Coastal farmers calibrate for cleaner waterways

Farmers on the South Coast have been getting tips on how more precise fertiliser spreading can help stop stray nutrients from polluting local waterways.

Fertilisers such as nitrogen and phosphorus boost pasture growth for livestock. However, over-application can lead to nutrient runoff that pollutes the environment.

Seventeen farmers took up the challenge to make their fertiliser management more accurate and more environmentally safe at Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) Accu-Spread field days held at Bega and Kangaroo Valley.

Soil testing and calibration of fertiliser spreading machines can reduce waste and cut costs for farmers. More careful fertiliser application can also reduce the chance of fertiliser nutrients ending up in creeks and rivers.

The Australian Fertiliser Services Association’s Accu-Spread program independently tests and accredits fertiliser spreading equipment for accuracy and evenness of spreading.

At the field days, Accu-Spread specialist, Russell Nicholl, demonstrated how to test and calibrate three different machines to get the best fertiliser spread pattern on the paddock.

Local Land Services Senior Agriculture Advisor, Cas Weiske, spoke at the field days, emphasising the importance of soil testing before adding fertiliser.

"Soil tests help farmers identify nutrient deficiencies or excesses in their paddocks. That can reduce costs by ensuring the right amount of fertiliser is applied in the right place," Cas explained.

The CCC Accu-Spread field days were delivered by South East Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with funding through the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.