Precision nutrient mapping for dryland agriculture in North-East Victoria
Only use fertiliser where it’s needed.
Better use of your soil testing and fertiliser budget.
Established in 2019, this project is examining the benefits of targeted nutrient management in grazing enterprises.
Project summary
We know there is a lot of variation in soil characteristics within paddocks. However, in most dryland grazing systems, the conventional approach to nutrient management is to take one soil sample across a paddock. While this is quick and cheap, it hides the paddock variability that occurs in nutrients and pH. As a result, some areas are over-fertilized (with the potential for off-site impacts and is a waste of money) while other areas do not receive the nutrients required to sustain a profitable and resilient pasture base.
Demonstration Farm Information
https://www.geckoclan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GeckoPA-allSites-map.pdf
Matt Plunkett at Longwood
Enterprise: Sheep
Land and soil description:
Phalaris based pasture on soils derived from granite (sandy clay loam)
Rainfall average: 711 mm
https://www.geckoclan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PlunketSites.pdf
Andrew and Jane Marriott at Benalla
Enterprise: Beef
Land and soil description:
Phalaris based pasture on old alluvial soils (clay loam)
Rainfall average: 711 mm
https://www.geckoclan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MarriotSites.pdf
Don and Ali Piper at Earlston
Enterprise: Sheep and cropping
Land and soil description:
Annual pasture on creek flats (sandy clay loam)
Rainfall average: 609 mm
https://www.geckoclan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PiperSites.pdf
Steve and Doug James, Clint Nolan at Bungeet
Enterprise: Sheep
Land and soil description:
Annual pastures on sedimentary and granite derived soils (clay loam)
Rainfall average: 546 mm
https://www.geckoclan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/JamesSites.pdf
Project update May 2021
Participating farms have been visited in summer 2020/2021 to see how sites are progressing. Paddocks have received their nutrient applications, with livestock continuing to graze. Annual grass weeds are being managed at Earlston and Benalla sites. Water supply in paddocks is OK and not limiting. Feed base is good as a result of the good season. Landholders are assessing pasture growth and matching stocking rate as required. Project group will get together in May to monitor sites to assess the need for changes in stocking rates.
This project runs across two years and receives support from the Australian Government National Landcare Program. It is a partnership between Gecko Clan Landcare Network, Meridian Agriculture and Agriculture Victoria. For more information, contact Kerri Robson on 0418 140 710
Project Supported By: