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Fertiliser management
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If you are using fertilisers on your land, it’s important to follow industry-agreed practices for managing them.
These practices are documented in the Code of Practice for Nutrient Management and associated booklets developed by the Fertiliser Association. This includes the 4R fertiliser management approach:
| The 4Rs | What it means |
| Right place | Keeping nutrients where crops and pasture can use them, away from waterways or other sensitive areas. |
| Right time | Making nutrients available when crops and pasture can utilise them. |
| Right rate | Matching the amount of fertiliser to crop and pasture needs. |
| Right product | Matching the fertiliser type to crop and pasture needs. |
The Fertiliser Association has useful resources for farmers on its website fertiliser.org.nz.
The two primary nutrients needed for productive plant growth are nitrogen and phosphorus. The table below outlines why they are used, where they come from and how they can harm the environment:
|
Nutrient |
Why is it used? |
Where does it come from? |
Why can it be an issue? |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
N is required in greater amounts than any other soil nutrient. Soils in Otago are naturally low in N. |
|
Any N in the form of nitrate that is not taken up by plants can easily be leached through the soil and enter waterways. High N contents in water can promote algal blooms which can be toxic and smother aquatic life. High levels of N in drinking water can also be harmful to humans and animals. |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
P is essential for plant development. Soils in Otago are naturally low in P due to limited rock weathering. |
|
P binds easily to the soil so it can be transported with eroded soil to waterbodies where it can enhance the growth of algal blooms, which can be toxic and smother aquatic life. |
More information on phosphorus can be found on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website:
Factsheet: Phosphorus
Phosphorus (P) info from LAWA describes it as an essential element that attaches to soil and occurs naturally in low concentrations in water. Alongside nitrogen, it supports plant life in streams. Measured as total phosphorus (TP) or dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP).
Factsheet: Nitrogen
Nitrogen (N) info from LAWA states that Nitrogen, symbol N, makes up about 80% of Earth's atmosphere as N2 gas. It's crucial for plant growth, found in amino acids, proteins, DNA, and many organic/inorganic compounds.
