DIY – Suited to Lifestyle Blocks

Perfect for lifestyle blocks, our DIY program empowers you with the essentials to improve soil health and productivity. Simple, effective, and chemical-free methods to help you get the most from your land.

Book a free discovery call

Self Guided Soil Fertility Programmes; designed by us, managed by you.

Take control of your soil fertility with our DIY programme, perfect for lifestyle blocks and small farms. We provide the guidance, soil testing, and recommendations, while you manage the application at your own pace. Get the benefits of a professional approach, tailored to your needs, with the flexibility of managing it yourself.

Our DIY soil programme gives you the tools and expertise to manage your land’s fertility.

Your soil test results are just the beginning. With data from Brookside Labs, we tailor a detailed plan for improving your soil. Our recommendations will help you make informed decisions for greater productivity and healthier land management.

Buy our DIY Soil Sample Kit

For Lifestyle Blocks

Our self-guided soil fertility programmes provide a high quality solution for lifestyle block owners

Stop the reliance and use of chemical and NPKS fertilisers, saving you time and money
Increase pasture and soil biodiversity, naturally. More worms!
Improve resilience to weather events

Improve resilience to health problems in stock
Feel good about your land, knowing it is as healthy as possible
Reduce or eliminate the need for pasture renovation – naturally regenerating pasture instead

Let’s have a chat

Buy your EcoFarm Lifestyle DIY Soil Sample Kit online

Get the insights you need with our DIY Soil Sample Kit. Simply gather your soil samples and send them to us for processing. We’ll forward them to Brookside Laboratories in Ohio, USA, for comprehensive testing. Once the results are in, you’ll receive a customized nutrient plan to help you improve your soil health and boost productivity.” Get started today and ensure your land is performing at its best.

Buy our DIY Soil Sample Kit

Products you might like

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start?2026-07-15T15:54:55+12:00

Where do I start?

You start with accurate, independent soil measurement.

We take soil cores at 0-150mm and 150-300mm and GPS the sampling points. The samples are sent to Brookside Laboratories – Ohio, US, an independent laboratory.

We use a specialised soil analysis through Brookside Laboratories – Ohio, US, because the level of testing we require is not available locally in New Zealand. The testing measures both Total reserves and Available nutrients, giving us a complete picture of what your soil holds and what may be limiting performance.

That independent data forms the foundation for every recommendation we make.

For smaller non-commercial blocks, a DIY option is often more cost-effective and still provides valuable insight.

How do you know what my soil actually needs?2026-07-15T15:54:55+12:00

How do you know what my soil actually needs?

We use soil and herbage testing through Brookside Laboratories – Ohio, US, which provides the level of detail required to make accurate decisions.

These tests measure Totals and Availables, along with key indicators such as mineral balance, trace elements, biological activity, aluminium levels, and plant nitrogen efficiency.

From this, we build a customised blend for your farm – no guesswork, no generic recipes, just accuracy.

Is this just another fertiliser product?2026-07-15T15:51:34+12:00

Is this just another fertiliser product?

No.

Ecofarm is a soil system, not just a fertiliser. We address soil function, mineral balance, biological support, nutrient transfer, and trace elements as a complete system.

Everything starts with accurate soil testing, interpretation, and advice, so inputs are only used where they are genuinely needed.

The focus is on precision and function, not blanket application.

What about weeds?2026-07-15T15:49:00+12:00

What about weeds?

Weeds are a symptom of the soil, not the problem itself.

As soil function improves, weed pressure commonly reduces without aggressive or chemical intervention. Thistles, for example, are often a signal of a need for silica. When silica is applied correctly as part of a complete system, they begin to dwindle.

The seeds may still be present, but they are no longer able to establish and take hold.

The same applies to weeds like carrot weed, dock, ragwort and willow weed. As conditions improve, the species you actually want – grass, clover, plantain – naturally return, often without being resown.

Farmers consistently report a significant reduction in weed pressure within 1-3 seasons using Ecofarm programmes.

What do I do if I have just bought a new block?2026-07-15T15:49:00+12:00

What do I do if I have just bought a new block?

Start with a comprehensive soil test.

This gives you accurate information from the outset, so you can make the right decisions from day one rather than guessing.

Even if you already have soil tests, you will gain more detailed insights that allow you to move forward with confidence.

How long does the whole process take?2026-07-15T15:51:34+12:00

How long does the whole process take?

From the time your agent visits and takes the soil samples, we allow about 3-4 weeks to get through to your recommendation.

In simple terms, the process is:

You request a soil test
An agent visits and takes the samples (or you can take them yourself using our DIY kit for smaller blocks)
Samples are sent to Paeroa for processing, then forwarded to Brookside Laboratories – Ohio, US
Brookside’s analysis typically takes around two weeks
Your agent contacts you with recommendations and a quote
You tell us when you want your blend made and supplied

If your timing isn’t right, that’s fine – the information can be held and used when you’re ready. Many farms gather the data first and implement later. Having it up your sleeve makes it easier to move when you decide to push the go button.

Do I need new soil tests every year?2026-07-15T15:54:55+12:00

Do I need new soil tests every year?

No.

We generally know what the blend will look like for the second year, but for the third application we need new soil tests to make sure the recommendations stay accurate.

I have some soil tests already so do I still need your soil tests?2026-07-15T15:54:55+12:00

I have some soil tests already so do I still need your soil tests?

Yes.

Soil testing is fundamental. We use an independent offshore laboratory, Brookside Laboratories – Ohio, US, because they carry out the specific analysis we need to guide our decisions. In particular, the Totals analysis shows what your soil already holds and what may be limiting it.

Guessing costs more in the long run.

We don’t usually test yearly – we generally work on a two-year cycle.

Let’s work together to create the greatest soil on earth

Discover how working with nature can unlock the potential of your farm. By focusing on improving soil health and using sustainable practices, you can enhance crop yields, boost animal health, and create a resilient, thriving farm. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your land’s needs and your vision for success.

Book a free discovery call