oxley island dairy - hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au · 244kg/ha/n, 25kg/ha/p and 47kg/ha/k. this allows for...

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Soils-Pastures–Livestock–Profit

OxleyIslandDairy

Pat&LouiseNeal

30MurdochsLane,OxleyIslandNSW2430

2017Fert$mart–FertiliserManagementPlan

PreparedByMattThompson,MNCAgronomyPtyLtd

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17/3/2017Patrick&LouiseNeal30Murdock’sLaneOxleyIslandNSW2430DearPatandLouise,

EXECUTIVESUMMARY-YOUR2017FERT$MARTFERTILISERMANAGEMENTPLAN

The FertiliserManagement plan herein has been preparedwithin the guidelines of DairyAustralia’s Fert$mart Accredited Advisor Program. This plan aims to assess and recordcurrentsoilfertilitylevelsacrossyourpropertyandtoproviderecommendationsthatfocusuponefficientandmoreprofitableuseoffertiliser.Importantprotocolsadheredtoand/orconsideredwithinthisprocessinclude:

Ø Accurate soil testing procedure of representative areas (herein known as FarmManagementZones,orFMZ’s)usingaNASAorASPACaccreditedlaboratory

Ø Historicaltrendsinsoilstructureandfertilityinresponsetopreviouslyimplementedpastureimprovementplans(includingannualfertiliserplans)

Ø Nutrientbalancebaseduponsoiltestresultsvs.actualprevious12-monthfertiliserhistory,aswellasestimatedutilisedpastureyieldsandnutrientrequirements

Ø The4R’sFertiliserProgram(RightTime,RightRate,RightPlace&RightProduct)Ø Current visual assessments of your property’s pastures, sward composition and

grazingutilisationØ Current visual assessment of cow condition, aswell as analysis of production and

milkcomponentsØ Farmmanagementgoalsandfutureproductiontargets

SummaryofKeyFindings&RecommendationsØ BaselineCalciumlevelsaregoodinFMZ2andlowtoslightlylowacrossallotherFMZ’s.

Ø High soil Magnesium (and moderate Sodium) means further capital lime input isimportantacrossFMZ1,3&4.

Ø Soil Phosphorus levels are high across FMZ 1, 2 & 3. Levels are lower in FMZ 4 andavailabilityhereisalsolowerduetolowersoilCalciumlevels.

Ø FMZ2isslightlydeficientinplantavailablePotassium.Capitalinputisrequiredinsmallbutregularapplicationstoavoidpotentialanimalhealthproblems,environmentallossesandplantmetabolismissues.

Ø FMZ 3 has been identified as the key Effluent Re-Use Area, and further future inputsshouldfocusonsoilstructureratherthancapitalmacronutrientinputs.

Ø Sulphur needs tobe applied regularly in small amounts, although levels are adequateacrossthefarm(andslightlyelevatedinFMZ1).

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Ø Anauditofpastureproductionandplantnutritionrequirements(Appendix7.1)showsthat in 2016, an average of 198kg/ha/N, 21kg/ha/P and 45kg/ha/Kwas used to grow9767kg/DM/haofpasture(utilised).

Ø Theauditalsoshowsthattheestimatednutrientsthatwillberequiredfor2017pastureproduction (based on the target of 12000kg/DM/ha utilised), will be on average244kg/ha/N, 25kg/ha/P and 47kg/ha/K. This allows for grazing recycling factors andnutrientsexportedasmilk.

Ø Pasture herbage testing should be utilised periodically to give snapshots of plantnutrientlevelsandpotentialdeficiencies.

Ø Continuewithyourannualsoilmonitoringprogramandregularreviewofsoil fertiliserplansandpasturemanagementpractices,makingadjustmentsasadvised.

Ø ReviewtheFert$martplanagainin2016withyourFert$martaccreditedadvisor.

Ø Asalways,pleaseconsultmeascircumstancesorconditionschange.

Irecommendyoucontinuewithannualauditsofsoilhealth,aswellasfrequentinspectionstomakemodificationstothefertiliserplanbasedupon importantaspectssuchascurrentpastureperformance,grazingrotationsandutilisation,cowhealthandweatherconditions.One-offsamplingisbetterthannothing,butnothingisbetterthansamplingthesamearearegularly over multiple years such that more informed fertiliser management can beimplementedonthebasisoftrendsinsoilfertility.Ultimately, milk production is a function of management techniques and the ability ofmanagementtoallowfor,andadjustquicklyto(ifnotbefore)significanteventsoccurring.Pre-emptinglimitstoproduction,andadoptingchangeinordertomaximiseproduction,areskillsthatamoderndairyfarmermustpossestoremainviable.RegardsMattThompsonAgronomistMNCAgronomyPtyLtd

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TableofContentsEXECUTIVESUMMARY-YOUR2017FERT$MARTFERTILISERMANAGEMENTPLAN...........2

1.0ABOUTTHEFERT$MARTPLAN.....................................................................................5

2.0FARMDETAILS.............................................................................................................9

3.0FARMMANAGEMENTZONES(FMZ)...........................................................................103.2FMZ1..................................................................................................................................123.3FMZ2..................................................................................................................................133.4FMZ3..................................................................................................................................143.5FMZ4..................................................................................................................................16

4.0SOILHEALTHSUMMARY............................................................................................174.1SOILSTRUCTURE..................................................................................................................174.2KEYMACRONUTRIENTS......................................................................................................194.3TRACEELEMENTS................................................................................................................21

5.0FERTILISERPROGRAM2015.......................................................................................235.1 FMZ1–FERTILISERPLAN.................................................................................................235.2 FMZ2-FERTILISERPLAN..................................................................................................245.3 FMZ3-FERTILISERPLAN..................................................................................................255.4 FMZ4–FERTILISERPLAN.................................................................................................26

6.0KEYRECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................................27

7.0APPENDIX..................................................................................................................287.1MNCAgronomyAuditofPastureProductionandPlantNutrientRequirements..................288.2SoilStructureSummary.......................................................................................................29

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1.0ABOUTTHEFERT$MARTPLAN

Theaimof theFert$martPlan is toassistdairy farmersreachhigher levelsofprofitabilityandsustainability.Thekey istousetheRightSourceof fertiliser,attheRightRate, intheRightPlaceandattheRightTime(the4Rs).

The “Fert$mart Tick” can be displayed on a fertiliser management plan when all thefollowingcriteriahavebeenmet:

ü Farmareaswherefertiliser is tobeappliedhavebeen identifiedandreferenced intherecommendations.

ü Soil constraints and other production limitations have been considered beforemakingrecommendations.

ü Soilfertilitytrendsbasedoncurrentsoiltests,previoussoiltestrecords(ifavailable),andtheRegionalSoilFertilityGuidelineshavebeenconsidered.

ü Basicsoilhealthindicatorshavebeenconsidered.ü Croporpastureconditionhasbeenconsidered.ü Strategicuseofon-farmnutrients(e.g.effluentandmanure)hasbeenexploredand

economicoptionsforreuseconsidered.ü A nutrient budget has been used to work out the P, K (S if regionally applicable)

maintenancerequirements.ü Adocumented4Rsfertiliserprogramhasbeenprovidedtothefarmer(eitherasoft

orhardcopy)whichdescribestheproducts,rates,place/placement,andtimingforeachpaddockorfarmmanagementzone.

ü Managingenvironmental, human, andanimalhealth risksof the fertiliserprogramhavebeenassessed,documentedandconveyedtothefarmer.

WhatisFert$mart?

Fert$mart is the Australian dairy industry’s national nutrient management frameworkdevelopedbyDairyAustraliaincollaborationwithfarmnutrientadvisorsandfarmers.Ithasbeen developed to improve the efficiency and profitability of fertiliser use on Australiandairy farms. The Fert$mart framework prescribes the recommended steps, including theknowhowtools,tohelpdairyfarmersandtheirtrustedadvisorsdevelopaFert$martPlan.AFert$mart Plan is a nutrient management plan which considers factors affecting themovementofnutrients into,around,andoff the farmwhen formulating thesource, rate,timing and placement of fertiliser to most benefit pasture productivity and profitabilityaspirations.

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WhatisaFert$martPlan?

It is an annual fertiliser plan which uses farm management zones (FMZ) to provide sitespecific recommendations based upon site specific information such as: soil test resultsundertakenwithineachFMZ,landcharacteristics(e.g.soiltype,aspect),sitelimitationsandrisks (i.e. soil type, proximity to awater course), the usualmanagement undertaken andaspirational fertility targets (basedupon yieldpotential). Recommendations for each FMZincorporatethetypesoffertilisertobeused,theapplicationrates,howthefertiliseristobeapplied and the timing for each application. A Fert$mart Plan develops theserecommendationsthroughfollowingtheFert$martplanningcycleandchecklist

The Fert$mart Planning Cycle (Figure 1) consists of seven steps designed to be repeatedannuallytoupdateandfine-tunefertilisermanagement.

Figure1.TheFert$martPlanningCycle

Step 1: Situation analysis - Focuses on understanding the farm business, the currentfarmingsystem,resources(water,soils,nutrientsources,pasturesandcrop),infrastructureandmanagement.

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Step2:Identifypotentialandlimitations-Checksthatfarmproductiongoalsarerealistic,given theremay be limitations other than nutrients. This step also identifies any gaps inknowledgeandskills,andshortlistsmanagementoptionsbestsuitedtothefarmandfarmbusiness.

Step3:Identifysoilandnutrientrelatedissues-Focusespurelyonsoilandnutrientrelatedissues.Soiltestsandfieldobservationsareusedtonarrowdownwhichfactorsarelimitingproductionandneedtobemanaged.

Step4:Interpretdataandpreparedraftnutrientplan-Theinformationfromallpreviousstepsisinterpretedandusedtoprepareadraftsoilandnutrientmanagementplan.

Step5:Finalisenutrientplan–Practicalaspectsofthedraftplanarecheckedandfinalisedinagreementwithfarmmanagement.

Step6:Implementnutrientplan–Nutrientmanagementplanisimplemented.

Step7:Monitoringandreview–Monitoringand review ison-going.Fine-tuning theplanmay be required within 2-6 months depending on crop/pasture/milk productionperformance.

Inyear2theplanningcyclebeginsagain,howeversoiltestingmaynotberequired.Inyear3soiltestsarecarriedoutacrossthefarmtochecksoilfertilitylevelsandtrends.

FarmManagementZones–Whatarethey?

Farm Management Zones are areas with similar soil, nutrient and managementcharacteristics whichmay otherwise overlap across traditional farm paddock boundaries.Giventhattherearenormallyalargenumberofpaddocksonadairyfarmitisoftenmorepracticaltosoiltestinfarmmanagementzones(FMZ)thantosoiltestineverypaddock.

AreasonthefarmthatcouldformseparateFMZsinclude:

• Differentsoiltypes• Withinthosedifferentsoiltypes,differentnutrientstatus• Different management (night paddocks; silage / hay paddocks; effluent paddocks

etc.)• Newandoldirrigationareas

A farmmap is used to identify the FMZs, and to discuss soil and fertiliser managementdecisionswith farm staff and contractors. FMZs can be shown by simply highlighting theareadirectlyontothefarmmapusingaclearplasticoverlay,orbycreatingadigitalshapefileusingmappingsoftware.PaddocksorFMZsarelabelledonthefarmmapandreferredtointhefertiliserprogram.

Formoreinformationseehttp://fertsmart.dairyingfortomorrow.com.auThisplanwaspreparedinaccordancewiththeFert$martcriteriaby:

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MattThompsonMNCAgronomyPtyLtdPOBox964TareeNSW2430Name:Signed: Date:Disclaimer The recommendations made in this report are based only on information available at the time of writing, and the success of implementation is reliant on many management and environmental factors out of the control of MNC Agronomy Pty Ltd. MNC Agronomy Pty Ltd does not have any detail of the current management practices and prevailing pasture status, and as such will not be liable for any damages suffered as a result of implementation of any of these recommendations. If more specific information and/or advice are sort after, MNC Agronomy Pty Ltd recommends engaging its services to carry-out a specific and detailed audit of its current soil, plant and livestock system, thereby allowing for more specific and detailed recommendations.

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2.0FARMDETAILSPat&LouiseNealsupplyapproximately2,600,000Lofmilk(203,000kgtotalmilksolids)intothe freshmilkmarket for the processor Norco (2015/16). This has increased significantlyfrom2014/15(185,159kgMS)and2013/14(176,962kgMS).

Located at Oxley Island on the Mid North Coast of NSW, the total farm area is 464ha,comprisingofamilkingplatformareaof183ha(163hautilisable)andanoutblockof281hasupporting replacement stock, dry stock and opportunistic silage production. Herd size is400cowsinmilk,witha40%Spring,40%Autumnand20%earlysummercalvingpatterntocomplementrainfalldistributionandpastureproduction.

The herd is bred for positive components, fertility, A2 temperament and milking speed,henceanaturalprogression towardscross-bred Jersey/Friesiancows.Milkproductionpercowiscurrentlyat509kgMS/cow,orapproximately6514L/cowannually.

Theareaisdominatedbyakikuyusub-tropicalgrassbase,utilisedonatightgrazingrotationfromDecemberto lateMarchtomaximiseutilisationanddigestibility.Themajorityofthefarmisoversownannually(inMarch/April)tohighlyproductiveItalianryegrassessuitedtothe environment and the pasture sward they are established in. For the purpose of soilfertilitymanagement,themilkingareahasbeensplitinto4FarmManagementZones(FMZ)asoutlinedinSection3.0(below).Fertiliserusedlastyear-included40tof50%DAP/50%Ureamix,10tMOP,160tUreaandapproximately100tLimep.a.([email protected]/ha).

During dry periods, or gaps in pasture production, conserved fodder, in the form ofharvestedryegrassorkikuyusilagefromthemilkingplatformandout-blocks inperiodsofareusednotonly to fill feedgaps,butalso tomanipulatemilk componentsandpromotecowhealth.

Thedairyeffluentprogramconsistsofaneffluentcatchmentpond,whichisirrigatedwithinthe31haeffluent reusearea (FMZ3). This area is rotatedbetweenadjacentpaddocks tospreadnutrient loading onto a permanent pasture base of kikuyu, clover and ryegrass tomaximiseutilisationoftheeffluent.

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3.0FARMMANAGEMENTZONES(FMZ)ThemilkingplatformhasbeensplitintothefollowingfourFarmManagementZonesbasedonhistoricsoiltesting,pasturesgrown,typicalpaddockuse,irrigationandpaddockaspect.ThefourFMZ’sareillustratedonthefarmmap(followingpage).

FMZ1–54ha-(highlightedredonfarmmap)PredominantlykikuyubasedpastureoversownannuallytoimproveddiploidItalianryegrasses.Highlyproductiveareayearroundwithhighnutrientremovalduetolargequantityandhighqualityofforagegrownandexportedviapredominantlydaygrazing(andopportunisticsilageconservation).MajorlimitingnutrientisCalcium.

FMZ2–29ha-(highlightedinorange)Consistsofwellestablishedkikuyuandpaspalumareaswithperennialwhitecloverthroughout.GenerallyhighinPhosphorus,mainsoilnutrientrequirementsarePotassiumandNitrogen.

FMZ3–31ha-(highlightedgreenonfarmmap)Wellestablishedkikuyustandsclovers,chicoryanditalianryegrassannually.Thisisthepredominanteffluentre-usearea.

FMZ4–49ha–(highlightedblueonfarmmap)Relaitivelynewpastureimprovementareawherepaspalumandcarpetgrassaregraduallybeingoutcompetedwithkikuyuassoilfertilityincreases.RecentPhosphorusapplicationshaveincreasedplantavailablePlevelssignificantly,andCalciumisnowthemajorlimitingnutrient..

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3.1FARMMAPThefollowingfarmmapillustratestheaboveFarmManagementZones(FMZ’s).TheblackarrowedlineswithintheFMZ’sarethesoiltestingtransectsatsampling.Eachlinerepresentsonesoiltest(asfoundinAppendix7.2).

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3.2FMZ1Area: 54haBackground:

Kikuyubasedpastures

Soilstructure:

ModerateCECsoilswithhighnutrientholdingcapacityduetohighMagnesiumandorganicmatter.LowlyingareassubjecttowaterloggingandNaretention.LowCa:Mgratio.

Soilhealth: ModeratePbutpooravailabilityduetohighFe.HighSandmoderateK.Pasthistory: Seebelow“SoilHealthSummary”Pastinputs: Lime,MOP,DAPDesiredsoilfertilitylevels Phosphorus >65.0mg/kg AllPlevelshightoveryhigh;>100mg/kgColwellPotassium >250.0mg/kg Klevelsgenerally>400mg/kg

Calcium >65%ofECEC Slightlylow.HighMg=lowCa%.LimeneededtooffsetMg. Ø Fertiliserinputs(particularlyN)arebasedonhighpastureyieldsandutilisation.Ø High rainfall pasture production under best practice management indicates pasture

productionshouldbeinthevicinityof12tDM/ha/yearutilised(18.5tDM/hagrown).Ø Soiltestsnow,andhistorically,highlighttheimportanceofsoilCalciumandMagnesium

inmaintainingsoilstructuralintegrityandnutrientavailability,particularlyPavailabilityandNutilisation.

ManagingRiskØ AllUreablendsshouldonlybeappliedwhenadequatesoilmoistureisavailable.Ø SOA(SulphateofAmmonia)anexcellentoptionheretomaximisePutilisationandtomaintainS

levels.AlsoincreasespalatabilityofslightlyhighKsoils.Ø Maintain>70%groundcoveratalltimestomaximisewaterandfertiliserutilisation.Ø Mulchingexcessresidual(predominantlyDec-Feb)improvessurfacewaterpenetrationintothe

soilprofileandreducesNlossestoleachingduringheavyrainfallevents.Ø Consider the use of Calcium nitrate at times of poor P and Ca uptake (usually low soil

temperatures)particularlywhenryegrassisdominatingcowintake.

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Carpetgrasstopaspalumgrassbasedpasturesgraduallybeingdominatedbykikuyuassoilfertilityimproves.

Soilstructure:

LowerCECsoilafunctionoflowerMagnesiumandslightlycoursersoilparticlesthanFMZ1.

Soilhealth: ModeratesoilP,lowK,moderateS.Pasthistory: Seebelow“SoilHealthSummary”Pastinputs: Lime,MOP,DAPDesiredsoilfertilitylevels Phosphorus >65.0mg/kg AllsoilPlevels>80mg/kg(Colwell)Potassium >250.0mg/kg Marginaltobelow250mg/kg

Calcium >65%ofECEC Generallyadequateduetohigherlimeapplicationratespreviously

Ø Fertiliserinputs(particularlyN)arebasedonhighpastureyieldsandutilisation.Ø High rainfall pasture production under best practice management indicates pasture

productionshouldbeinthevicinityof12tDM/ha/yearutilised(18.5tDM/hagrown).Ø Soil testsnow,andhistorically,highlight the importanceofsoilCalcium inmaintaining

soil structural integrity and nutrient availability, particularly P availability and Nutilisation.

Ø Improvements in soil cation balance have not only improved fertiliser efficiency, buthaveimprovedsoilorganicmatterlevelsthroughimprovedplantrootdevelopmentandthedesiccationofdeadplantmaterial.

ManagingRiskØ AllUreablendsshouldonlybeappliedwhenadequatesoilmoistureisavailable.Ø Maintain>70%groundcoveratalltimestomaximisewaterandfertiliserutilisation.Ø Mulching excess residual (predominantly Dec-Feb) improves surfacewater penetration into the

soilprofileandreducesNlossestoleachingduringheavyrainfallevents.Ø UsingSulphateofPotashasthepreferredKsourceensuresgreaterconsistencyofplantavailable

Kthroughouttheyear,withlimitedpeaksandtroughsinplantKlevelscomparedtoMOP.Ø Theuseofanorganicmattersource(e.g.ChickenLitter)inlatewinterasdaylengthincreasesbut

prior to grazing rotation being less than 25 days will stimulate microbial activity and organicmatterbreakdown,inturnimprovingsoilnutrientholdingcapacityovertime.

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Designatedeffluentre-usearea

Soilstructure:

AdequateCECandOMlevels.LiquideffluentwillincreasesoilhumusandCECovertime.

Soilhealth: LowCaandmoderatePPasthistory: Seebelow“SoilHealthSummary”Pastinputs: Effluent,Lime,MOP,DAPDesiredsoilfertilitylevels Phosphorus >65.0mg/kg AdequatePotassium >250.0mg/kg High

Calcium >65%ofECEC Goodbutrequiresmaintenance Ø Fertiliserinputs(particularlyN)arebasedonhighpastureyieldsandutilisation.Ø High rainfall pasture production under best practice management indicates pasture



Ø Effluent applications are ideally spread to a larger area (adjacent paddocks) to utilisenutrientsbetter.

ManagingRiskØ Use of Calcium (Lime) and Sulphur (as gypsum and SOA) will help pasture palatability and

utilisationofpasture.Ø Considerexportingnutrients toother sectionsof the farm (e.g. FMZ2paddocks) toprevent

furtherbuild-upofK.Ø Maintain>70%groundcoveratalltimestomaximisewaterandfertiliserutilisation.Ø Mulching excess residual (predominantly Dec-Feb) improves surface water penetration into

thesoilprofileandreducesNlossestoleachingduringheavyrainfallevents.Ø Donotgrazethesepastureswhenlowtoavoidissueslikegrasstetany.Agronomically,effluentisaFert$martfertiliserthatrequiresawelloperatingdisposalsystemforitseffectivereuse,withthefollowingpointsveryimportant:

• Aimtospreadeffluentasfaraspossibleacrossthefarm.• DairyeffluenttypicallycontainslargeamountsofNitrogen(N)andPotassium(K).It

ishighKlevelsthattypicallydeterminetheeffluentre-usearearequired.• Alighterrateonalargerareanotonlymakeseconomicalsenseintermsonsavings

inimportedKbasedfertiliser;italsoreducespotentialproductionlossissues.• Effluentpaddocksshouldpreferablybeusedfordaygrazingand/orsilageproduction

toincreaseKremoval.

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• MaintainingproportionallyhighlevelsofCalcium(Ca)andMagnesium(Mg)areimportantineffluentre-useareastoensuremaximumutilisationandqualityofthepastures/cropsproducedhere.

• Avoidapplyingeffluenttopaddocksusedasspringerpaddocksastheexcesspotassiumcanleadtograsstetany(byexacerbatingMagnesiumdeficiency).

• Wherepossible,effluentapplicationsshouldbesynchronisedwithpaddockrotationstoallowsufficienttimebetweenapplicationandgrazing.Insummer,2weeksistherecommendgrazingwithholdperiod,inwinteratleast3weeks.

• Inyourenvironment,withkikuyuandryegrassbasedpastures,yearroundutilisationofNandKispossible.Bestplantgrowthresponseswillbeduringspring,summerandsummer,whicharetraditionallydrierandwarmerperiods.Thiswillalsodecreasetherisksoflossestotheenvironmentwhensoilsarewet.

• Emptystoragepondspriortoautumntoensurepondshaveadequatestoragevolumetocollecteffluentoverthewettestperiodoftheyear.

• Dairysludgecollectedfromthebottomofthestoragepondsisavaluablesourceofnutrientsintypicallyorganic(slowerrelease)forms.Itshouldbeutilisedonareasawayfromtheliquideffluentre-usearea.

• Onyourproperty,thesludgeisavaluablefertiliserforFMZ2,wheresoilKandorganicmatterlevelsarelow.ApplicationsmaynegatesomeKbasedfertiliserapplications,andsoiltestingisimportanttomonitorthis.

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Relativelynewpaddockstothemilkingplatform(andoftenusedbydrystock).

Soilstructure:

LowerCECsoilafunctionoflowerMagnesiumandslightlycoursersoilparticlesthanFMZ1.

Soilhealth: LowerPavailabilityduetolowerinputsandhighIron.LimeneededPasthistory: Seebelow“SoilHealthSummary”Pastinputs: SomeSOA/DAPDesiredsoilfertilitylevels Phosphorus >65.0mg/kg MarginalandpooravailabilityduetohighFePotassium >250.0mg/kg Adequate

Calcium >65%ofECEC Marginaltolow Ø Calciumneededtoimprovesoilstructure,nutrientretentionandavailability.Ø Lower fertility, but production under best practice management indicates pasture



Ø Improvements in soil cation balance have not only improved fertiliser efficiency, buthaveimprovedsoilorganicmatterlevelsthroughimprovedplantrootdevelopmentandthedesiccationofdeadplantmaterial.

ManagingRiskØ AllUreablendsshouldonlybeappliedwhenadequatesoilmoistureisavailable.Ø Maintain>70%groundcoveratalltimestomaximisewaterandfertiliserutilisation.Ø Mulching excess residual (predominantly Dec-Feb) improves surface water penetration into

thesoilprofileandreducesNlossestoleachingduringheavyrainfallevents.Ø Placing DAP directly adjacent to the seed at sowing (via direct drilling) ensures high plant

availablePasseedlingdevelop,andminimisespotentialenvironmentalPlosses,ortie-upwithcationssuchasIron(Fe)whicharenaturallyhighinthissoiltype.

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4.0SOILHEALTHSUMMARYTheSoilHealthSummarysummarisesthekeydeficienciesormajorlimitationstoproductionforeachoftheFMZ’s.Thepurposeofthesoilhealthsummaryistonotonlyidentifyingtheareasthatstillrequireimprovement,buttoalsohighlighttheimprovementsthathavebeenmadeinthepast.

17nutrientsarenecessaryforplantgrowth.Thesenutrients,oftenreferredtoas“essentialnutrients”,playdifferentrolesandarerequiredforanumberoftasksassociatedwithplantgrowth.Theessentialnutrientscanbedividedintotwocategories:MacronutrientsandMicronutrients(ortraceelements),Adeficiencyinanyoneofthe17essentialnutrientsmayreducepasturegrowthandthereforeanimalproduction.

Fertilisersarerequiredtoovercomenutrientdeficienciesandtoreplacethenutrientsthatarelostorremovedfromthesoilandpasture.Althoughgrazinganimalsreceivemostoftheiressentialnutrientsfrompasture;plantsandanimalshavedifferentrequirementsforessentialnutrients.Varioustraceelementsaredeficientinsomedairyingareas.However,itissometimessimplerandmoreeconomicaltotreatanimalnutrientdeficienciesdirectlyratherthanbytryingtosupplythenutrientindirectlythroughthepasture.

Tosimplifythisprocess,thethreeareasofsoilhealththatMNCAgronomyfocus’son,inorderofimportance,areSoilStructure,KeySoilMacroNutrientsandKeySoilMicroNutrients.

4.1SOILSTRUCTURECalcium

Calcium(Ca)isamajorcontributortosoilstructureandtheplantavailabilityofall16otheressentialnutrients.Itisalsoinvolvedintheproperfunctioningofgrowingpoints(especiallyroottips),maintainingstrongcellwalls,andlegumegrowth.Inahighrainfallsubtropicalenvironment,suchasthis,Calciumlevelsarecontinuallybeingdepletedandreplacementofsoilcalciumisamajorcontributortotheprofitabilityofpasturebasedmilkproduction.

CalciumlevelsinFMZ2aregood.Ca,althoughnotdrasticallylow,willrequirefurtherinputinFMZ1,3and4overthecomingyears.Annualsoilmonitoringwilldetermineamounts.

Magnesium

Magnesium(Mg),alongwithCalcium,isamajorcontributortosoilstructure.MagnesiumlevelsneedtobeinadequateproportionsinrelationtoCalciumtoensureafriablesoilstructurewithgoodwaterholdingcapacityandalowpropensitytowaterloggingandSodiumretention.Itisalsoanessentialcomponentofchlorophyllandisrequiredforthetransportofphosphorusaroundtheplant.

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MagnesiumlevelsarehighacrossFMZ1,3and4,andlimeinputisrequiredperiodicallytooffsetthis.MagnesiumlevelsinFMZ2areadequate.FMZ1mayrequiregypsuminthefuturetoreducesoilMgandNalevels.

OrganicMatter

Soilorganicmatteristheotherkeyfactorinsoilstructure.Organicmatter(deadordecayingplantoranimalmaterial)isessentialtoimproveseveralsoilfunctions;surfacewaterpenetration,waterholdingcapacity,nutrientholdingcapacity,humusproduction,nitrogenutilization,microbialactivity;thelistgoeson.

Allofthesekikuyubasedpastureshaveadequatesoilorganicmatterlevels,sothemainemphasisintheseareasisensuringmicrobialactivityissupportedviaregularlimeinputandmaintainingsoilNreserves.AlthoughsoilOMlevelsinFMZ2aregood,thehighNinputsandnutrientremovalfromtheseareasmeansOMlevelsneedtobemonitored.Anapplicationofanorganicmattersource(e.g.ChickenLitter)inFMZ2and4willhelpstimulatemicrobialactivityandbuildsoilCECovertime.

Salinity

Salinity(EC1:5)levelsinallFMZ’sareadequate.SalinityinFMZ1needstobemonitored(highCECandpronetowaterinundation)toensurebuild-updoesn’toccurinthefuture.MaintainingadequateCa:MgratioisthekeytolimitingNaretention.

pH

SoilpHisafunctionoftotalcationsandtheratiosinwhichtheyexist.Althoughultimatelyonlyanindicator,soilpHgivesusagoodinsightintotheavailabilityofmanynutrients.Inparticularinyoursoiltype,pHiscriticaltotheavailabilityofPhosphorusduetoslightlyelevatedIron(Fe)andAluminium(Al)levels.

AgoodrecentliminghistoryinFMZs1-3hasbeenessentialtoincreasethepH.

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4.2KEYMACRONUTRIENTSSoilstructurelaysthefoundationallowingforpasturegrowththroughtheincreasedavailabilityofwaterandnutrients.Theremainingmacronutrients,Nitrogen(N),Phosphorus(P),Potassium(K),andSulphur(S)arerequiredinrelativelylargequantitiesbyplants;measuredbyeitherapercentageormg/kg.Plantgrowthmayberetardedbecause:

• Thesenutrientsarelackinginthesoil.• Theybecomeavailabletooslowly.• Theyarenotadequatelybalanced.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen(N)isneededforallgrowthprocesses,asitisthemajorcomponentofaminoacids,whicharethebuildingblocksofproteins,enzymesandthegreenpigmentchlorophyll.Chlorophyllconvertssunlightenergyintoplantenergyintheformofsugarsandcarbohydrates.

SoilNlevelsarehighlyvariableduetoseveralfactorssuchascrop/pasturegrowthstage,soilmoisture,recentrainfall,soilorganicmatteretcetc.AlthoughmanyofyoursoiltestsdidindicatelowsoilNitrogenlevels,applicationsdidoccurnotlongafterthetimeofsamplingtocoincidewithrainfallevents.SmallbutregularapplicationsofNareimportantacrosstheproperty,andparticularlyintheheavykikuyuareaswherehighlevelsofsoilOMrestrictplantuptakeofappliedN.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus(P)helpsrunthe‘powerstation’insideeveryplantcellandhasakeyroleinenergystorageandtransfer.Phosphorusisnecessaryforallgrowthprocessesandforthenodulationofrhizobiabacteriaandnitrogenfixation.

PhosphoruslevelsinFMZ1,2and3arehightoveryhighandinputisonlyrequiredinverysmallamountsatplantingtoensureplantavailablePintherootzoneofestablishingpastures.FMZ4doesrequiredhigherinputsofPduetolimitedfertiliserhistory.

Potassium

Potassium(K)isneededforawiderangeofimportantprocesseswithintheplant,includingcellwalldevelopment,floweringandseedset.Potassiumhasakeyroleinregulatingwateruptakeandtheflowofnutrientsinthesapstreamoftheplant.Ithelpslegumesfixnitrogenandalsohelpstheplanttoresiststressfromweather,insectsanddiseases.ExcessiveplantPotassiumisundesirabletograzinglivestock;reducingpalatabilityaswellasnutritionalvalue,andwillcauseanimalhealthissuesinseverecases.

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KlevelsrequireregularinputinFMZ2toensureplantavailableK.TheuseofSOPasaKsourceisrecommendedduetoitsmoresustainedrelease.KlevelsareadequatetohighacrosstheotherFMZ’s.

Sulphur

Sulphur(S)isrequiredfortheformationofseveralaminoacids,proteins,andvitaminsandforchlorophyllproduction.Italsohelpstheplanttoresiststressfromweather,insectsanddiseases.Sulphurishighlyleachableandtendstobedepletedinwetyearsorfollowingwaterloggedconditions.

SoilSlevelsareadequateacrossFMZ’s2-4,andslightlyelevatedinFMZ1duetothehigherCECsoilhere.

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4.3TRACEELEMENTSThemicronutrientsortraceelements,includeMolybdenum(Mo),Copper(Cu),Zinc(Zn),Manganese(Mn),Iron(Fe),andBoron(B).Althoughonlyrequiredinsmallamounts,minornutrients(micronutrients,ortraceelements)areessentialforplantgrowthandlivestockhealth.Thesenutrientsoftenactascatalystsinchemicalreactions.Itispossibletohavetoxicitiesoftraceelements,aswellasdeficiencies.

Planttissuetestsarefarmorereliablethansoiltestsforassessingwhatwasavailableforplantuptake,buteventhesearenotalwayscorrectandmustbetakenattheappropriatetimesoftheyeartoincreasetheiraccuracyandreliability.

Someofthemicronutrientdeficienciesinplantscancausenutrientdeficienciesintheanimalsthatgrazethoseplants.Insomecases(forexample,copperandmanganese),thesemicronutrientsarealsoessentialforplantgrowth.Inothercases(forexample,selenium),theyarenotrequiredbytheplant.Thus,inmanycasesofanimalnutrientdeficiency,itmaybebettertotreattheanimalratherthantoapplyfertiliserstopasturestoovercometheproblem.Itisthereforeimportanttodiscusstraceelementissueswithyourlocalveterinarian.

Thoughplanttestingistherecommendedmethodfortestingfortraceelementdisordersinplants,itisusuallyunreliablefortraceelementrequirementsforanimalnutrition.Testingbodyfluids(blood,urine,saliva)andtissues(liver,bone)isoftenrequiredtodeterminewhetheranimalshaveatraceelementdisorder.Seekingveterinaryadviceinadditionto,orinsteadof,planttissuetestingisrecommended.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum(Mo)isessentialforthehealthoftherhizobiabacteriaassociatedwiththelegumerootnodulesthatareresponsibleforatmosphericnitrogenfixation.Molybdenumisalsodirectlyinvolvedinnitrogenmetabolismandspecificallyimplicatedintheelectron-transfersystem(forexample,nitratereductaseandenzymenitrogenousreactions).Molybdenumistheleastabundantofthetraceelementsinthesoilandtheleastrequiredbyplantswiththeexceptionofnickel.

Basicsoiltestsdoneinthepastdidnotmeasure.Istronglyrecommendtheuseofcomprehensivetestsinthefuturethatmeasureallmacroandmicroelements.

Copper

Copper(Cu)isrequiredfortheformationofenzymesforchlorophyllproduction,nutrientprocessingandtheplant’sexchangeofwaterandoxygenforcarbondioxide.Itisalsorequiredforseedsettingoflegumes.Plantresponses(inotherwords,additionalgrowth)duetocopperarerare.Likemosttraceelementsexcessivequantitiesofcoppercan

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interferewiththeuptakeofothertraceelementslikeiron;thereforeproducingirondeficiencysymptoms.


Zinc

Zinc(Zn)isassociatedwiththeformationofchlorophyllandofseveralenzymesystemsrequiredforproteinsynthesis.Italsohasaregulatoryroleintheintakeandefficientuseofwaterbyplants.


Manganese

Manganese(Mn)hasseveralplant-growthfunctions.Itiscloselyassociatedwithiron,copperandzincasacatalystinplant-growthprocesses;isessentialforrapidgermination;andplaysaroleinenzymesystemsinseedandnewtissues.

Needtobetestedinthefuture.

Iron

Iron(Fe)isassociatedwiththeproductionofchlorophyllandhelpstocarryoxygenaroundtheplantcells.Ironisalsoinvolvedinreactionsthatconvertnitratestoammoniaintheplant.

Althoughnotmeasured,moderatePBI’ssuggestsoilIronlevelsaremoderatetohighacrossallFMZ’s,whichiscommonfortheregion.MaintaininghighersoilpHthroughliminganddolomitewillensurethehighFelevelshaveminimaleffectonP,ZnandCuavailability.

Boron

Boron(B)ismainlyinvolvedinthemovementofsugarsthroughouttheplantandinseedproductioninlegumes.Itisalsoanimportantnutrientinthemetabolismofnitrogen,carbohydrates,andhormonesandisinvolvedintheuptakeandefficientuseofcalciumintheplant.BoronmayinducebothtoxicitiesanddeficienciesinAustralia.

Notmeasuredincurrentsoiltestsbutexpectedtobelow.

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5.0FERTILISERPROGRAM2015Fertiliser products top-dressed unless otherwise indicated using DairySAT BMP (bestmanagement practices). Please note rates are kg/ha anddetails of key recommendationscanbefoundinsection6(KeyRecommendations)and4(SoilHealthSummary).

5.1 FMZ1–FERTILISERPLANProposed Fertiliser Program 2017 FMZ 1

Area (ha): 54

Pat Neal Product N P K S Blend 1 (50%DAP/30%Urea/20%SOA) 27 10 0 5 SOA

23 0 0 21

UREA

46 0 0 0 Blend 2 (60%Urea/40%SOP) 28 0 17 7 Chicken Litter

1.6 1.8 2 0.3

Calcium Nitrate

15.4 0 0 0

Apply in

Rate Product N P K S

January 100 SOA 23.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 February 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 March 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

April 125

Blend 1 (50%DAP/30%Urea/20%SOA

) 33.8 12.5 0.0 6.3 May 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

July 125


) 33.8 12.5 0.0 6.3 August 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 150 Calcium Nitrate 23.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 October 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 November 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 December 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total Nutrient applied Per Ha 352.80 25.00 0.00 33.50

Apply lime @ 2.5t/ha to this area this year

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5.2 FMZ2-FERTILISERPLANProposed Fertiliser Program 2017 FMZ 2

Area (ha): 31


23 0 0 21

UREA


1.6 1.8 2 0.3

Calcium Nitrate

15.4 0 0 0

Apply in..

Rate.. Product N P K S

January 100 SOA 23.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 February 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

March 125

Blend 1 (50%DAP/30%Urea/20%SO

A) 33.8 12.5 0.0 6.3 April 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

May 125 Blend 2 (60%Urea/40%SOP) 35.0 0.0 21.3 8.8 June 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 August 2500 Chicken Litter 40.0 45.0 50.0 7.5 September 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

October 100 Blend 2 (60%Urea/40%SOP) 28.0 0.0 17.0 7.0 November 100 SOA 23.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 December 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total Nutrient applied Per Ha 375.95 57.50 88.25 71.50

No lime required

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5.3 FMZ3-FERTILISERPLANProposed Fertiliser Program 2017 FMZ 3

Area (ha): 29


23 0 0 21

UREA


1.6 1.8 2 0.3

Calcium Nitrate

15.4 0 0 0

Apply in


January 100 SOA 23.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 February 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 March 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

April 125


) 33.8 12.5 0.0 6.3 May 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

July 100


) 27.0 10.0 0.0 5.0 August 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 150 Calcium Nitrate 23.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 October 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 November 100 SOA 23.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 December 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total Nutrient applied Per Ha 332.25 22.50 0.00 53.25

Apply lime @ 2.5t/ha NEXT YEAR

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5.4 FMZ4–FERTILISERPLANProposed Fertiliser Program 2017 FMZ 4

Area (ha): 49


23 0 0 21

UREA


1.6 1.8 2 0.3

Calcium Nitrate

15.4 0 0 0

Apply in


January 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 February 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

March 125


) 33.8 12.5 0.0 6.3 April 100 UREA 46.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

May 125 Blend 2 (60%Urea/40%SOP) 35.0 0.0 21.3 8.8 June 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

August 350

0 Chicken Litter 56.0 63.0 70.0 10.5 September 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 October 80 UREA 36.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 November 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 December 125 SOA 28.8 0.0 0.0 26.3 Total Nutrient applied Per Ha 346.70 75.50 91.25 51.75

Apply lime @ 3t/ha to this area this year

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6.0KEYRECOMMENDATIONS

Ø BaselineCalciumlevelsaregoodinFMZ2andlowtoslightlylowacrossallotherFMZ’s.

Ø High soil Magnesium (and moderate Sodium in FMZ 1) means further lime input isimportantacrossFMZ1,3&4.

Ø Soil Phosphorus levels are high across FMZ 1, 2 & 3. Levels are lower in FMZ 4 andavailabilityhereisalsolowerduetolowersoilCalciumlevels.

Ø FMZ2isslightlydeficientinplantavailablePotassium.Capitalinputisrequiredinsmallbutregularapplicationstoavoidpotentialanimalhealthproblems,environmentallossesandplantmetabolismissues.

Ø FMZ 3 has been identified as the key Effluent Re-Use Area, and further future inputsshouldfocusonsoilstructureratherthancapitalmacronutrientinputs.

Ø Sulphur needs tobe applied regularly in small amounts, although levels are adequateacrossthefarm(andslightlyelevatedinFMZ1).

Ø Anauditofpastureproductionandplantnutritionrequirements(Appendix7.1)showsthat in 2016, an average of 198kg/ha/N, 21kg/ha/P and 45kg/ha/Kwas used to grow9767kg/DM/haofpasture(utilised).

Ø Theauditalsoshowsthattheestimatednutrientsthatwillberequiredfor2017pastureproduction (based on the target of 12000kg/DM/ha utilised), will be on average244kg/ha/N, 25kg/ha/P and 47kg/ha/K. This allows for grazing recycling factors andnutrientsexportedasmilk.

Ø Pasture herbage testing should be utilised periodically to give snapshots of plantnutrientlevelsandpotentialdeficiencies.

Ø Continuewithyourannualsoilmonitoringprogramandregularreviewofsoil fertiliserplansandpasturemanagementpractices,makingadjustmentsasadvised.

Ø ReviewtheFert$martplanagainin2016withyourFert$martaccreditedadvisor.

Ø Asalways,pleaseconsultmeascircumstancesorconditionschange.

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7.0APPENDIX7.1MNCAgronomyAuditofPastureProductionandPlantNutrientRequirements

MNCAgronomySoilNutrientAuditClient PatNealYear 2016/17

Cownumbers(inmilk,average)

400

Area(milkingplatform-ha)

163

Inbalesupplementation(av.kg/DM/day)

5.13

2015estimatedimportedsupplementryfeedbudget(kg/DM/cow/day)

0.87

2015MilkProduction(L) 2600000 kg/nutrient/ha/yearkgtotal/year kg/ha/year Supplementtype N P K

InBaleSupplements 372000 2282 Wheatgrain 49.9 8.2 10.6372000 2282 Corngrain 36.9 7.5 8.64440 27 Averageconcentrate 1.1 0.2 0.2

OtherSupplements 127000 779 Pasturesilage 20.3 3.1 21.00 0 Averagehay 0.0 0.0 0.0

TOTALkg/nutrientimported/ha/year 108 19 40

Totalkg/nutrientexportedasmilk/ha/year 51 16 22

Totalkg/nutrient/hareturningtopaddock 18 1 9

EstimatedNutrientRemoval(av.kg/ha/year)Av.

kgDM/ha/yearutilised

N P K

2016Actualpasture

production9767 198 21 45

2017PastureproductionTARGET

12000 244 26 55

Totalkg/nutrient/hareturningtopaddock(fromabove) 18 1 9

2016Av.EstimatedNutrientDeficit N P K(i.e.NutrientsRequiredkg/hamaintenance) 226 25 47

*nutrientfigurestakenfromNSWDPIindustrystandards,2007,"Mineralcontentofcommonruminantstockfeed,cropsandpastures"byIanBlackwood

29

8.2SoilStructureSummary

MNCAgronomySoilStructureAuditOxleyIslandDairy2016/17Pat&LouiseNeal

Paddock FMZ1pH 6.4

CEC%CEC

(meq/100g) TEC%

TEC(meq/100

g)DesiredTEC%

Desiredkg/ha

Actualkg/ha

Deficiency/Surplus(kg/ha)

Calcium 69.0 16 62.8 16 68.0 7787 7187 -600Magnesium 23.7 5.5 21.6 5.5 12.0 825 1482 658Potassium 4.7 1.1 4.3 1.1 3.8 849 964 115Sodium 2.6 0.6 2.4 0.6 1.5 198 310 112Hydrogen 0 0 9 2.3 12.0Others 0.0 0 0.0 0 2.7TOTAL 100.0 23.2 100.0 25.5 100.0

Paddock FMZ2pH 6.6

CEC%CEC

(meq/100g) TEC%

TEC(meq/100

g)DesiredTEC%

Desiredkg/ha

Actualkg/ha


Calcium 78.6 11 73.9 11 68.0 4549 4941 392Magnesium 15.7 2.2 14.8 2.2 12.0 482 593 111Potassium 4.0 0.56 3.8 0.56 3.8 496 491 -5Sodium 1.6 0.23 1.5 0.23 1.5 115 119 3Hydrogen 0 0 6 0.9 12.0Others 0.1 0.01 0.1 0.01 2.7TOTAL 100.0 14 100.0 14.9 100.0

Paddock FMZ3pH 5.9

CEC%CEC

(meq/100g) TEC%

TEC(meq/100

g)DesiredTEC%

Desiredkg/ha

Actualkg/ha


Calcium 68.5 6.1 56.2 6.1 68.0 3315 2740 -575Magnesium 23.6 2.1 19.3 2.1 12.0 351 566 215Potassium 5.1 0.45 4.1 0.45 3.8 361 394 33Sodium 2.2 0.2 1.8 0.2 1.5 84 103 19Hydrogen 0 0 18 2.0 12.0Others 0.6 0.05 0.5 0.05 2.7TOTAL 100.0 8.9 100.0 10.9 100.0

oxley island dairy - hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au · 244kg/ha/n, 25kg/ha/p and 47kg/ha/k. this allows for...

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