Soil tests help restore dairy business

10/10/2006 1:00:00 AM

Peter says they had undertaken soil testing in the past but saw significant differences with the Albrecht testing method and analysis APAL carried out. It was far more detailed and comprehensive - providing a complete picture of soil health.

In 1981, Yankalilla dairyfarmers Peter and Ian Willcocks (pictured right) bought their parents’ 112 hectare property.

The debt they had to carry to buy the property, plus the previous debt incurred by the business, coupled with high interest rates “put us into strife”.

They tried all sorts of advice over the next 10 years but were not getting the results for which they had hoped for their registered Holstein-Friesian herd.

The local vet at the time suggested they contact Bryan McLeod, an independent consultant with the Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratory, to help them with their farm management practices.

Bryan began with testing the soil, using the Albrecht method, a comprehensive test that takes all elements into account.

“The soil tests revealed that our calcium levels were dropping and magnesium was rising in the irrigated paddocks; this meant the proportions of those two elements was out of balance. We wanted a 60 per cent calcium, 12 per cent magnesium ratio,” says Ian, the younger of the two.

“By applying lime and some gypsum we were able to achieve the desired levels. Through this process we started to acquire a much better understanding of the importance of nutrient levels in the soil.

“A few trace elements were also lacking in our soils, particularly boron. We sprayed boron on the pastures and applied it with our other fertilisers.”

Copper cobalt and selenium deficiencies were detected and remedied with the application of selenium chips and foliar sprays of copper and cobalt.

Significant differences with Albrecht testing

Peter says they had undertaken soil testing in the past but saw significant differences with the Albrecht testing method and analysis Bryan carried out. It was far more detailed and comprehensive—providing a complete picture of soil health.

The soil tests revealed low molybdenum levels, which was stopping the lucerne from forming nodules and getting its required nutrients.

“Molybdenum levels were lower than they should have been according to the Albrecht testing method for our soil type but were sufficient in terms of `Australian standards’,” says Peter.

Trying to keep within Australian standards had proved unsuccessful in the past, as they were not appropriate for conditions on their property.

Bryan’s interpretation of the results was free of any preconceived ideas of what was appropriate for Ian and Peter’s farm. He based his advice specifically on what was happening in their soil.

Peter says using a consultant like Bryan McLeod from Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratory has helped them learn faster and enabled them to refine their farm management techniques.

“He convinced us that we could increase our stocking rates by better management and to date we’ve been able to achieve a 50 per centincrease,” says Ian.

The brothers now have 140 milkers and rear their own heifers for sale. Milk production has increased over 10 years from an average of 5600L/cow to 8000L/cow.
The cows receive about 2 tonnes of grain per head/pa and, with strip grazing, are on fresh pasture each day.

“Bryan has taught us about achieving better ratios of hay, silage, pasture and grain to ensure we’re feeding our cows a balanced diet,” says Peter.

With significant improvements in their soil resulting in high quality pasture and rapid growth rates, Ian and Peter say they have now got neighbours looking over their fence and asking for advice.