There are some very positive things happening in the soil nutrient industry that those of us, who have been involved for over twenty years, find genuinely exciting.
There is an increasing ground swell of opinion amongst farmers and growers that a fundamental change in the way we manage soil fertility needs to take place, and as it directly involves our own health, change needs to happen rapidly.
Young people are joining the industry with the belief that they may be able to make changes that impact positively on society as a whole. They are not joining because they perceive a convenient or interesting career path but because they have a commitment to pursuing change that puts all of us in better shape for the future.
Aspects of soil fertility can be learnt from text books, lectures, and information from the internet, however this knowledge needs to be complemented by years of experience; observing, monitoring, digging holes, and sharing of information.
The most valued people in the field are those that have the best interests of their farmer clients at heart, regardless of their products.
Sales of dolomite continue to steadily increase at a time when sales of most main-stream products languish. Most clients cite the positive impact on animal health particularly during spring for continuing to purchase each year.
We like to think that the advice given by those involved with Golden Bay Dolomite is part of the value package. Where possible the recommendation is tailored to the requirements of the individual purchaser, which is the reason for the questions asked when making an enquiry.
Although the time that dolomite is most commonly applied is autumn it may be applied at any time and provide at least twelve months protection against all but the most severe calcium/magnesium related metabolic problems.
With mating soon to take place the application of dolomite now will be beneficial. Energy, the lack of, is at the base of most poor mating performance. Animals bred for high performance fed a typically high nitrate/low dry matter diet in spring, are simply not capable of continuing to produce offspring every twelve months over a prolonged number of years.
Reducing pressure on lactating animals by ensuring sufficient calcium and magnesium in every mouthful of pasture is one way of improving mating performance.
Providing sufficient spring feed is another component of successful management. The speed at which grass grows in spring is in large part due to soil temperature with strong growth occurring once soil temperatures regularly exceed 10°C.
Moisture content largely dictates the speed at which soil temperatures warm sufficiently for maximum growth. Water-logged soils warm more slowly due to the extra energy needed to warm the extra water, conversely well-structured free draining soils warm more rapidly producing higher energy feed earlier in the season.
Dolomite is a proven soil conditioner that improves macropore space in soils containing significant amounts of clay and silt. Light sandy soils also benefit due to an increase in soil aggregates.