Shifting the needle is a term that has special significance for those of us that grew up listening
to music recorded on vinyl.
Today ‘needle shifting’ is synonymous with ‘significant change’ and we’re seeing that in the
fertiliser industry.
It is true that any business that is not environmentally sustainable has a limited life span which
must be factored into its value.
Regardless of its contribution to GDP and the number of overseas dollars earned, if there is a
serious downside there is a problem.
Clean fresh drinking water is a birthright of all New Zealanders and protecting that is essential.
Increasing nitrate-N levels have been ignored for long enough and it’s time to face the issue and
fix it before the problem becomes so large it’s difficult to know where to start.
At present steadily increasing nitrate-N levels are limited to intensive dairying areas. We also
know that it is directly related to the regular application of synthetic nitrogen to boost pasture
growth.
Its use is based on the increase in growth that results from an application and in the short term
that does happen, however since its introduction in 1990 annual pasture growth has declined.
That claim is often ridiculed although careful checking will reveal it to be correct. It’s important
because farmers’ incomes are primarily derived from the growth and consumption of pasture.
Another fact is that it is under grazed permanent pasture that carbon is most rapidly
sequestered, but when regular applications of synthetic nitrogen are applied the rate of gain is
lessened.
The key to sustainably increasing pasture growth and locking carbon into the soil is providing
the essential nitrogen from legumes, primarily clover.
Under these conditions, which prevailed until the early 1990’s, nitrate-N losses to groundwater
are minimized and place dairy farmers in a position of potentially being able to claim carbon
credits.
A study conducted by Scion of Rotorua on two intensive dairy farms at Otakiri near Edgecumbe
clearly showed the benefits of a clover-based pasture system.
Growth was 30% higher and the loss of nitrate-N to groundwater was 70% less. Fewer animals
were required to provide a significantly higher profit which was independently verified.
The soil fertility program for the property with higher growth and less N-loss was based on
New Zealand research and provided by Functional Fertiliser.
Higher than usual calcium inputs are recommended as clover contains several times the
calcium of grasses. Higher calcium levels also stimulate the activity of beneficial earthworms,
bacteria, and fungi.
The enhanced activity of beneficial biology is also stimulated by the addition of a proprietary
mix of selected bacteria and fungi.
Phosphorus, Sulphur, and potassium remain essential inputs and included as and when
required, however calcium rather than phosphorus is the driver of the process.
The change from a synthetic nitrogen driven program is not difficult nor is there necessarily a
reduction in growth before the fixation of nitrogen free-of-charge by clover fully compensates.
Because clover outgrows grasses from November until late autumn, spring is the ideal time to
instigate the transition to a genuinely sustainable future.
For more information talk to Peter on 027 495 0041 or 0800 843 809.
