Improving Fertiliser Efficiency

Improving Fertiliser Efficiency

Monitoring over a period of years indicates that properties where DoloZest has been applied regularly are benefiting from steadily increasing total pasture and animal production.

The application of the essential elements phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, and magnesium are essential for maximising pasture production and hence the profitability of pastoral farmers.

Careful analysis shows that the addition of supplement, when used judiciously, may increase profitability when product return prices are high, however most of the profit generated is from pasture. Growing more pasture at little or no greater cost will therefore increase the money available for discretionary spending.

Farmers are well aware with the rapidly increasing cost of conventional fertiliser products that there is a need for increased efficiency and effectiveness of applied nutrient.

Recent soil tests provide levels of 761 to 2470mg/kg of Total Phosphorus per hectare in the top 15cm of high producing dairy properties. This converts to 1142 – 3705kg of phosphorus.

Based on standard removal models for intensive properties of approximately 55kg of phosphorus per hectare there are many years supply available provided it can be made plant available at a sufficiently rapid rate for maximum plant growth.

It is likely that phosphorus applied in the form of fertiliser will always be required to ensure maximum growth during spring and autumn. The focus now needs to be on how little is required to efficiently meet demand.

There are a number of factors to the efficient use of any applied nutrient. 

Physical soil structures that allow plant roots to develop to 0.5 meter or more allow for a significantly higher percentage of applied nutrients to be harvested relative to harder compact soils where plant roots are largely confined to the top 7.5 – 10.0 cm.

Friable soils ensure higher biological activity as beneficial biology is dependant on the plentiful supply of fresh air. More biology means greater humus formation, which increases nutrient and moisture holding capacity.

As only a small percentage of soil held nutrient is plant available, often as little as 1% at any time, more rapid nutrient cycling ensures less likelihood of growth slowed by nutrient unavailability. 

Calcium is a driver of soil biology and although many pastoral soils have high natural levels of calcium insufficient is often available to maximise clover growth, natural nitrogen fixation, and the formation of sugars via photosynthesis.

Where calcium is applied, for best results it needs to be balanced with magnesium. DoloZest from Eco-Logic Soil Improvement provides both calcium and magnesium in a ratio similar to that required for healthy plant growth.

DoloZest also contains a wide range of soil friendly fungi and bacteria that help ensure robust soil biology.

The initial signs after applying DoloZest are increased utilisation of pasture due to increased palatability, and more rapid breakdown of dung. Soils also become noticeably softer and recover more quickly from treading damage.

DoloZest based on the proven performance of dolomite, when applied at the rate required for magnesium, markedly reduces the likelihood of calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring, an important reason for application prior to calving and lambing.

For more information on how we can improve the productivity of your farm phone 0800 843 809.

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