Manage fertiliser, feed use to lift production efficiency

It says that every farm is different, so farmers are urged to take time to consider their options and find out what works best for their business.

Managing fertiliser and feed use can help minimise losses to waterways and improve the efficiency of pasture and crop production. These efficiency improvements may also reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the total feed eaten on-farm is decreased or production is increased from the same inputs.

• Prepare an animal nutrient budget based on regular soil tests with your trusted farm consultant or fertiliser representative.
• Minimise surplus nitrogen through reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser and supplementary feed.
• Use urease-coated fertilisers which reduce losses of ammonia from urea use and maximise the nitrogen available for plant uptake. This means less nitrogen needs to be used and less nitrous oxide is emitted.
• Manage the timing and placement of nitrogen fertiliser to reduce the amount of nitrogen applied while still increasing pasture growth.
• Consider the use of plantain in your pasture sward. Research has shown it can help reduce nitrogen surplus.
• Monitor and maintain soil phosphorus levels below or within the target ranges for the soil-type and crop.
• Match feed demand with pasture growth and utilisation. Balancing pasture growth and utilisation is key to optimising stocking rates that result in the same or higher profit with lower inputs.
• Manage pasture and crop husbandry to optimise production through fertility, rotation, and inputs, while minimising damage from compaction, diseases, and pests
• Store fertiliser in a contained system to minimise losses and calibrate and maintain fertiliser spreading equipment.