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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

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