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Advice Available On Dairy Effluent Management Systems

Ever improving research, technology and environmental standards have raised the bar in the management of dairy effluent.

By Department of Primary Industries - 29th August 2006 - Back to News

As a result, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is advising dairy farmers to seek advice about improving or setting up dairy effluent systems.

DPI Nutrient Extension Officer, Benita Kelsall, says the dairy effluent two-pond system was promoted heavily during the 1970s as an effective treatment for dairy effluent.

"This involved hosing manure into the first pond (anaerobic), and was deemed ‘clean’ as it flowed over the second pond (aerobic) onto the farm, Ms Kelsall said.

"Recent research has shown that the two-pond system is ineffective at reducing the concentrations of nutrients and bacteria in second pond effluent. Consequently, the water quality of effluent discharging from this second pond is regarded as inadequate to meet legislation requirements.

"Effluent ponds are used today as an effective way to store dairy effluent over wetter periods. Two pond systems also separate solids out of the effluent, enabling easy application of second pond effluent through irrigation equipment," she said.

Ms Kelsall said it is important for dairy farmers to seek advice when planning the best way to manage dairy effluent as each farm situation is unique, so one type of effluent system doesn’t suit all.

"DPI can help farmers develop an individual effluent management plan which includes effluent system designs and management advice, along with application recommendations and identification of environmental risks," Ms Kelsall said.

Bruce and Jan Best of Toora had their two-pond treatment system audited by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2004, which prompted them to re-evaluate how to manage and apply dairy effluent on their farm.

Using the advice provided by DPI, Bruce decided to combine the two-ponds into a single pond system. The system includes a single pond with a capacity of 5 megalitres. The effluent is stirred prior to application and is applied with a tractor mounted Doda pump, via 3-inch poly pipe to a travelling irrigator. The entire system cost $30,000 which Bruce hopes will pay for itself over three years.

This system allows Bruce to manage the solids in suspension and gain maximum utilisation of the nutrients, to apply to the farm. This system also offers flexibility, with the ability to apply effluent to a large area of the farm quickly and easily.

Where effluent has been applied Bruce noticed "it can grow a lot more grass".

When applying dairy effluent it is important to consider the location of the application area with respect to homes, as effluent can drift on a windy day, causing odour problems.

For further information including help to develop an Effluent Management Plan, please contact the Gippsland DPI Nutrient Extension Team at Ellinbank on 5624 2222 or at Maffra on 5147 0800.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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