The old saying that, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, can only be valid when there is an exception.
Back in the 1950s when the first batches of superphosphate were produced here the results provided a quantum shift in performance.
The reason for that is our soils back in the early days of development contained low levels of both phosphorus and sulphur.
Superphosphate was made by reacting phosphate rock with sulphuric acid resulting in a product containing 11% sulphur and 9% phosphorus.
Low fertility hill country was transformed with clover and higher fertility grasses providing an increase in feed that allowed many more animals to be farmed.
Today, with higher than maintenance inputs for over 50 years the continued regular application of ‘super’ based products are now largely justified on what could happen were applications to be withheld.
There’s good data indicating that annual pasture production is declining and the reasons for this are likely to vary in different regions.
Unfortunately, with insufficient funds to support long-term research those reasons may take time to be identified, however there are ways forward that are becoming increasingly obvious.
Soils weather over time with an ongoing loss of minerals. Eventually they find their way into oceans and with land movement become compacted and available for mining.
High quality lime in the Hawke’s Bay is old shell deposits that with grinding release calcium along with a myriad of minor elements when applied to land.
Calcium is the element responsible for strong and vigorous earthworm activity accompanied by other beneficial soil life including fungi and bacteria.
Regular applications over time are essential for optimum soil performance particularly when accompanied with magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential growth element however is best known for its positive effect on lactating animals especially high performing dairy cows.
Calcium and magnesium work together with calcium being a significant component of both milk and bone.
Magnesium allows calcium to be released from bone both prior to and after lambing and calving markedly reducing the incidence of related metabolic disorders in spring.
Having a natural product available that meets animals’ requirements during the busy spring period greatly reduces both the workload of staff as well as the concerns of owners and staff.
Golden Bay dolomite has been applied to properties for many years and every farmer I’ve been in contact with over the last thirty years appreciates its effectiveness.
It contains 11.5% magnesium and 24% calcium and there is only one deposit in the country. Being somewhat distant from intensive dairy regions there has been a concern regarding the cost of cartage.
However, with an annual application rate of 220kg/ha the transport component, when compared to widely used magnesium products from the other side of the world, compares favourably.
Applying a slightly heavier rate to land that has been damaged by heavy treading reduces pasture pulling and the cost of renewal.
Because of the steady release over twelve months dolomite can be applied at any time of the year. Autumn is ideal as it enhances animal health and robustness over autumn and winter in time for the demands of spring.