Kim Solly and Jeremy Casey

Through the process both have managed to lower their nitrogen fertiliser, achieving efficiencies whilst also running a profitable business.

“Getting involved with the project after our nutrient management comparison is a natural fit. It allows us to learn from others and keeps us invigorated.

We also get to be amongst likeminded farmers. Being part of projects also keeps us collecting data which is important in our decision making.”

- Jeremey Casey and Kim Solly – Back Track Dairies

Farm information

Jeremy and Kim took part in a longitudinal study comparing conventional fertiliser use on the Whakapono farm with the Albrecht-Kinsey method on the Waiora farm through the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC). The study finished in 2018/19, and previous information on the study and the key learnings can be seen on the

Changes to reduce environmental impacts

• Jeremy and Kim have reduced synthetic fertiliser use, with Waiora using an average of 150 kgN/ effective ha (19/20) and Whakapono 120 kgN/ effective ha (19/20)
• The current focus is on irrigation testing and efficiencies. They are fin tuning the trigger point that they begin irrigation with the pivots. Replacing the k-line area with fixed grid in the future is an option they are considering, but is cost restrictive at this stage.

Kim and Jeremy's Top Tips for low N use:

• Reduce it gradually where you can – 30-40 kgN/ha per year reductions, to give the clover time to establish and contribute
• Look to remove the January application of nitrogen, looking at upper soil temperatures for impact on response rates
• Take account of when clover is really growing and when mineralised nitrogen in the soil is coming through, and utilise this
• Make sure your other nutrients are not limiting pasture growth, in particular clover growth
• Take account of the nitrogen in your effluent, and use it as a nutrient resource
• Be a part of the whole community coming along on the journey

Nitrate Leaching Progress

Waiora - 2018/19: 49 kgN/ha/year
Whakapono – 2018/19: 37 kgN/ha/year