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Maximising the Results of Applying Farm Dairy Effluent to Pasture

Effluent is packed with nutrients, but getting the best results comes down to applying it at the right depth and spreading it over the right area. If your soil can’t absorb what you’re putting on, you’re wasting potential. Here’s how to make the most of your setup.
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Whether you use a slurry tanker, irrigation pods or travelling irrigator, there are two critical elements when applying farm dairy effluent (FDE) – correct application depth and application area. To ensure maximum response, both must be considered.

Farm Dairy Effluent Storage

Where storage is limited, farmers will usually need to apply effluent to the land in spring. If you are designing a new system, we strongly recommend including sufficient storage, to contain all the FDE produced over winter and spring. This will reduce the pressure on farm workers, and better utilize the nutrient value of the effluent.

Nevada 10,000L Tandem Slurry Tanker, extracting effluent from pond, being stirred with a PTO pond stirrer
Maximising the Results of Applying Farm Dairy Effluent to Pasture 5
Nevada 12800L Tandem Slurry Tanker spreading farm dairy effluent with a RainWave applicator
Maximising the Results of Applying Farm Dairy Effluent to Pasture 6

Effluent Application Depth

Optimum application depth is determined by the soil infiltration rate, water holding capacity and soil moisture deficit. These are physical characteristics that all farmers should know about their soil. The rate of application must not exceed the infiltration rate; otherwise ponding and run-off will occur. Application depth should not exceed the moisture deficit, which is the water holding capacity less evapotranspiration.

Application area is important for managing the nutrient balance of your soil. Although the Regional Councils allow 150Kg N/Ha, this is likely to result in excessive potassium application. To ensure your FDE system is optimised for effluent volumes, we recommend you work with a consultant.

Farm Dairy Effluent Application Area

In general, the larger the application area the better; this can be achieved with a range of systems, including the following:

  • Travelling irrigators offer 3mm minimum depth, although more typically 8-10mm. They require an extensive pipe reticulation system to increase application area.
  • Fertigator and pod systems can be run intermittently to apply FDE at any desired application depth. An extensive reticulation system is required to increase the area of application.
  • Slurry tankers have a range of spreading attachments and options. The splash plate on a Nevada tanker will apply 3-5mm in an even spray. Trailing shoes, dropper booms and injector units can also be installed on Nevada tankers to further reduce run-off. The obvious advantage of a slurry tanker is the ability to apply FDE to the entire farm without additional infrastructure.
Nevada Greenback Travelling Irrigator spr3eading effluent in a paddock
Maximising the Results of Applying Farm Dairy Effluent to Pasture 7
Nevada Trailing Shoe lines
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Regardless of which system is used, it is most important that the application depth does not exceed the soil moisture deficit, and soil nutrient requirements are not exceeded. This will ensure maximum response from your free effluent fertiliser. To achieve this, irrigation should be delayed until late spring or summer, and applied to a large area.

We’re Here to Help

When you’re looking to invest in the install or upgrade of dairy effluent systems and equipment, you want to get it right the first time. As accredited effluent system designers with over 30 years experience, we’re here to support you in getting the system and effluent equipment you need for an efficient, effective, council compliant effluent management system that’ll enhance the value of your farm. Give us a call to learn more.

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