Newsletters > Newsletter - March 2006
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Newsletter - March 2006March 2006DoloZest sales continue to increase with an outstanding level of repeat business. The benefits that farmers receive from an annual application of DoloZest are-
There are very good reasons for the above benefits. The use of Dolomite as the magnesium input is based on its effectiveness as a supplier of magnesium and calcium, both of which are essential for robust good health prior to and after calving or lambing. Dolomite also works as a soil conditioner, increasing friability and pore space, which allows more air to percolate encouraging greater biological activity. The organic matter with added microbes helps ensure beneficial fungi and bacteria that promote high levels of nutrient availability, including nitrogen, populate the soil. The release of nutrient from a well-structured soil promotes more even grass growth throughout the growing season and a better balance of nutrients in every mouthful of feed grown. Without benefits there is no point in the application of any soil amendment and it is important that these benefits are clearly identified. Profitability is a key consideration and for pastoral enterprises that must necessarily include not only the costs directly related to pasture production but also animal health costs. All animal health costs and the costs involved with high empty rates cannot be divorced from the cost of grass production. Feed grown should be able to sustain high performing animals with only strategic mineral supplementation and minimal use of animal health remedies. DoloZest provides the major elements of calcium and magnesium improving soil health and thereby improving plant health and consequently the health of animals grazing the pasture to which it has been applied. DoloZest also improves the ability of the soil to continuously supply nutrient to the plant. Work undertaken by Eco-Logic Soil Improvement over the last twelve months clearly shows that in the case of phosphorus only a small portion of the total phosphorus contained in the top 15cm of the soil is plant available at any one time. From a site on an irrigated high performing dairy property with well structured soil only a little over 3% of the total phosphorus in the soil was plant available at any given time. At no time did this restrict total plant growth. The quantity of plant available nutrient at any given time is unimportant provided the mobilisation of nutrient from less available ‘reserves’ is sufficiently rapid to meet crop demand particularly when conditions favour rapid growth. To achieve the necessary plant available supply of nutrients soils need to be physically well-structured with strong biological activity. The two support each other; only well-structured soils are capable of strong biological activity and strong biological activity, particularly the activity of earthworms, ensures a well-structured soil. Damage to the physical structure of the soil should be avoided as much as possible. A concentration of heavy feet on wet soils during winter resulting in pugging will significantly limit pasture production on that site possibly for as long as the next twelve months, however a small amount of scuffing may be beneficial. Some damage during winter is unavoidable but the ability to have stock off during prolonged periods of wet weather will result in increased pasture growth during the spring and summer. DoloZest applied this autumn as a magnesium fertiliser at the rate required to replace losses, will ensure -
For further information contact Peter or Coralie Burton on 0800 843 809. |