It’s fascinating to watch companies with the miracle product suddenly develop a new product that will cure all ills. Could it be that the original product did not perform as claimed or is it a case of trying to chase the market as it changes?
One of the many pleasing aspects to selling Golden Bay Dolomite is the development of long term relationships with all those involved, from the mine owners through to the end users. It is particularly satisfying working with farmers and growers who experience and appreciate the unique benefits provided by dolomite.
Some years ago when suggesting to a retired boat builder that boats of modern design and construction were superior to hand built launches of 40 years ago he tersely replied that waves had not changed shape in that time and would not do so in the future.
Plant requirements for maximum production are no different now than they were 50 years ago. One thing that has changed in that time is the use of fertiliser nitrogen. In the late 1970’s and early 80’s pasture growth from permanent pastures without the use of fertiliser nitrogen could and often did exceed 18 tonne of dry matter per hectare annually.
Today total annual growth for permanent pastures seldom exceeds 15.5 tonne, a fact that is becoming increasingly recognised. Given the loss of pasture plants under fertiliser nitrogen driven fertiliser programmes, do permanent pastures now actually exist? There are an increasing number of properties where 15 – 20% of pasture is renewed or renovated every year.
Properties where dolomite is applied each year, the rate of application dependant on the need for magnesium, and little if any fertiliser nitrogen applied have a much reduced requirement for pasture renewal.
Pasture pulling in autumn occurs only where soils are too hard for pasture roots to penetrate easily. An obvious visual sign is grass plants perched with their crowns well above the soil surface. The areas most affected are the high traffic areas around gate ways, water troughs, and sites where stock concentrate to feed.
The loss of pasture plants due to pulling is almost entirely preventable without the long term use of mechanical soil aerators
Earthworms and other beneficial soil dwellers are able to do this work on all soils, provided the conditions conducive to their activities are created. Soils where test results indicate MAF QT levels of calcium exceeding 7, Base Saturation calcium in the 60 – 70% range, and soil pH between 6.2 and 6.5, nearly always contain sufficient calcium for strong earthworm and other beneficial soil dweller activity.
Golden Bay Dolomite, a proven soil conditioner in its own right, contains 11.5% magnesium, and 24% calcium. Where magnesium is a requirement, as it is on most intensive dairy properties, an autumn application of 200 – 250kg/ha will kick start the process of improving soil health and providing conditions conducive to excellent plant persistence.