Cafe Scientifique comes to Katikati
More than 40 local residents turned out to learn about the benefits and economics of dung beetles and how to honestly market NZ “Clean Green” and “100% Pure”, at the first Cafe Scientifique held in Katikati.
Cafe Scientifique started in United Kingdom in the 1990s in an attempt to encourage informal scientific debate in a relaxed setting.
This was achieved in the setting of the historic old cheese and butter factory that several years ago was transformed into the Forta Leza Country Inn.
Dr Shaun Forgie spoke on the potential value of dung beetles in rapidly incorporating animal manure into the soil. Shaun explained how experiments have shown that these beetles, by burying the dung from ruminants such as cows and sheep quickly, can help reduce E. coli bacteria in streams.
Tunnelling and improvements to the physical structure of soils from dung beetle activity have flow-on effects which can include improved water infiltration, less surface ponding, increased utilisation of agricultural inputs (lime and fertilisers) and reduced contaminants entering waterways — all of these effects lead to improved water quality.
Many studies have also shown significant reduction in numbers and/or reinfection rates of gut parasites in grazing animals.
A real bonus is research revealing significant reductions in annoying dungbreeding pest flies, by 95 per cent in Hawaii and 88 per cent in Australia.
A research trial with lysimeters in New Zealand found that E. coli levels in soil treated with dung and beetles were significantly lower than those in soils with dung only, and were similar to those of untreated soil (no dung). A decline in numbers of pathogens following dung beetle burial aligned with overseas research.
Dung Beetle Innovations has a mass rearing facility for dung beetles at Whenuapai in Auckland, and beetles can be purchased for release onto grazed pasture.
“It’s amazing what these little beasties can do to help clean up water quality and with such economic efficiency,” said Uretara Estuary Managers chairman, Lawrie Donald.
There is a proposal to introduce the beetles locally as part of Project Parore, the catchment restoration plan for Te Mania.