Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Get The Effluent Out Now

Autumn is the time to empty your effluent ponds.

By Department of Primary Industries - 20th April 2006 - Back to News

You can take advantage of the water and nutrients it contains, especially if you are running low on irrigation water or to provide a boost for a crop or pasture paddock in rain-fed systems.

Importantly, you are also emptying the ponds so that they will not overflow during winter or between irrigation seasons. It’s all about minimising the risk of effluent running off the farm to drains and waterways. This is a key focus of the Environment Protection Authority effluent system audits as they make their way around Gippsland dairy farms.

The best way to empty your ponds depends on the equipment you have and whether the contents are liquid, slurry or sludge. Taking an effluent sample and getting it tested is the best way to determine what rate of effluent to apply. A rough rule of thumb is that effluent should be applied over 10 acres per 100 cows. One inch of second pond effluent (25 mm) per application is also a good guideline.

If effluent contains a lot of solids, contractors with specialised equipment may be best to handle it. Concentrated effluent is best spread thinly, over a larger area to avoid excessive nutrient applications and run off. Applying thick effluent to soil about to be cultivated, such as after a summer fodder crop, provides a good way to dilute the nutrients and organic matter levels by incorporating them into the soil profile. With amounts of organic matter and organic nitrogen throughout the profile new pastures will be off to a flying start.

Care should be taken to avoid damage to germinating plants as effluent can smother and burn seedlings due to solids and potassium content respectively. Applying effluent to existing pasture and crops two weeks after germination helps avoid these issues.

The Gippsland DPI Nutrient Extension Team can provide free advice on design and management of effluent systems. For further information contact the Nutrient Extension Team at DPI Ellinbank on (03) 5624 2222 or DPI Maffra on (03) 5147 0800.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.