Effluent and nutrients
Farm dairy shed effluent is a valuable resource and if managed well can increase pasture production and reduce fertiliser costs.
However, effluent also poses an environmental risk due to the nutrients and disease-causing bugs it contains. Untreated effluent entering waterways or groundwater can have a detrimental effect on human health and water quality, and is a breach of rules in regional council plans.
This section provides farmers with information and advice on managing farm dairy effluent. It also contains a practical guide to sustainable nutrient management, combining information for farmers to meet the requirements of environmental regulations, while helping lift farm productivity by improving the efficiency of nutrient use.
