Manuka, natives, tested for ability to kill nitrate leaching

Native plants could help clean up lakes and rivers and provide a solution to New Zealand's worsening nitrogen and effluent problem. Previous tests have shown ecoli dies off much faster under manuka trees than under pasture, and that manuka significantly reduces the leaching of nitrate compared with pine trees and grass. RNZ reporter Kate Gudsell went to the Keneperu Science Centre in Porirua to meet the ESR scientists who are testing to see whether other native plants have the same potential.