Soils, nutrients & effluent
Nutrient management has a big impact on farm profits. Dairy Australia works with a range of industry and natural resource management partners to help farmers manage fertiliser application, soil health and effluent.
Accounting for nutrients program
This program uses R,D & E to improve pasture growth, increase profits, maintain animal health and deliver good environmental outcomes.
A key finding is that nitrogen nutrient use efficiency on most dairy farms is below 30%. Surpluses of 250Kg of N, 35kg of P, 300k K and 20kg of S per ha, determined at the whole farm level are common. RD&E activities are now focusing on identifying and promoting practices to improve nutrient use efficiency, in particular nitrogen.
For more information, visit www.accounting4nutrients.com.au
Effluent and manure management database
This database stores information that underpins state and regional guidelines on dairy effluent management, technical and farmer-based extension programs and educational material. It includes advice for:
- On-farm effluent designs
- Principles for effective effluent management
- Design criteria for components of effluent containment and reuse systems
- Decision support systems and relevant tools
DPI Victoria maintains a directory of accredited private sector providers who provide effluent design services for dairy farmers.
For more information, contact Scott McDonald at DPI Victoria.
Better fertilizer decisions database
This tool was designed for farmers to use in consultation with their farm adviser, fertiliser consultant and catchment manager. It enables farm managers to plot on a curve the increase in pasture growth for a given application of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulphur, depending on their soil type.
Fertiliser recommendations based on the database can save farmers thousands of dollars a year in fertiliser application.
Ask your fetiliser advisor of they’re basing their recommendations on the Better Fertiliser Decisions Database.
Farm nutrient loss index
This index uses inputs such as landscape features, climatic conditions and pasture management practices to calculate the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus loss in paddocks. It also helps evaluate the effects of different management practices.
For more information visit the dairying for tomorrow website.
Anaerobic Digesters
Anaerobic digesters are attracting interest among dairy farmers. However research to date suggests they are unlikely to be viable for pasture based dairy systems.
They may be viable for high supplementary and total mixed ration systems. Dairy Australia, in partnership with the Methane to Markets in Australian Agriculture program is trialing a covered lagoon digester at Demo Dairy, Terang, Victoria.
Further information:
Fact Sheet: Capturing methane for bio-energy
Assessment of Methane Capture and Use from the Intensive Livestock Industry
Demo Dairy Project: Creating energy from effluent