1
Contents
About the Fert$mart Plan
1.Fertiliser Program 2014/2015
2.Key Recommendations
Managing Risk
3.Farm Details
4.Soil Fertility Summary
Soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Soil Potassium
Soil Phosphorus
Soil Sulphur
Soil pH
Soil Carbon
5.Farm Management Zones
FMZ 1 – Permanent Pastures
FMZ 2 – Permanent Pastures
FMZ 3 – Permanent Pastures
FMZ 4 – Permanent Pastures
FMZ 5 – Permanent Pastures
FMZ 6 – Annual Pasture
6.Farm Nutrient Balance
7.Farm Map
8.Soil/Tissue Test Reports
About the Fert$mart Plan
Fert$mart aims to assist Australian dairy farmers improve the efficiency of soil and fertiliser management. The “Fert$mart Tick” means that the methods used by your advisor are Fert$mart approved, and in preparing your fertiliser plan the following have been considered:
Farm areas where fertiliser is to be applied have been identified.
Soil testing has been undertaken according to best management practice.
Soil constraints and other production limitations have been considered before making recommendations.
Soil fertility analysis has been adequately undertaken using trusted industry resources, including the Regional Soil Fertility Guidelines.
Basic soil health indicators have been considered.
Crop or pasture condition has been considered.
Strategic use of on-farm nutrients (e.g. effluent and manure) has been explored and economic options for reuse considered.
A nutrient budget has been used to work out the P, K (S if regionally applicable) maintenance requirements for each farm management zone (FMZ).
A documented 4Rs fertiliser program has been provided to the farmer (either a soft or hard copy) which describes the products, rates, place/placement, and timing for each paddock or farm management zone.
Managing environmental, human, and animal health risks of the fertiliser program have been assessed, documented and conveyed to the farmer.
For more detail on Fert$mart visit: or contact the Fert$mart Coordinator:
Disclaimer: The Fert$mart Program does not verify the accuracy of information provided by your advisor and therefore takes no responsibility for the recommendations within.
This plan was prepared in accordance with the Fert$mart criteria by:
Advanced Consulting
Industry Road
Greenville
Victoria
Name:
Signed: Date:
Disclaimer:
1.Fertiliser Program 2014/2015
Fertiliser products top-dressed unless otherwise indicated using DairySAT BMP (best management practices) included in the appendix. Products noted based on past use so discuss all aspects fully with your advisor.
Fertiliser kg/ha / 2014/ 2015FMZ / Area / N / P / K / S / Fertiliser Program
1 / No 14-16 / 7.4 / 193 / 13 / 0 / 16 / Spring / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
(Perm't) / Summer / Nil
Autumn / 1 x 150 kg/ha Single Super NPKS 0:9:0:11
Autumn / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
2 / No 17-18 / 4.6 / 161 / 13 / 0 / 16 / Spring / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
(Perm't) / Summer / Nil
Autumn / Gypsum required. Refer FMZ 2 notes
Autumn / 1 x 150 kg/ha Single Super NPKS 0:9:0:11
Autumn / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
3 / No 21-27 / 16.0 / 161 / 0 / 0 / 0 / Spring / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
(Perm't) / Summer / Nil
Autumn / Gypsum required. Refer FMZ 3 notes
Autumn / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
4 / No 28-31 / 10.1 / 129 / 0 / 0 / 0 / Spring / Irrigated with effluent pond liquid *
(Perm't) / Summer / Irrigated with effluent pond liquid *
Autumn / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
5 / No 33-36 / 13.5 / 129 / 21 / 24 / 27 / Spring / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
(Perm't) / Summer / Slurry likely to be applied
Autumn / Gypsum required. Refer FMZ 5 notes
Autumn / 1 x 300 kg/ha Super Potash 5:1 NPKS 0:7:8:9
Autumn / 2 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
6 / No 37-43 / 32.0 / 97 / 35 / 40 / 45 / Spring / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
(Annual) / Summer / Nil
Autumn / Agricultural lime required. Refer FMZ 6 notes.
Autumn / 1 x 500 kg/ha Super Potash 5:1 NPKS 0:7:8:9
Autumn / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Winter / 1 x 70 kg/ha Urea NPKS 46:0:0:0
Milking area / 83.6
Bull & Calves / 6.6
Other areas / 14.8
Total / 105.0
* Effluent pond liquid usually applied on FMZ 4 but slurry will be pumped out onto FMZ 6 in summer 2014.
1
2.Key Recommendations
Baseline topsoil phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) levels are all generally high across the milking area which is not unexpected after the drought and high inputs of supplementary feed.
The Fert$mart plan has identified nitrogen (N) use as a key consideration within the fertiliser program moving forward. As discussed, record the number of grazings and silage yields (x paddock) annually to confirm intensity of use across the milking area.
It is important to benchmark your nitrogen use, supplementary feed use & production per ha data to provide a guide to any change in the N program.Your key criteria for 2011/12 is compared with the top 25% farms in Northern Victoria taken from the 2011/12 DPI Dairyfarm Monitor Project (total of 24 farms).
Note the milking area used with the DPI Dairyfarm Monitor project includes permanent & annual pastures on an equal basis.
Supplementary feed (t DM/cow) / Stocking rate (cows/ha) / Supplementary* feed (t DM/ha) / Production (kg MS/ha) / Actual N use (kg N/ha)F. Smart / 4.30 / 3.3 / 14.3 / 1555 / 95
Top 25% / 3.2 / 2.2 / 7 / 1256 / 120
*Supplementary feed (t DM/cow) x Stocking rate (cows/ha) = Supplementary feed (t DM/ha)
The effluent pond will be emptied onto the annual pasture (FMZ 6) over summer. In 2014/15 ensure the effluent pond liquid is shandied and applied over paddocks No 28-31 (10.1ha).
The farmgate nutrient balance indicates current positive balance based on 2012/12 for potassium (K) and slight negative for phosphorus (P) with nil inputs. It is recognised the distribution is not consistent across the property. Potassium is adequately supplied but farm milking area maintenance P requirements are approx. 20 kg/ha.
Pasture herbage testing identified copper levels are borderline and should be monitored again in spring 2013 to confirm trends. Ameliorant use (gypsum and / or agricultural lime) will help build soil calcium reserves over time while gypsum will help leach sodium.
Review the Fert$mart plan again in mid-2015 with your Fertcare C accredited advisor.
Adopt bi-annual soil monitoring program (given your high fertility status) except for FMZ 4 & 6 which should be tested annually.
Managing Risk
Calibrateyour fertiliser spreader each season, or use anAccuspread-accredited spreader.
Avoid spreading fertiliser close towaterwaysand drainage lines.
Avoid spreading fertiliser when runoff events are likely.
Refer to the Fert$mart website for precautions on applying dairy effluent to pastures
For more information ask your advisor, or see
3.Farm Details
Fert Smart purchased the Back Road, Kyabram property back in 2001 and supply Beaut Milk.
The irrigated dairy farm property has total farm area of 105 ha with 15.4 ha of other use area. The milking area is 83 ha milking area (51.6 ha permanent & 32 ha annual) and 6.6 ha calf / bull paddocks.
Herd size was 270 cows in 2012/13 and will be increased to 290 cows for 2013/14. Herd has 60/40 split between spring & autumn calving. Herd is cross bred with average cow size 500 kg.
Calves are reared at home but all young stock (100 head) are agisted off the home property.
During the drought pastures were dried off and high rates of supplementary feed bought onto the property. All pastures have been renovated since the drought.
Nitrogen only was used last season (average of 95 kg N/ha across the milking area). Fertiliser expenditure was $17,653 in 2012/13.
The milking area has been split into 6 farm management zones (FMZ) as outlined.
FMZ / AREA / Description / Paddock ID*1 / 7.4 / Permanent pasture / No 14 - 16
2 / 4.6 / Permanent pasture / No 17 - 18
3 / 16.0 / Permanent pasture / No 21 - 27
4 / 10.0 / Permanent pasture / No 28 - 31
5 / 13.4 / Permanent pasture / No 33 - 36
6 / 32.0 / Annual pasture / No 37 - 43
Total / 83.4 ha
*Refer to the farm map
The property has a turkey nest effluent dam (1.0 Ml), turkey nest recycle dam (4 Ml) and a new recycle sump on the annual paddocks (3.0 Ml). Recently completed irrigation works have added a sump and meant all water now remains on the property.
The Accounting for Nutrients Project identified that dairy cows spent a small proportion of their time in the dairy (2%) and yards (9%). This was followed by time spent on feedpads (11%) and holding areas (26%) but the most significant was in the paddock (but heavily weighted towards paddocks close to the dairy).
The intention is to pump out the effluent pond over summer 2014/15 onto the annual pastures of FMZ 6 (which have low fertility base).
For more information on effluent re-use see
4.Soil Fertility Summary
The following charts compare soil fertility in each FMZ with the critical Fert$mart levels.For more information refer to the Fert$martguidelines for your dairy region:
Soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
These soils have low to moderate CEC levels and cannot retain high levels of plant nutrients. To get the best value from fertilisers, and to avoid nutrient losses, it is recommended to keep nutrients levels (P, K and S) within the critical levels.
Soil Potassium
Adequate levels of Soil Colwell K relate to the soil texture.These soils are predominantly silt loam and clay loam.Soil Colwell K of 150 mg/kg is adequate for these soils. All FMZs currently have Soil Colwell K above the critical level, and only small amounts of K are required to maintain adequate levels in FMZ 1 and FMZ 2.
Soil Phosphorus
Soil Olsen P is low in FMZ 1, FMZ 5 and FMZ 6, and moderate capital fertiliser P is required to achieve optimum pasture yields. FMZ 2 and FMZ 4 require some P fertiliser to maintain fertility. FMZ 3 will not require any P fertiliser this growing season.
Soil Sulphur
Soil S levels are low in FMZ 1 and FMZ 5 and require S fertiliser to achieve optimum pasture yield. Soil S levels are currently adequate in FMZ 2, FMZ 4 and FMZ 6 however small amounts of S fertiliser are required to maintain yields. No S fertiliser is required in FMZ 3 this growing season.
Soil pH
Soil pH is currently 5 or aboveacross the farm. FMZ 5 needs to be monitored closely in following years. When soil pH (water) drops below 5 on these soils this may affect soil properties, nutrient availability and pasture yields. Apply a limetest strip in FMZ 5 if the soil pH drops below 5.
Soil Carbon
Soil carbon levels are high in all FMZs (above 3%) and this helps to maintain good soil structure and stability. Soil organic matter also releases plant nutrients through mineralisation, a form of slow release fertiliser.
5.Farm Management Zones
FMZ 1 – Permanent Pastures
Area: / 7.4 ha. Comprising farm map paddocks No 14-15-16Background: / Old permanent pasture paddocks close to dairy. Ryegrass & clover paddocks are rotationally grazed (usually 12-14 x grazings).
Soil structure: / Friable brown clay loam soils that are not saline or sodic. However soil tests indicate the calcium:magnesium ratio is low and gypsum is the preferred remedial ameliorant.
Soil health: / Organic carbon levels are high (4.5%) and satisfactory. Pastures have good root depth and there was no indication of pest or disease issues. However the pasture rootmats are quite thick and specific grazing management is required.
Past history: / No historical soil data provided (due to the drought).
Past inputs: / High rates of N (estimate of 5-6 x 80 kg/ha Urea) applied over 2012/12. Nil phosphorus applied for at least 5 years
Desired soil fertility levels
Olsen P / > 25.0 mg/kg / Maintenance P required for 2014/15
Colwell K / > 220.0 mg/kg / Nil maintenance K requirement for 2014/15
KCL 40 S / > 10.5 mg/kg / Nil maintenance S requirement for 2014/15
Fertiliser inputs (particularly N) are based on high intensity of grazing use and maintenance P is being applied given nil P inputs in recent times.
Soil tests have not identified any trace nutrient concerns.
2014/2015 Fertiliser Program – FMZ 1 Permanent PasturesTiming / Rate / Product
Spring (early) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Spring (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Summer / Nil
Autumn (early) / 150 kg/ha / Single Super (NPKS 0:9:0:11)
70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Autumn (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Winter (early) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0) or equivalent Easy N
Winter (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0) or equivalent Easy N
Managing Risk
Apply 2.5 t/ha gypsum prior to oversowing any of the paddocks in autumn 2014 using good quality (graded) product which will help pasture establishment and improve ground cover.
During winter foliar N (Easy N) may be a cost effective option
All irrigation water applied to this section is recycled.
FMZ 2 – Permanent Pastures
Area: / 4.6 ha comprising farm map paddocks No 17 - 18Background: / Lasered 12 months ago and now resown to ryegrass & clover. The paddocks are rotationally grazed (usually 12 x grazings) and had millet direct drilled last summer
Soil structure: / Friable brown clay loam soils that are not saline or sodic.
However soil tests indicate the calcium:magnesium ratio is low and sodium levels are only just within desired levels. Gypsum is the preferred remedial ameliorant.
Soil health: / Organic carbon levels are high (4.0%) and satisfactory. Pastures currently have good root depth and there was no indication of pest or disease issues. New pastures often struggle through the peak summer months and the N program has been adjusted to help thicken up the pasture prior to the hot weather.
Past history: / No historical soil data provided (due to the drought).
Past inputs: / Regular N applications over 2013/14
Desired soil fertility levels
Olsen P / > 25.0 mg/kg / Maintenance P required for 2014/15
Colwell K / > 220.0 mg/kg / Nil maintenance K requirement for 2014/15
KCL 40 S / > 10.5 mg/kg / Maintenance S required for 2014/15
Fertiliser inputs (particularly N) are based on high intensity of grazing use and maintenance P is being applied given nil P inputs in recent times.
Soil tests have not identified any trace nutrient concerns.
2014/2015 Fertiliser Program – FMZ 1 Permanent PasturesTiming / Rate / Product
Spring (early) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Spring (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Summer / Nil
Autumn (early) / 150 kg/ha / Single Super (NPKS 0:9:0:11)
70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Autumn (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Winter / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Managing Risk
Gypsum is required (2.5 t/ha) when these paddocks are grazed out & direct drilled in autumn 2014 (using a graded product).
All irrigation water applied to this section is recycled.
FMZ 3 – Permanent Pastures
Area: / 4.6 ha comprising farm map paddocks No 17 - 18Background: / Lasered 12 months ago and now resown to ryegrass & clover. The paddocks are rotationally grazed (usually 12 x grazings) and had millet direct drilled last summer
Soil structure: / Friable brown clay loam soils that are not saline or sodic.
However soil tests indicate the calcium:magnesium ratio is low and sodium levels are only just within desired levels. Gypsum is the preferred remedial ameliorant.
Soil health: / Organic carbon levels are high (4.0%) and satisfactory. Pastures currently have good root depth and there was no indication of pest or disease issues. New pastures often struggle through the peak summer months and the N program has been adjusted to help thicken up the pasture prior to the hot weather.
Past history: / No historical soil data provided (due to the drought).
Past inputs: / Regular N applications over 2012/13
Desired soil fertility levels
Olsen P / > 25.0 mg/kg / Maintenance P required for 2014/15
Colwell K / > 220.0 mg/kg / Nil maintenance K requirement for 2014/15
KCL 40 S / > 10.5 mg/kg / Maintenance S required for 2014/15
Fertiliser inputs (particularly N) are based on high intensity of grazing use and maintenance P is being applied given nil P inputs in recent times.
Soil tests have not identified any trace nutrient concerns.
2014/2015 Fertiliser Program – FMZ 1 Permanent PasturesTiming / Rate / Product
Spring (early) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Spring (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Summer / Nil
Autumn (early) / 150 kg/ha / Single Super (NPKS 0:9:0:11)
70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Autumn (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Winter / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Managing Risk
Gypsum is required (2.5 t/ha) when these paddocks are grazed out & direct drilled in autumn 2014 (using a graded product).
All irrigation water applied to this section is recycled.
FMZ 4 – Permanent Pastures
Area: / 4.6 ha comprising farm map paddocks No 17 - 18Background: / Lasered 12 months ago and now resown to ryegrass & clover. The paddocks are rotationally grazed (usually 12 x grazings) and had millet direct drilled last summer
Soil structure: / Friable brown clay loam soils that are not saline or sodic.
However soil tests indicate the calcium:magnesium ratio is low and sodium levels are only just within desired levels. Gypsum is the preferred remedial ameliorant.
Soil health: / Organic carbon levels are high (4.0%) and satisfactory. Pastures currently have good root depth and there was no indication of pest or disease issues. New pastures often struggle through the peak summer months and the N program has been adjusted to help thicken up the pasture prior to the hot weather.
Past history: / No historical soil data provided (due to the drought).
Past inputs: / Regular N applications over 2012/13
Desired soil fertility levels
Olsen P / > 25.0 mg/kg / Maintenance P required for 2014/15
Colwell K / > 220.0 mg/kg / Nil maintenance K requirement for 2014/15
KCL 40 S / > 10.5 mg/kg / Maintenance S required for 2014/15
Fertiliser inputs (particularly N) are based on high intensity of grazing use and maintenance P is being applied given nil P inputs in recent times.
Soil tests have not identified any trace nutrient concerns.
2014/2015 Fertiliser Program – FMZ 1 Permanent PasturesTiming / Rate / Product
Spring (early) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Spring (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Summer / Nil
Autumn (early) / 150 kg/ha / Single Super (NPKS 0:9:0:11)
70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Autumn (late) / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Winter / 70 kg/ha / Urea (NPKS 46:0:0:0)
Managing Risk
Gypsum is required (2.5 t/ha) when these paddocks are grazed out & direct drilled in autumn 2014 (using a graded product).
All irrigation water applied to this section is recycled.
FMZ 5 – Permanent Pastures
Area: / 4.6 ha comprising farm map paddocks No 17 - 18Background: / Lasered 12 months ago and now resown to ryegrass & clover. The paddocks are rotationally grazed (usually 12 x grazings) and had millet direct drilled last summer
Soil structure: / Friable brown clay loam soils that are not saline or sodic.
However soil tests indicate the calcium:magnesium ratio is low and sodium levels are only just within desired levels. Gypsum is the preferred remedial ameliorant.
Soil health: / Organic carbon levels are high (4.0%) and satisfactory. Pastures currently have good root depth and there was no indication of pest or disease issues. New pastures often struggle through the peak summer months and the N program has been adjusted to help thicken up the pasture prior to the hot weather.
Past history: / No historical soil data provided (due to the drought).
Past inputs: / Regular N applications over 2012/13
Desired soil fertility levels
Olsen P / > 25.0 mg/kg / Maintenance P required for 2014/15
Colwell K / > 220.0 mg/kg / Nil maintenance K requirement for 2014/15
KCL 40 S / > 10.5 mg/kg / Maintenance S required for 2014/15
Fertiliser inputs (particularly N) are based on high intensity of grazing use and maintenance P is being applied given nil P inputs in recent times.