Nutrient budgeting as an approach to improving nutrient management on Australian dairy farms

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. P. Gourley ◽  
J. M. Powell ◽  
W. J. Dougherty ◽  
D. M. Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Nutrient Pools ◽  
Farming Community ◽  
Societal Pressure

Dairy farming in Australia continues to intensify. Increased stocking rates have resulted in increased milk production per ha, but have also required greater inputs of purchased feed and fertiliser. The imbalance between nutrient inputs, primarily as feed and fertiliser, and nutrient outputs, in milk and livestock, has resulted in significant nutrient accumulation on dairy farms and, consequently, a greater risk of nutrient loss to the environment. Nutrient budgeting is a technique used to quantify or predict nutrient deficits or surpluses, either at a whole-farm or field scale, in an attempt to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses from agriculture. A broad range of nutrient budgeting approaches are used internationally, and depending on their purpose, they vary from the very simple to the very complex. Nutrient budgeting has been widely used to assist on-farm nutrient management decisions, in research to identify major nutrient pools, transformations and losses, to enable farmers to access cost-sharing support from governments, and in some countries as a major regulatory tool. The changing nature of Australian dairy operations, the increasing societal pressure on the farming community to reduce nutrient losses to water and air, and the need to provide evidence that farm practices are meeting environmental standards, justifies the need for improved nutrient management practices on Australian dairy farms. This paper describes different types of nutrient budgeting approaches used internationally and assesses the benefits of developing a practical, scientifically rigorous and nationally standardised nutrient budgeting approach for the Australian dairy industry.

Nitrogen balances in temperate perennial grass and clover dairy pastures in south-eastern Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Eckard ◽  
D. F. Chapman ◽  
R. E. White
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Total N ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Nitrogen (N) fertiliser use on dairy pastures in south-eastern Australia has increased exponentially over the past 15 years. Concurrently, imports of supplementary feed onto dairy farms have increased, adding further nutrients to the system. These trends raise questions about the environmental effects of higher nutrient inputs to dairy farms. To gauge possible effects, annual N balances were calculated from an experiment where N inputs and losses were measured for 3 years from non-irrigated grass/clover pastures receiving either no N fertiliser (Control) or 200 kg N/ha applied annually as ammonium nitrate or urea. Estimated total N inputs, averaged over the 3 years, were 154, 314, and 321 kg N/ha.year for the control, ammonium nitrate, and urea treatments, respectively, while N outputs in meat and milk were 75, 99, and 103 kg N/ha.year, respectively. The corresponding calculated N surplus was 79, 215, and 218 kg N/ha.year for the 3 treatments, respectively, and the ratio of product N/total-N inputs for the 3 treatments ranged from 50% in the control to 32% for both N treatments. Total N losses averaged 56, 102, and 119 kg N/ha.year, leaving a positive N balance of 23, 112, and 99 kg N/ha.year for the control, ammonium nitrate, and urea treatments, respectively. The ratio of product N/total-N inputs or the N surplus may be useful in monitoring the efficiency of conversion of N into animal products and the potential environmental effect at a whole-farm scale. However, additional decision support or modelling tools are required to provide information on specific N losses for a given set of conditions and management inputs. Given the large range in N losses there is opportunity for improving N-use efficiency in dairy pastures through a range of management practices and more tactical use of grain and N fertiliser.

scholarly journals Soil Fertility Management for Better Crop Production

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1349
Author(s):  
John Havlin ◽  
Ron Heiniger
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Fertility Management

Increasing crop productivity per unit of land area to meet future food and fiber demand increases both soil nutrient removal and the importance of replenishing soil fertility through efficient nutrient management practices. Significant progress in enhancing nutrient-use efficiency in production agriculture requires improved estimates of plant-available nutrients in the root zone, enhanced crop response to applied nutrients, and reduced offsite nutrient transport. This special issue, Soil Fertility Management for Better Crop Production, presents 15 manuscripts that advance our knowledge of interrelated soil, plant, and management factors important to increasing the nutrient availability and crop recovery of applied nutrients.

A survey of dairy cow wintering practices in Canterbury, New Zealand

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Edwards ◽  
K. Mashlan ◽  
D. E. Dalley ◽  
J. B. Pinxterhuis
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Fodder Beet ◽  
Dairy Farmer ◽  
Winter Crops ◽  
Significant Opportunity

Low pasture growth rates in the South Island of New Zealand dictate the use of grazed crops and stored supplements over winter to feed dairy cows. However, grazed crops represent a significant risk for nutrient loss. Little is known about the extent of different wintering practices. The aim of the present research was to document the prevailing winter management practices in Canterbury, allowing changes in management to be tracked in the future. A telephone survey of 238 dairy farms in Canterbury (20% of the total 1208 farms) was completed in March 2016. Results indicated a heavy reliance on wintering off the milking platform (93% of the cow.weeks), mostly on support blocks managed by the dairy farmer (68%). Twenty-five per cent of the wintering occurred on a farm not owned or managed by the dairy farmer, commonly on arable farms. Kale (46%) and fodder beet (40%) were the most common winter crops fed to cows. Optimising kale and fodder beet management represents a significant opportunity to improve nutrient management and reduce nutrient loss from grazed crops.

Yield improvement and adaptation of wheat to water-limited environments in Australia—a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 676 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Richards ◽  
J. R. Hunt ◽  
J. A. Kirkegaard ◽  
J. B. Passioura
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Grain Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Grain Legumes ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
Rainfed Wheat

The improvement in grain yield of wheat throughout Australia through both breeding and management has been impressive. Averaged across all farms, there has been an approximate doubling of yield per unit area since ~1940. This has occurred across a broad range of environments with different rainfall patterns. Interestingly, the gain in the driest years (9 kg ha–1 year–1 or 0.81% year–1) has been proportionally greater than in the most favourable years (13.2 kg ha–1 year–1 or 0.61% per year) when expressed as yield relative to 2012. These data from all farms suggest that further yield progress is likely, and evidence is presented that improved management practices alone could double this rate of progress. The yield increases achieved have been without any known compromise in grain quality or disease resistance. As expected, improvements have come from both changed management and from better genetics, as well as from the synergy between them. Yield improvements due to changed management have been dramatic and are easiest to quantify, whereas those from breeding have been important but more subtle. The management practices responsible have largely been driven by advances in mechanisation that enable direct seeding, more timely and flexible sowing and nutrient management, and improved weed and pest control, many of which have been facilitated by improved crop sequences with grain legumes and oilseeds that improve water- and nutrient-use efficiency. Most of the yield improvements from breeding in Australia have come from conventional breeding approaches where selection is almost solely for grain yield (together with grain quality and disease resistance). Improvements have primarily been through increased harvest index (HI), although aboveground biomass has also been important. We discuss future opportunities to further increase Australian rainfed wheat yields. An important one is earlier planting, which increases resource capture. This will require knowledge of the genes regulating phenological development so that flowering still occurs at the optimum time; appropriate modifications to sowing arrangements and nutrient management will also be required. To improve yield potential, we propose a focus on physiological traits that increase biomass and HI and suggest that there may be more scope to improve biomass than HI. In addition, there are likely to be important opportunities to combine novel management practices with new breeding traits to capture the synergy possible from variety × management interactions. Finally, we comment on research aimed at adapting agriculture to climate change.

scholarly journals Manure Application Timing and Tillage Influence on Nutrient Loss from Snowmelt Runoff

Soil Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Ammar B. Bhandari ◽  
Ronald Gelderman ◽  
David German ◽  
Dennis Todey
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ammonium Nitrogen ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Snowmelt Runoff ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Manure Application ◽  
Application Timing ◽  
Dissolved Phosphorus

Winter manure application contributes substantial nutrient loss during snowmelt and influences water quality. The goal of this study is to develop best management practices (BMPs) for winter manure management. We compared nutrient concentrations in snowmelt runoff from three dates of feedlot solid beef manure application (November, January, and March) at 18 tons ha−1 on untilled and fall-tilled plots. The manure was applied at a single rate. Sixteen 4 m2 steel frames were installed in the fall to define individual plots. Treatments were randomly assigned so that each tillage area had two control plots, two that received manure during November, two in January, and two in March. Snowmelt runoff from each individual plot was collected in March and analyzed for runoff volume (RO), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), total suspended solids (TSS), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP). Snowmelt runoff concentrations and loads of NH4-N, TKN, TP, and TDP were significantly higher in runoff from manure application treatments compared to control. The concentration of NH4-N and loads of NH4-N and TDP were significantly (p = 0.05) greater (42%, 51%, and 47%, respectively) from untilled compared to fall-tilled plots. The November application significantly increased RO, NH4-N, and TDP concentrations and loads in the snowmelt runoff compared to January and March applications. Results showed that nutrient losses in snowmelt runoff were reduced from manure applications on snow compared to non-snow applications. The fall tillage before winter manure application decreased nutrient losses compared to untilled fields.

scholarly journals Production and Profitability of Hybrid Rice Is Influenced by Different Nutrient Management Practices

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Ram Datta Bhatta ◽  
Mahendra Paudel ◽  
Kishor Ghimire ◽  
Khem Raj Dahal ◽  
Lal Prasad Amgain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Harvest Index ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Straw Yield ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Government

The government of Nepal has recommended blanket fertilizer application for rice cultivation, which results in lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE) particularly under rainfed conditions. With the aim of finding an appropriate nutrient management practices concerning rice production and profitability, a field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2017 and 2018 at Kavrepalanchowk and Dang district of Nepal. Altogether, five treatments comprising various nutrient management practices viz. Nutrient Expert Model (NE), use of Leaf Color Chart (LCC), Government Recommended Fertilizer Dose (GON), Farm Yard Manure (FYM), and Farmers’ Field Practice (FFP), were laid out in RCBD with four replications in farmers’ fields. The analysis of variance showed significant difference between treatments for test weight and grain yield in Kavrepalanchowk whereas all traits except number of effective tillers were significant in Dang. The significantly higher grain yield and harvest index were obtained in NE, followed by LCC; and the overall straw yield was highest in LCC, followed by NE in both the locations. Also, yield gap analysis suggested the NE had 44.44% and 23.97% increase in yield as compared to FPP in Kavrepalanchowk and Dang, respectively. The combined analysis with Best Linear Unbiased Estimator revealed the interaction of nutrient management and location significantly effects the straw yield and harvest index across both the locations. The estimated mean straw yield and harvest index were 10.93 t/ha and 34.98%, respectively. Both correlation study and biplot of principal component analysis signaled grain yield had positive correlation with all other traits. Furthermore, the net revenue was maximum for NE, followed by LCC in both the locations. The benefit: cost ratio was highest for NE which was 1.55 in Kavrepalanchowk and 2.61 in Dang. On the basis of these findings, NE and LCC can be effectively used as nutrient management practice by the farmers to obtain maximum production and profitability in Rice.

scholarly journals Vegetable Production Best Management Practices to Minimize Nutrient Loss

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 398-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.K. Hartz
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Best Management

Nutrient loss from commercial vegetable fields has become a significant environmental issue in all the major vegetable-producing regions of the United States. Growers are facing potentially disruptive regulations aimed at improving the quality of both surface and ground water. Significant improvement in nutrient management will be required to meet this regulatory challenge. This paper discusses five practical, low-cost nutrient best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs are widely applicable, relatively inexpensive to implement, and can dramatically reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from vegetable fields. However, even with careful application of these BMPs, runoff and leachate from vegetable fields may periodically exceed environmental water quality standards, which are very stringent.

scholarly journals Soil and water management: opportunities to mitigate nutrient losses to surface waters in the Northern Great Plains

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen M. Baulch ◽  
Jane A. Elliott ◽  
Marcos R.C. Cordeiro ◽  
Don N. Flaten ◽  
David A. Lobb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Soil And Water

The Northern Great Plains is a key region to global food production. It is also a region of water stress that includes poor water quality associated with high concentrations of nutrients. Agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus loads to surface waters need to be reduced, yet the unique characteristics of this environment create challenges. The biophysical reality of the Northern Great Plains is one where snowmelt is the major period of nutrient transport, and where nutrients are exported predominantly in dissolved form. This limits the efficacy of many beneficial management practices (BMPs) commonly used in other regions and necessitates place-based solutions. We discuss soil and water management BMPs through a regional lens—first understanding key aspects of hydrology and hydrochemistry affecting BMP efficacy, then discussing the merits of different BMPs for nutrient control. We recommend continued efforts to “keep water on the land” via wetlands and reservoirs. Adoption and expansion of reduced tillage and perennial forage may have contributed to current nutrient problems, but both practices have other environmental and agronomic benefits. The expansion of tile and surface drainage in the Northern Great Plains raises urgent questions about effects on nutrient export and options to mitigate drainage effects. Riparian vegetation is unlikely to significantly aid in nutrient retention, but when viewed against an alternative of extending cultivation and fertilization to the waters’ edge, the continued support of buffer strip management and refinement of best practices (e.g., harvesting vegetation) is merited. While the hydrology of the Northern Great Plains creates many challenges for mitigating nutrient losses, it also creates unique opportunities. For example, relocating winter bale-grazing to areas with low hydrologic connectivity should reduce loadings. Managing nutrient applications must be at the center of efforts to mitigate eutrophication. In this region, ensuring nutrients are not applied during hydrologically sensitive periods such as late autumn, on snow, or when soils are frozen will yield benefits. Working to ensure nutrient inputs are balanced with crop demands is crucial in all landscapes. Ultimately, a targeted approach to BMP implementation is required, and this must consider the agronomic and economic context but also the biophysical reality.

scholarly journals Assessing Multi-Micronutrients Deficiency in Agricultural Soils of India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9136
Author(s):  
Arvind Kumar Shukla ◽  
Sanjib Kumar Behera ◽  
Chandra Prakash ◽  
Ashok Kumar Patra ◽  
Ch Srinivasa Rao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Agricultural Produce ◽  
The Right

The deficiencies of nutrient elements and inappropriate nutrient management practices in agricultural soils of the world is one of the reasons for low crop productivity, reduced nutritional quality of agricultural produce, and animal/human malnutrition. We carried out the present study to evaluate the single and multi-nutrient deficiencies of sulfur (S) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)) in agricultural soils of India for their effective management to achieve sustainable crop production, improved nutritional quality in crops and better animal/human health. Altogether, 24,2827 surface soil samples (0 to 15 cm depth) were collected from the agriculture fields of 615 districts in 28 states of India and were analyzed for available S and micronutrient concentration. The concentration of available S and micronutrients varied widely. There were variable and widespread deficiencies of S and micronutrients in different states. The deficiencies of S, Zn and B were higher compared to the deficiencies of Fe, Cu and Mn. There were occurrences of two-nutrient (namely S + Zn, Zn + B, S + B, Zn + Fe Zn + Mn, S + Fe, Zn + Cu and Fe + B), three-nutrient (namely S + Zn + B, S + Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B) and four-nutrient (namely Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn and Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn + B) deficiencies in different extents. This information could be used by various stakeholders for production, supply and application of the right kind of fertilizers in different districts, states and agro-ecological regions of India for better crop production, crop nutritional quality, nutrient use efficiency and soil and environmental health. This will also help in a greater way to address the issue of malnutrition in human/animals.

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