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Bare Bones Fertiliser Budgeting In 2009

A trimmed fertiliser budget for this year will be essential, but how low you go will depend on the individual farm or parts of that farm given that soil fertility varies across all farms

By Department of Primary Industries - 12th June 2009 - Back to News

Along with the responsiveness of the various pasture and crop species in Gippsland.

While it is clear that a zero application of fertiliser on a dairy farm this year is not an option, it means that the use of a ‘minimal maintenance’ application could be the likely option that will work for most people.

The application of 'capital' nutrient is unlikely to be an option this year, unless soils on the farm are severely depleted.

To maximise pasture production for the rest of this year, it’s worth preparing a trimmed feed cost budget or at least have a good realistically estimated budget. A checklist for putting priorities on nutrient expenditure is outlined below.

In addition to having the trimmed budget, pull out any soil tests taken during the last five years. If you don't have any soil tests, it is not too late to sample and have them analysed.

Draw a farm map and mark it with the paddocks you consider to have reasonable fertility through to the ones considered to be least productive over the last couple of years.

Guidelines to apply N (Nitrogen)

Nitrogen is the major nutrient required by plants (4 per cent of plant tissue is nitrogen). This is the key nutrient to maximise plant growth and needs to have plenty of funds allocated to it this year.

Three good rules of thumb are:

1. If there is sufficient moisture in the soil for plant growth, nitrogen can be applied;

2. Pastures utilise nitrogen at the rate of approximately one kilogram nitrogen/ha/day; and

3. Some pastures may only receive nitrogen or nitrogen/phosphorus blends this year.

Nitrogen is available in various forms including urea, liquid N formulations, as a component of DAP and MAP, and as a component of fowl manure.

Nitrogen in the form of urea provides flexibility, can also be combined with various phosphorus and potassium blends depending on other applications during the year. It is likely that in most situations urea will be the most frequently applied source of nitrogen.

In some districts liquid nitrogen is available. Research shows that during the remainder of this year, it can be expected that the response per kilogram of nitrogen applied will be the same for the liquid and dry blend products. Therefore, after you have checked product analysis, you will need to compare the cost/kg N/ha including the spreading/spraying costs.

The most likely key times to apply nitrogen are outlined below - in this case, using urea as an example. (These are a guide and they may be applied to part of the farm only or progressively to all areas - over three or four weeks).

As autumn rains occurred in various parts of Gippsland during April, it was appropriate to start applying nitrogen - ie 80kg/ha urea (supplying 36kg N/ha). For the second half of 2009, suggested application rates are:

· Early June - apply 80-100kg/ha urea (supplies 36-46kg N/ha).

· Mid to late August - apply 80-100kg/ha urea (supplies 36-46kg N/ha).

· Third week in October - apply 80kg/ha urea (supplies 36kg N/ha).

· Early December (if there is good soil moisture for plant growth) - apply 80kg/ha (supplies 36kg N/ha).

Note: spacing the applications might help spread costs, as well as the response period.

Expected minimum nitrogen responses are likely to be:

· Late Autumn - Winter 10 kg DM from each 1 kg N applied (on healthy actively growing pastures 14 to 1 could be expected);

· Spring 28 to 1 (on productive healthy pastures 32 to 1 has been gained in the last couple of years).

Note: use dairy effluent where possible (using the lowest cost application method available).

Guidelines for applying Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur

These suggested applications are aimed at a reduced maintenance application for this year based on recent soil test results. You can fine tune these by working out or seeking advice on the specific fertiliser maintenance needs for your own farm.

P (Phosphorus) soil test results and suggested applications

· Low – 20 kg/ha (50 per cent in autumn)

· Marginal to Moderate – 15 kg/ha (60 per cent in autumn)

· High - 10kg/ha (75 per cent in autumn)

Phosphorus is a critical element for both existing pastures and sowing/oversowing in autumn. It has a particularly important role in developing the root system. The more active and larger the plant's root system is, then the greater the opportunity for that plant to explore for nutrients in the soil.

K (Potassium) soil test results and suggested applications

· Low – 50kg/ha (20 per cent in autumn)

· Marginal to Moderate – 40kg/ha (10 per cent in autumn)

· High - 30kg/ha (no autumn application)

Potassium - pastures are mainly responsive to this element in spring. If soil tests show low levels, then a low application rate prior to spring could well be justified.

S (Sulphur)

· Low – 20kg/ha (50 per cent in autumn)

· Marginal to Moderate – 15kg/ha (60per cent in autumn)

· High - 30kg/ha 10kg/ha (75 per cent in autumn)

Trace elements

Unless you have evidence that these are desperately required, it's hard to justify their application this year. Talk to your farm vet about any animal health related issues.

Note: make sure you maintain inclusion of any trace elements with grain or pellets as fed in the past.

Lime

Unless you have soil test results showing a need for lime, or you are sowing down a pasture it's hard to justify any application this year, despite the fact that its price per tonne spread is low compared with other soil inputs.

Talk to your fertiliser company about the most cost effective products to deliver the nutrients you need.

In November this year, it will be essential to reassess how the pastures have performed and start making plans for fertiliser applications next year. This might include getting a couple of strategic soil tests done.

For more information, please contact John Gallienne on 0407 863 493; or your nearest dairy field officer/consultant; or Department of Primary Industries Dairy Extension Officer at Maffra on 5147 0800, Ellinbank on 5624 2222 or Leongatha on 5662 9900.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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