Key fertiliser messages for 2009-10
Key fertiliser messages for 2009-10
The return from good analysis and advice on determining fertiliser applications is high given that fertiliser is one of the biggest single expense items in a dairy farm budget.
- On average, fertiliser is 16% of total dairy farm operating expenditure
- It is worth investing the time to get soil tests and independent advice on the economic consequences of withholding fertiliser
- Recommendations need to be fact based - supported by peer reviewed science trials
- Effluent areas may require little or no additional fertiliser, soil test and follow an effluent block nutrient budget
- Focus on the major nutrients – phosphate, potassium and sulphur
- Cost fertiliser on a cost per kg of nutrients that it contains not on a per hectare or per tonne basis
- If you are paying more for your fertiliser than the current rate for nutrients in proven products such as DAP, superphosphate, potash or urea, carefully consider if you are getting value
- Apply N to meet forecast feed deficits rather than as an insurance. Do not apply when soil conditions are wet, or when the soil temperature is below 7°C.
You can read more in this fact sheet:
- Key Fertiliser Messages for 2009-10
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