Balancing Soil Fertility

Summary

The trial showed a measurable increase in pasture production, ground cover, litter levels and animal performance on all the treated plots. Both BSN and super application increased carrying capacity, which was further enhanced by the addition of legumes. Several group members have sown legumes and applied super since this trial and have been very happy with the results. Limited data collection makes it difficult to specify the long term benefits, and justify the extra expense, of balancing soil nutrition (BSN) treatments over superphosphate application. Deep ripping is expensive and achieved lower increases in nutrient levels than the other treatments. Groundcover and litter levels were also lower on these plots. Litter levels improved due to grazing management and extra vigour of plants. This indicates that a general improvement in soil health will occur and future reduction in fertiliser application levels may be beneficial.