Introduction
A Nutrient Budget is a valuable indicator of the long-term sustainability of a farm system. It indicates where fertiliser applications are inadequate and leading to a decline in the soil nutrient status. Conversely, it can indicate excessive inputs which result in a nutrient surplus and greater potential for losses to the environment and waterways.
Why produce Nutrient Budgets?
Fertiliser best management practices should consider agronomic, environmental and economic factors which all underpin sustainable agriculture. To maintain productivity regular fertiliser and lime applications are required to ameliorate soil acidification and to replace the inevitable loss of nutrients through:
- the export in farm produce off the farm (milk, meat, wool, hay etc.)
- the transfer of animal excreta to unproductive areas (tracks, yards, camping areas)
- soil processes which bind nutrients in the soil making them not plant available.
The “Overseer” Nutrient Budget computer program is increasingly being recognised as an important tool in assessing the environmental impact and sustainability of agricultural management. In 2007 Fonterra Ltd demanded that all their dairy farm suppliers submitted a Nutrient Budget for their farms. It is envisaged that all livestock and cropping farms will also need to submit a Nutrient Budget in the future.
While “Overseer” is reasonably farmer friendly, often the best way would be to use a consultant trained to produce the budget and interpret the program output.
Wise Earth Solutions consultants are trained to produce “Overseer” Nutrient Budgets and will be happy to discuss the information that is required to provide this useful tool for your farm.
Please phone us to discuss your requirements with regards to a Nutrient Budget.