More for Less

More for Less

9th September 2011
Peter Burton

Is each individual farm’s financial viability becoming increasingly delicate with the demand for ever- increasing farm production?
 
We have a client, previously a farm banker who states that the farm clients with the greatest financial surplus each year were those that best controlled their costs.  He also claims that almost without exception these farms were geographically the most isolated, which is another study all of its own.
 
Total annual pasture production is now consistently less than that achieved in the late 1970s and early 80s. The cost of obtaining the growth now is significantly higher, particularly where regular fertiliser nitrogen is applied, and the costs come before the return.
 
Why, if there is not a benefit to farm owners and operators, is there the demand for increased production?  If there is a risk involved in obtaining extra production, and climatic conditions cannot be foreseen, it needs to be compensated for by higher incomes.
 
Is it possible to grow more grass each year at a lower cost?   Our work over the last ten years indicates that efficiencies can be achieved.
 
There is plenty of information to show that increasing plant available soil nutrient levels i.e. higher soil test numbers, reduces the possibility of low production, however that data also shows that maximum pasture production can be achieved at levels significantly less than those usually recommended.
 
Aside from management of pasture the greatest influence on seasonal pasture production is physical soil structures.  Soil is a living breathing organism and the health of the soil directly impacts on plant and animal health, which in turn influences the amount of feed grown. In an ideal state 25% of soil volume is air.
 
We know that earthworms and other beneficial soil dwellers increase in both numbers and activity with increasing soil calcium levels.  New Zealand research has shown that earthworm activity can be highly beneficial resulting in: faster litter incorporation (6t/ha/yr); increased nutrient turnover/availability (especially N & P); increased water infiltration (4-10 fold increases); improved water holding capacity (up to 20% more); greater pasture productivity (25-30 stock carrying capacity on pasture (average 2.5 stock units).
 
The properties using CalciZest and DoloZest on a regular basis report marked increases in earthworm numbers compared to previously.  As a result soils become softer and plant roots are able to access moisture and nutrient from as deep as 0.8m.
 
With soils often containing in excess of 10,000kg of nitrogen in the top 25cm, as well as 1,000kg of phosphorus there is the ability to grow steadily increasing quantities of pasture each year with less than the normally accepted inputs of each of these essential nutrients.  
 
CalciZest applied in October and November, increases the amount of clover grown throughout late spring, summer and early autumn.  Clover fixes the nitrogen necessary for 18+ tonne of annual dry matter production as well as providing feed that is higher in calcium and more nutritious, resulting in higher production at a lower cost. 

For more information on soil nutrient levels call 0800 843 809.