In partnership with North East Catchment Management Authority, Dairy Australia has been working on tackling soil acidification, reducing nutrient leeching and improving production.
This project is part of the broader Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action-funded ‘Our Catchments, Our Communities’ Lower Kiewa Stewardship Project.
Soil acidification has been an issue for many soil types across north-east Victoria and an increase in summer cropping, hay and silage production and off-paddock feeding has increased the acidification process.
Acidification is a threat to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. As acidity increases, soil health deteriorates.
Remediating the issue is not a single intervention but part of a long-term strategy to remain profitable every year while setting a sustainable plan for building overall soil health.
Working with local agronomist Darren McCormick, six participating dairy farmers developed tailored individual strategies for their dairy business.
The management plans ensure what is being done on the farm today can continue into the future and that the Lower Kiewa remains in good health.
By assessing soil nutrient levels, understanding productive demands, nutrient loads, soil health and constant monitoring and evaluation, the plans have set a road map for success.
Increasing production and the removal of organic matter from the paddock in the form of milk, forages and effluent needs to be replaced to ensure soils in this region, already prone to acidification, do not crash.
Getting the balance right, so soils are improved, and farms remain productive and profitable while ensuring excessive nutrients do not leech from the land, is a complex and dynamic problem.
To ensure ongoing success, farmers received training to monitor, diagnose and take proactive steps to maintain a positive trajectory for the land they manage.
Physical properties of soil also play a big role in ensuring the ongoing health of farms and the broader catchment, so the project covers soil structure, erosion control measures, buffer strips, stocking rates and paddock/pasture management in addition to looking at the chemical properties.
By prioritising practices that enhance soil health, minimise nutrient leaching, and optimise fertiliser use, farmers can sustainably maintain production levels while reducing their environmental footprint.
Investing in soil health today ensures fertile and resilient soils, which is why the Lower Kiewa Stewardship Project identified the importance of working with productive farms as a key to the ongoing health of the region.
– From Murray Dairy.