Fertilisers

Most Australian soils are naturally low in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, so an application of nutrients is required to achieve optimal pasture production.

If soil and fertiliser nutrients are not managed correctly, valuable nutrients may leave the farm by surface run-off and erosion to waterways, leaching to groundwater or gaseous losses to the atmosphere. These nutrient losses can contribute to environmental problems such as algal blooms and aquatic weed growth – not to mention expensive nutrients going to waste!

Effective nutrient planning, involving appropriate soil sampling and testing, nutrient budgeting, and consideration of production goals and the timing and location of applications, can ensure efficient use of nutrients and reduce the likelihood of nutrients leaving the farm.

What you gain and what it costs

At work on the farm

James & Rachel Downie, Clarendon, Tasmania

Nutrient budgets can reveal the true nutrient requirements needed for each farm and potentially reduce waste and costs.

By looking at soil tests and measuring the nutrients ‘imported’ and ‘exported’ from the farm, James and Rachel Downie determine whether their fertiliser applications match their pasture’s nutrient requirements.

A nutrient budget helps James calculate the amount of fertiliser needed to replace the phosphorus exported from the farm. He can
also determine the phosphorus fertiliser application needed to maintain or increase soil phosphorus levels.

A recent nutrient budget showed the amount of potassium applied to their farm exceeded pasture requirements. Across the whole farm, the excess amount of potassium applied was equivalent to 12t of sulphate of potash – an unnecessary cost to the business that included an excess of sulphur.

“The nutrient budget has given us access to the right information to base our decisions around annual fertiliser applications. We could see that we were applying too much potassium and will make adjustments to next year’s fertiliser program,” James said.

The Downies plan to use soil testing and a nutrient budget to set annual fertiliser application rates for each paddock and hence improve their $$$ bottom line.

Do any of these look familiar?

What you need to know (Victoria only)

1. Environment Protection Act 1970 administered by the Environment Protection Authority. The Act requires that you do not
   pollute surface or groundwater, a potential issue if nutrients are not managed correctly.
2. To assist in complying with the Act, you need to meet the requirements of the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) Waters of Victoria that:
   1. Encourages the implementation of effective agricultural practices to minimise the run-off of pollutants such as nutrients and fertilisers.
   2. States that farmers need to implement management practices that are consistent with approved protocols, guidelines and codes of practice - check these with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
   Note: The EPA also strongly recommends developing and implementing a nutrient management plan for your farm. It should include of all the factors in the nutrient section: soil fertility; nutrient budgets; distribution; and nutrient losses. The DPI or an appropriate consultant can provide practical one-on-one guidance to help you develop and implement this plan.
3. Your dairy company may have some requirements on nutrients. Check your Quality Assurance Requirements and ask the dairy company.
4. Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) - check with your local CMA about its Regional Catchment Strategy and associated action plans; these documents should outline your responsibilities with regard to environmental issues in your catchment.

Disclaimer: The following is only a guide to the law affecting farmers in the environmental field. The general area is quite complex and affected by numerous Acts and Regulations, some of which are very detailed. In addition, changes are made on a regular basis to the legislation. The precise effect in a given situation will require expert advice and this should be sought from an appropriate professional or the relevant government agency.

Additional information

These resources can help you develop your Action Plan (Organisations, their contact details and website information were correct at the time of publication. Information may change without notice).