many nutrients can be a significant problem, particularly when it comes to their impact on waterways.
![Sheep behind fence](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Sheep%20behind%20fence.jpg)
Managing stock near water
Agricultural and horticultural land occupy more than 40% of New Zealand, meaning there is significant pressure on farmers to manage the effects of their land use on water quality – and that includes managing stock near water.
![Aerial image of river](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Waterway.jpg)
Dung and waterways
Dung – particularly in water – is bad news. Faecal bacteria and pathogens can cause disease in people. Faecal contamination is monitored using E. coli (Escherichia coli) as an “indicator” organism. E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the guts of warm-blooded mammals (including people) and birds.
![Image of stream](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Stream.jpg)
Stream health
Freshwater ecosystem health includes a waterway’s aquatic life, physical habitat, water quality and water flow patterns. This helps determine the overall state of the freshwater system. There are a range of indicators of ecosystem health in a waterway which include stream life, water quality and habitat.
From the Knowledge Hub
![](/sites/default/files/styles/card_image_mobile/public/factsheets/thumbnails/landscape-sheep-hills.jpg?itok=XG-AT6Mr)
Nitrogen loss to water from sheep and beef farms
- Freshwater
![farm planning Image of farm](/sites/default/files/styles/card_image_mobile/public/page/image/Farm%20Planning%202_1200x383.jpg?itok=8fWIBzVZ)
Phosphorus loss to water from sheep and beef farms
- Freshwater
![image of sheep next to large lake](/sites/default/files/styles/card_image_mobile/public/2023-07/sheep-lake.jpg?itok=VubhmczU)
Sediment loss to water from sheep and beef farms
- Freshwater