The trial was to determine the effects of mineral fertilizers on soil fertility and productivity. The pastures here were on Summer Natural Grasses / Winter Rye Grass Trials, Kilcoy, from March 2001 – January 2004.
Fertiliser |
Greentop K |
Iomat Natural Garden |
Manufacture |
Hi Fert |
Iomat |
Nitrogen |
32.00% |
0.17% |
Phosphorus |
0 |
5.20% |
Potassium |
10% |
0.52% |
Sulphur |
3% |
2.30% |
Calcium |
0% |
19.50% |
Org Carbon |
0% |
13% |
Greentop K was applied to all three paddocks at a common rate of 50 kg / ha Iomat Natural Garden was added to two of the paddocks at a rate of 40 kg / ha (paddock 3B) and at 80 kg / ha (paddock 2B)
Greentop K was added to all paddocks after each grazing period, ie every 28 days.
IOMAT Natural Garden was added to the selected paddocks with 3 only applications pa.
Total Annual Fertiliser Application
(Units / ha / pa)
Paddock |
2A |
3B |
2B |
Nitrogen |
208.57 |
208.78 |
208.98 |
Phosphorus |
0.00 |
6.24 |
12.48 |
Potassium |
65.18 |
65.80 |
66.43 |
Sulphur |
19.55 |
22.31 |
25.07 |
Calcium |
0.00 |
23.40 |
46.80 |
Org Carbon |
0.00 |
15.60 |
31.20 |
|
|
|
|
It must be noted from the very outset that the contribution in terms of units/ha or kg/ha of nutrients applied form the mineral fertilizer IOMAT Natural Garden is negligible. So the effects realized from using mineral fertilizer are not due to nutrients applied but to the very nature of minerals and how they stimulate soil and microbial activates to enhance quality productivity, sustainability, soil fertility and ultimately profit margins.
From the detailed analysis of soil, leaf and microbial analyses over the three year period significant and tangible results were observed and attendant cost savings for the farm operation. See table on fertilizer inputs and cost savings. It must be stressed that in Year 3 the effects of drought conditions had an impact upon the trials.
These savings were economic for the farmer, the environment and resulted in superior oil health and fertility. As a result of increased sustainability and soil fertility pastures were of a superior quality with regard to palatability, digestibility, and nutritional value. Tests confirmed this fact and the pastures grown on mineral fertilizers had higher energy levels.
The farmer said that the cattle grazed preferentially on the pastures with mineral fertilizers and reluctantly only grazed on the paddocks with chemical fertilisers.
With the mineral fertilizers there was a significant increase in soil fertility, mineral content, nutrient availability and uptake. Soils fertilized with minerals maintained an improved soil balance, organic matter and biological activity. What was outstanding was the reduction in soil acidity with no lime added and simultaneous reduction in salt levels in the soil with a highly significant increase in organic matter.
Clearly the biggest and most important issues in contemporary agriculture today, whether in Australia or anywhere, are increasing soil acidity, salinity and the reduction of organic matter. These main issues have been comprehensively addressed and met, in these trials with the use of mineral fertilizers here in Australian agriculture.
What is highly significant is how noticeably the minerals fertilizers maintained sustainability and increased production and quality even in the dry periods from the prevailing drought conditions. This fact alone is a must for Australian agriculture.
Results of leaf analysis reveal that the pastures using mineral fertilizers have higher mineral content, they are of higher quality, and are juicier and sweeter to livestock.
The quality of the chemical fertilizer pastures have steadily and systematically decreased as seen in the decline Bricks levels, carbohydrates, sugar levels, protein content and mineral content. This reduction in pasture quality resulted in inferior nutrition for the livestock, and was evidenced by the livestock grazing preferentially on the paddocks treated with mineral fertilizers.
The biological analysis revealed beyond any doubt that the soils treated with mineral fertilizers were biologically active and exhibited unmistakable sustainability, even in drought conditions. Total biomasses increased sharply and the microbial activity was not only maintained throughout the trial period but also enhanced, even in drought.
The biomass of the paddock using chemical fertilizers decreased noticeably as the detrimental effects of continued use of chemical fertilizers always does.
The rate of increase in soil conditions using mineral fertilizers slowed down in the third and final period of the trial indicating that the soil fertility and sustainability had reached or was rapidly achieving peak performance with regard to sustainability. This has been achieved in a very short period of time and in a highly cost-effective manner.
In conclusion, if contemporary agriculture, whether in Australia or any western agriculture situation, wants to achieve sustainability and profit margins while enhancing soil fertility through reducing soil acidity, salinity, increasing organic matter and biological activity and reducing effects of extended dry periods by “drought-proofing” their crops and/or pasture then the use of mineral fertilizers is an essential arsenal that has to be used either as a complete fertilizer regime or in combination with high analysis fertilizers.
Mel Lynch
Soil Chemist
The trial was initiated and monitored by Mr P Morris, overseen by agronomist Mr J Ferguson. Report writing and interpretation of data by Mr M Lynch, Soil Chemist.
IOMAT - Introducing IntentionOne Mineral Agriculture Technology
IOMAT - Mineral Agriculture Technology - What is it?
IOMAT - Summary of IOMAT Trials
IOMAT - Chemical Free Food - THE AGRICULTURE / FOOD/ HEALTH CONNECTION
IOMAT - Production & Financial Benefits