Soils, Nutrient, Effluent

Soil Fertility Tips

Home grown feed is often the cheapest source of feed. However, in order to grow as much feed as possible, it is important to make sure nutrients available in the soil do not limit growth. Soil nutrients need to be in balanced amounts for the growth of the pasture or crop.

There are 17 nutrients which are known to be essential for plant growth. There is also a range of beneficial nutrients and some elements that are required for animal health but have no known value to plants. A deficiency in any one of the 17 essential nutrients will reduce growth and production, even though the others may be abundantly available. Optimum pasture or crop production can only be obtained if all the requirements for plant growth are met.

The macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium) are required in relatively large quantities by plants. Plant growth may be stunted if these nutrients are lacking in the soil, become available too slowly, or are not adequately balanced.

Although only required in small amounts, micronutrients (trace elements) are essential for plant growth. It is possible to have toxicities of these nutrients, as well as deficiencies.

Soil fertility can be a complex issue. Below are some key tips and focus areas for soil fertility.

Soils underpin the efficiency of plant production on dairy farms. Three aspects of soils are considered when addressing the productivity of soils. These are:

• The physical properties
• The chemical properties, including the nutrient
• The biological properties

Keeping these three properties in mind when taking action to amend soils will help to maintain a highly productive and efficient system.

The chemical properties of the soil include the nutrient content of the soil. This is both the macro and micro nutrients. Organic carbon and soil pH are also part of the chemical properties of the soil.

Nutrients can be applied to soils in many ways, including via fertiliser and effluent and compost. Nutrients are also added to the system via feed inputs.

Nutrient management has a big impact on farm profits. Dairy Australia works with a range of industry and natural resource management partners to help farmers manage fertiliser application, soil health and effluent.

The Better Fertiliser Decisions report contains information on soil test–pasture response relationships for phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) at regional, state and national scales. It can be found on the Dairying for Tomorrow website.

Fert$mart

Many farmers are now finding that when they get soil and fertiliser management right, they can produce more feed at no extra cost. With careful planning, fertiliser becomes a strategic tool to boost feed when it is most needed. Fert$mart provides farmers and advisors with a planning approach and the know-how to achieve this.

Fert$mart can also save money by better matching applications to pasture nutrient requirements, allowing farmers to save money on fertilisers without reducing production. Using the Fert$mart approach, nutrient application can better match the 4Rs principle (right product at the right rate at the right time and in the right place).