Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for Lucerne Seed ...€¦ · Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Post...
Transcript of Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for Lucerne Seed ...€¦ · Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Post...
Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for Lucerne Seed Production 2012-2017
By Dr. Belinda Rawnsley July 2017
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Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for
Lucerne Seed Production (2012-2017)
Keith, South Australia
Final Report
Author: Dr Belinda Rawnsley
Date: 11 July 2017
AgXtra
6 Pattinson Rd
Newton SA 5074
+61 8 83654 7070
agxtra.com.au
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
PROJECT OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 4
IRRIGATED FIELD TRIAL ......................................................................................................... 5
METHODS ................................................................................................................................. 5
Site details ............................................................................................................................. 5
TREATMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 1. Trial site map. ...................................................................................................... 7
Treatment application ............................................................................................................. 8
Soil collection ......................................................................................................................... 8
Tissue collection .................................................................................................................... 8
Crop biomass ......................................................................................................................... 8
Harvest and seed cleaning ..................................................................................................... 8
Chronology of Events ............................................................................................................. 9
Table 1. Activities conducted by AgXtra at the irrigated trial site. ....................................... 9
Broadacre Management Activities ........................................................................................ 10
Table 2. Spray applications by the landholder over entire trial area. ................................. 10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................................. 11
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) .................................................................. 11
Table 3. Mean crop biomass as measured by NDVI following application of different
fertiliser treatments. .......................................................................................................... 11
Table 4. Top 10 fertilisers with effect on crop biomass. .................................................... 12
Figure 2. Mean crop biomass (column) as measured by normalised difference vegetation
index (NDVI) and average yield kg/ha (line), 2013-2017. Crop biomass was signifciantly
different between treatments (P=0.0103)........................................................................ 13
Soil analysis ......................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 3. Soil nutrient status of irrigated lucerne trial area prior to treatment application in
regard to desirable level (kg/ha), 2011 and 2017 (AgVita) ................................................ 15
Figure 4. Comparison of mean soil nutrient status from 2011 to 2017, irrigated lucerne. .. 16
Table 5. Mean soil nutrients signifciantly different between fertiliser treatments (in order of
yield), 2017. ..................................................................................................................... 17
Table 6. Mean soil nutrient analysis, March 2017. ............................................................ 18
Figure 5. Mean soil phosphorus from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source:
AgVita). ............................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 6. Mean soil zinc from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source: AgVita). ...... 20
Figure 7. Mean soil copper from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source: AgVita). . 21
Sap analysis......................................................................................................................... 22
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Table 7. Mean nutritional status of lucerne plants by sap analysis, 2017 (Agvita, TAS). ... 22
Table 8. Mean tissue nutrient analysis from irrigated lucerne trial site, January 2017
(source: AgVita, TAS). ...................................................................................................... 23
Figure 8. Mean phosphorus in plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap
analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita). ................................................................................ 24
Figure 9. Mean potassium in plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap
analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita, TAS). ....................................................................... 25
Figure 10. Mean molybdenum plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap
analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita). ................................................................................ 26
Figure 11. Mean calcium plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap analysis,
Jan 2017 (source: AgVita). ............................................................................................... 27
Yield and Gross margin ........................................................................................................ 28
Table 9. Average yield (kg/ha) in irrigated trial area across five seasons (2013-2017). .... 28
Table 10. Fertiliser treatments that achieved consistently highest yields across five
seasons (2013-2017). ...................................................................................................... 28
Table 11. Average lucerne yield over 5 years and respective application timings of different
treatments. ....................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 12. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site in 2013 (note range 400-1100 kg/ha). .......................................... 32
Figure 13. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site in 2014 (note range 400-1100kg/ha). ........................................... 33
Figure 14. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site in 2015 (note range 400-700 kg/ha). ............................................ 34
Figure 15. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site in 2016 (note range 400-800 kg/ha). ............................................ 35
Figure 16. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site in 2014-2015 season (note range 400-800 kg/ha). ...................... 36
Figure 17. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments
at the irrigated trial site across 5 years (2013-2017, note range 400-800 kg/ha). .............. 37
GROSS MARGIN ............................................................................................................. 38
Figure 18. Gross margin in 2013 from a range of fertiliser treatments. ............................. 38
Figure 19. Gross margin in 2014 from a range of fertiliser treatments. ............................. 39
Figure 20. Gross margin in 2015 from a range of fertiliser treatments. ............................. 40
Figure 21. Gross margin in 2016 from a range of fertiliser treatments. ............................. 41
Figure 22. Gross margin in 2017 from a range of fertiliser treatments. ............................. 42
Figure 23. Average gross margin across five seasons from a range of fertiliser treatments.
......................................................................................................................................... 43
CONCLUSIONS....................................................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX............................................................................................................................... 45
Yield Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 45
Gross Margin Analysis ......................................................................................................... 46
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INTRODUCTION Lucerne Australia received Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC)
funding to undertake an independent fertiliser trial on both dryland and irrigated lucerne seed
systems in the south east of South Australia.
The project commenced in 2012 to establish two fertiliser trial sites at a dryland and an irrigated
lucerne seed production paddock. The initial project was funded for three years. Additional
funding was granted to extend the project for a further two years (2015-16 and 2016-17) at the
irrigated site.
The project aimed to provide a clear picture of determining what fertiliser products would deliver
the maximum benefits for lucerne seed producers with the primary focus on seed yield. The
lucerne seed industry would benefit by being able to cost-effectively fertilise lucerne for seed
crops, thereby finding the optimum investment level of fertiliser applications required to
maximise seed yields and gross margins.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES • Determine which fertiliser treatment delivers total maximum seed yield.
• Evaluate which treatment delivers the most economic seed yield in terms of yield output for
dollar input.
• Evaluate if there was a relationship between crop biomass and seed yield.
• Measure soil fertility using soil and sap tests.
• Determine the accumulated effects of fertilisers in a long-term production phase.
• Observe any side effects associated with the different types of fertilisers on lucerne seed
production – this will be observation only and may assist with identifying possible problems with
different treatments for the future.
• Deliver objective, accurate and timely results to industry in an accessible format.
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IRRIGATED FIELD TRIAL
METHODS
SITE DETAILS
Location Keith, South Australia
GPS co-ordinates -35.235596112939746, 138.677104879299
Soil texture Sand
Crop Lucerne (Medicago sativa)
Variety Alphamaster 9™ - FG91TO13
Trial design Modified randomised complete block
Replications 3
Plot size 15 m X 6 m
Total area 8,100 m2
Sowing/planting date 2011
Irrigation type Flood irrigation
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TREATMENTS Tmt No.
Product Supplier
Treatment Rate Rate Unit
Application Total Product Cost ($/ha)
1 Untreated Control 0.00
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Impact Fertilisers
Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 200 kg/ha Spring 120.00
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Spring 122.00
4 Plain Super 100 kg/ha Spring 33.00
5 Plain Super 200 kg/ha Spring 66.00
6 Plain Super 300 kg/ha Spring 99.00
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 100 kg/ha Spring 43.00
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Spring 86.00
9 Super Potash 2 & 1 300 kg/ha Spring 129.00
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 100 kg/ha Spring 110.00
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 100 kg/ha Spring 55.00
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 105 kg/ha Spring 73.00
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 130 kg/ha Spring 88.00
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 80 kg/ha Spring 58.00
15 Hilton Biological Fertilisers
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost (mix A) 100 l/ha Autumn 68.00
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost (mix A) 50 l/ha Post Hay Cut
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high cost(mix A++) 100 l/ha Autumn
105.00 Lucerne Mix 2 high cost (mix A++) 50 l/ha Post Hay Cut
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Lawrie Co
BioGraze 250 kg/ha Spring 82.50
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 250 kg/ha Spring 123.25
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 250 kg/ha Spring 108.00
20 SS/SOP/Humate granules 250 kg/ha Spring 150.00
21 Gary
Ferguson
Composted manure 2000 kg/ha Autumn 240.00
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Southern Soils
Fertiliser
NutriCal 10 l/ha Autumn
235.00 NutriCal 10 l/ha Spring
NutriCal 10 l/ha Post Hay Cut
BioCoat 200 kg/ha Spring
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NutriCal 15 l/ha Autumn
235.00 NutriCal 15 l/ha Post Hay Cut
BioCoat 200 kg/ha Spring
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NutriCal 15 l/ha Autumn
245.00 NutriCal 15 l/ha Spring
Scrub Mix 200 kg/ha Spring
25 Haby's
Manure Supplies
Chicken Manure (non-composted)
2000 kg/ha Autumn 84.00
26 Commercial Compost 1000 kg/ha Autumn 84.00
27 Stoller
Australia
Foli-Zyme 5 l/ha Post Hay Cut 129.80
Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Spring
28 Bio-Forge 1.2 l/ha Post Hay Cut
169.00 Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Spring
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Agrichem
Booster Zinc Moly 2.5 l/ha Autumn
119.00 Maxi Mang 0.3 l/ha Autumn
Super Potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha Post Hay Cut
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Balance 3ZBM 2.5 l/ha Post Hay Cut
137.05 Maxi Fruit 5 l/ha Post Hay Cut
Super Potash 2 & 1 100 kg/ha Spring
Granular and manure products applied by broadcast methods (simulated spreader)
Liquid products applied by hand boom equipment fitted with Agrotop AI 110-01 nozzles
Post hay cut treatments were targeted 14 days after hay cut
Total product cost is calculated using recommended retail prices provided by suppliers. This cost does not include freight or application cost.
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REP 3
REP 2
REP 1
Figure 1. Trial site map.
Each square indicates a plot and the number indicates the treatment number.
Trt Treatment Description
1 Untreated Control
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 200 kg/ha
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 200 kg/ha
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100 kg/ha
5 Plain Super (SSP) 200 kg/ha
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg/ha
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 100 kg/ha
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 200 kg/ha
9 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 300 kg/ha
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 100 kg/ha
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 100 kg/ha
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 105 kg/ha
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 130 kg/ha
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 80 kg/ha
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 100 L/ha; Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 50 L/ha
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 100 L/ha; Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 50 L/ha
17 BioGraze 250 kg/ha
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 250 kg/ha
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 250 kg/ha
20 SSP/SOP/Humate gran (60:30:10) 250 kg/ha
21 Pig Manure 2000 kg/ha
22 NutriCal 10 L/ha; NutirCal 10 L/ha; NutriCal 10 L/ha; BioCoat 200 kg/ha
23 NutriCal 15 L/ha; NutriCal 15 L/ha; BioCoat 200 kg/ha
24 NutriCal 15 L/ha; NutriCal 15 L/ha; Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 200 kg/ha
25 Chicken Manure 2000 kg/ha
26 Commercial compost 1000 kg/ha
27 Foli-Zyme 5 L/ha; Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 200 kg/ha
28 Bio-Forge 1.2 L/ha; Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 200 kg/ha
29 Booster Zinc Moly 2.5 L/ha; Maxi Mang 0.3 L/ha; Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 200
30 Balance 3ZBM 2.5 L/ha; Maxi Fruit 5 L/ha; Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 200 kg/ha
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TREATMENT APPLICATION
Thirty treatments were selected to represent fertiliser regimes that may influence lucerne seed production. Treatments were applied in accordance to the suppliers’ advice on timing and recommended rates.
Each season, treatments were applied at either three timings during the lucerne growing season; (i) autumn, (ii) spring or (iii) post-hay cut. Liquid fertilisers were applied by boom spray and granular fertilisers applied by hand to mimic commercial use and enable targeted application of products.
To ensure adequate trace elements were received by the crop, manganese, zinc and copper were applied to the whole paddock by the landholder, including the trial area. The untreated plots received no additional fertilisers.
SOIL COLLECTION
Soils were collected prior to trial initiation and at harvest each season. Up to ten soil cores were collected from each plot using a corer or small trowel to provide a representative sample of 500g of each treatment. Samples were sent to AgVita, Tasmania for comprehensive soil analysis.
Soil from individual plots were analysed in 2013, 2015 and 2017. In 2014 and 2016, soils were bulked from each treatment to give a representative sample.
TISSUE COLLECTION
Plant samples from each plot were collected at flowering each season. Stems were 20-30 cm in length and leaves removed. Samples were placed in paper bags and sent AgVita, Tasmania for NU-Test nutrient uptake analysis.
Nutrient analysis was assessed according to the average mean nutrient level (ppm) and compared to the desired range for each nutrient.
CROP BIOMASS
Crop biomass was estimated by normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) using a handheld Greenseeker® sensor. NDVI provides a measure of crop growth and vigour in terms of density and colour.
HARVEST AND SEED CLEANING
Lucerne seed harvest coincided with harvest timing of the landholder’s crop. Seed was harvested using a Wintersteiger Delta small plot harvester.
Seed was harvested from individual plots, collected in paper bags and cleaned in the laboratory via vacuum separation. Clean seed was weighed on a per plot basis and yield data was adjusted accordingly to coincide with the landholders’ average yield for the trial block.
Relative Gross Margin is calculated based on a clean seed price of $5/kg, plus an application cost of $5/ha for granular, $11/ha for liquids and $20/ha for composts, but excludes freight. No other cost associated with producing the seed is factored in as these are considered constant across all treatments within the trial.
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CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
Activities for the trial sites were scheduled each year to commence at similar times across the growing seasons. Planned activities at the irrigated site were achieved in 2016 (Table 1). Grower applications and irrigation timings are shown in Table 3.
Table 1. Activities conducted by AgXtra at the irrigated trial site.
Date Action Completed
YEAR 1 Season 2012/2013
20/12/2011 Initial Soil & SAP sampling
27/04/2012 Autumn Fertiliser Application (application A in treatment list)
18/09/2012 Spring Fertiliser Application (application B in treatment list)
18/12/2012 Post Hay Cut Application (application C in treatment list)
14/01/2013 Crop biomass using Greenseeker and tissue sampling for sap analysis
22/02/2013 Trial introduction and field day
19/03/2013 Harvest trial site and soil sampling
YEAR 2 Season 2013/2014
23/04/2013 Autumn Fertiliser Application (application A in treatment list)
4/09/2013 Spring Fertiliser Application (application B in treatment list)
12/12/2013 Post Hay Cut Application (application C in treatment list)
21/01/2014 Crop biomass using Greenseeker and tissue sampling for sap analysis
28/02/2014 Field day
20/03/2014 Harvest trial site and soil sampling
YEAR 3 Season 2015/2016
11/05/2014 Autumn Fertiliser Application (application A in treatment list)
11/09/2014 Spring Fertiliser Application (application B in treatment list)
5/12/2014 Post Hay Cut Application (application C in treatment list)
22/01/2015 Crop biomass using Greenseeker and tissue sampling for sap analysis
2/03/2015 Field day
22/03/2015 Harvest trial site and soil sampling
YEAR 4 Season 2015/2016
15/05/2015 Autumn Fertiliser Application (application A in treatment list)
21/07/2015 RIRDC Field day
9/09/2015 Spring Fertiliser Application (application B in treatment list)
3/12/2015 Post Hay Cut Application (application C in treatment list)
28/02/2016 Crop biomass using Greenseeker and tissue sampling for sap analysis
10/02/2016 Field day
4/03/2016 Harvest trial site and soil sampling
YEAR 5 Season 2016/2017
13/05/2016 Autumn Fertiliser Application (application A in treatment list)
26/09/2016 Spring Fertiliser Application (application B in treatment list)
16/12/2016 Post Hay Cut Application (application C in treatment list)
24/01/2016 Crop biomass using Greenseeker and tissue sampling for sap analysis
1/03/2017 Field day
6/04/2017 Harvest trial site and soil sampling
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BROADACRE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Table 2. Spray applications by the landholder over entire trial area.
Pre Trial
Date Action Product Applied Application Rate
Jun 2011 Lucerne Established
Variety: Alphamaster 9
2012-13 Season Sep 2011 Fertiliser Applied Single Super 200 kg/ha
Sep 2012 Trace Element Spray MnZn 4 l/ha
Jan 2013 Trace Element Spray MnCu 4 l/ha
2013-14 Season
Feb 2013 Trace Element Spray MnCu 4 l/ha
Aug 2013 Winter Clean
Sep 2013 Grass Select
Sep 2013 Trace Element Spray MnZn 4 l/ha
Nov 2013 Hay Cut
Dec 2013 Irrigation
Dec 2013 Trace Element Spray MnCu 4 l/ha
Jan 2014 Irrigation
Jan 2014 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha
Jan 2014 Irrigation
Feb 2014 Trace Element Spray MnCu 4 l/ha
2014-15 Season
Sept 2014 Trace Element Spray MnZn 4 l/ha
Nov 2014 Hay cut
Dec 2014 Irrigation
Jan 2015 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha
Jan 2015 Irrigation
Feb 2015 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha
Feb 2015 Irrigation
2015-16 Season
Sept 2015 Trace Element Spray MnZn 4 l/ha
Nov 2015 Irrigation
Dec 2016 Hay cut
Dec 2016 Irrigation
Jan 2017 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha
Feb 2017 Irrigation
2016-17 Season
Sept 2015 Trace Element Spray MnZn 4 l/ha
Nov 2015 Irrigation
Dec 2016 Hay cut
Dec 2016 Irrigation
Jan 2017 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha
Feb 2017 Irrigation
* Incorporated Fastac insecticide @160 ml/ha
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
NORMALISED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX (NDVI)
A vegetation index is a measure of plant greenness and an indicator of the relative density and health of the crop. Crop growth was relative of seasonal conditions and overall there were significant differences between fertiliser treatments (Table 3).
Some fertilisers had a consistent influence on crop growth over the five seasons. The fertiliser Lucerne Mix high (mix A++) consistently showed good crop biomass and in some seasons, this was evident in colour and vigour. Overall, Lucerne Mix high (mix A++) reported the highest crop biomass in comparison to other fertilisers (Figure 2). In comparison, Super Potash 2 &1 (300 kg/ha) showed significantly less crop growth than many other treatments during the trial.
Table 3. Mean crop biomass as measured by NDVI following application of different fertiliser treatments.
Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P <0.05)
Tmt No. Treatment 14/1/13 21/1/14 22/1/15 15/1/16 24/1/17
1 Untreated Control 0.67 0.69 0.61 0.66 0.73 0.67 a-d
2 Scrub Mix (200kg/ha) 0.67 0.69 0.60 0.64 0.74 0.67 b-e
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 (200kg/ha) 0.68 0.69 0.57 0.59 0.73 0.65 ef
4 Plain Super (100kg/ha) 0.68 0.70 0.62 0.58 0.73 0.66 b-e
5 Plain Super (200kg/ha) 0.69 0.70 0.60 0.58 0.72 0.66 c-f
6 Plain Super (300kg/ha) 0.69 0.69 0.59 0.61 0.73 0.66 b-e
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (100kg/ha) 0.68 0.68 0.61 0.59 0.72 0.66 c-f
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 (200kg/ha) 0.70 0.69 0.62 0.60 0.73 0.67 b-e
9 Super Potash 2 & 1 (300kg/ha) 0.69 0.67 0.58 0.53 0.73 0.64 f
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 0.69 0.67 0.61 0.59 0.73 0.66 c-f
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 0.68 0.67 0.63 0.57 0.73 0.66 c-f
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 0.70 0.70 0.60 0.61 0.72 0.67 b-e
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 0.67 0.67 0.61 0.59 0.73 0.65 c-f
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 0.69 0.70 0.63 0.60 0.74 0.67 a-d
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 0.67 0.67 0.60 0.61 0.73 0.66 c-f
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high cost(mixA++) 0.71 0.70 0.65 0.64 0.75 0.69 a
17 BioGraze 0.70 0.67 0.62 0.61 0.74 0.67 b-e
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 0.69 0.71 0.62 0.60 0.73 0.67 abc
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 0.68 0.68 0.61 0.62 0.72 0.66 b-e
20 SS/SOP/Humate granules 0.69 0.70 0.60 0.61 0.73 0.67 b-e
21 Composted Manure 0.70 0.69 0.65 0.61 0.74 0.68 ab
22 NutriCal X3 + BioCoat 0.69 0.70 0.62 0.60 0.74 0.67 abc
23 NutriCal X2 + BioCoat 0.69 0.68 0.61 0.57 0.74 0.66 c-f
24 NutriCal X2 + Scrub Mix 0.68 0.70 0.63 0.60 0.74 0.67 abc
25 Chicken Manure 0.68 0.68 0.63 0.58 0.73 0.66 c-f
26 Compost 0.69 0.68 0.61 0.60 0.71 0.66 c-f
27 Foli-Zyme 0.68 0.67 0.59 0.56 0.74 0.65 ef
28 Bio-Forge 0.69 0.70 0.60 0.60 0.73 0.66 b-e
29 Booster Zinc Moly + Maxi Mang 0.68 0.66 0.61 0.58 0.72 0.65 def
30 Balance 3ZBM + Maxi Fruit 0.69 0.72 0.61 0.60 0.73 0.67 b-e
Average 0.69 0.69 0.61 0.60 0.73
LSD (P=0.5) 0.028 0.035 0.046 0.058 0.0184
CV 2.5 3.15 4.61 5.97 1.54
P-value 0.5483 0.2169 0.2473 0.1156 0.1384
1.81
Mean 2013-
2017
0.66
0.012
0.0103
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In general, the influence of potassium based fertilisers such as sulphate of potash (SOP) muriate of potash (MOP) and phosphate (plain super, MAP) on crop biomass was low.
There were trends in each season, with crop biomass highly influenced by seasonal conditions. In 2015, crop biomass following a dry season was much less than the high rainfall season of 2017.
The top 10 fertiliser treatments that had an influence on crop biomass were predominantly organic based products that were applied in autumn or post hay cut, with the exception of BioGraze that was applied in spring. The biologically enhanced products applied in autumn or post-hay cut resulted in improved seed yield compared to synthetic products (Table 4).
The other synthetic products Lucerne K 31%: B 1.25%: Zn 0.25%, Super Potash 2 & 1 and Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) were applied in spring. Although the products had a good influence on crop biomass, seed yield was lower than other treatments.
Table 4. Top 10 fertiliser treatments with effect on crop biomass.
Top 10 fertilisers for Crop Biomass 5 year average
Tmt No. Treatment NDVI YIELD (kg/ha)
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 0.689 a 746.7 a
21 Composted manure 0.680 ab 738.7 ab
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 0.673 abc 634.5 efgh
24 NutriCal 15L X2/Scrub Mix 0.672 abc 735.5 abc
22 NutriCal 10L X3/BioCoat 0.671 abc 734.0 af
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 0.670 abcd 706.7 abcde
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 200kg 0.668 bde 634.0 fgh
30 Balance/Maxi Fruit/Super Potash 0.668 bde 718.3 abcd
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 0.667 bde 652.7 defgh
17 BioGraze 0.667 bde 685.3 abcdefgh
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Figure 2. Mean crop biomass (column) as measured by normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and average yield kg/ha (line), 2013-2017. Crop biomass was signifciantly different between treatments (P=0.0103)
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
0.61
0.62
0.63
0.64
0.65
0.66
0.67
0.68
0.69
0.7
5-y
ear
aver
age
Yiel
d (
kg/h
a)
ND
VI
Treatment
LSD=0.02
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SOIL ANALYSIS
The most important nutrients for lucerne production are phosphorus, potassium, sulphur,
calcium, molybdenum, boron and zinc. Lucerne obtains sufficient nitrogen through its
symbiotic relationship with N-fixing rhizobium bacteria.
The soil nutrient status was recorded at the commencement (December 2011) and
completion of the trial (January 2017). Based on the average nutritional status of the block,
fertiliser use promoted satisfactory levels of most nutrients (Figure 3).
Lucerne requires large amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Phosphorus levels were
satisfactory, but potassium and calcium levels were low. The removal of potassium is higher
than for any other nutrient (21 kg/tonne dry matter) and can have an influence of the lifespan
of the crop. Potassium is best applied after each cut to assist with plant recovery and
regrowth. Yet the majority of synthetic phosphorus and potassium based products were
applied in spring. Over the time of the trial potassium levels were stable but soil analysis
indicated additional potassium inputs were needed.
Calcium levels had improved slightly over five seasons (Figure 4). Like potassium, hay cut
removes a high proportion of calcium (13 kg/t dry matter). For this reason, applications of
calcium are recommended during the growing season to promote new growth after cutting.
Comparison of the soil nutritional status showed stability for all nutrients except for iron,
calcium and magnesium (Figure 4).
In terms of the effect of fertiliser treatments, there were significant differences in phosphorus,
zinc and copper between the different fertilisers. However, there was no correlation between
any of these nutrients and yield (Table 5). Nutrient levels were not significantly different for
other nutrients (Table 6).
Soil phosphorus was variable between the treatments, with the three compost treatments
(chicken, composted manure and commercial compost) providing the highest phosphorus in
soil compared to other treatments. Although the products were applied in autumn, composts
had the ability to maintain phosphorus in the soil during the growing season. Compared to
potassium, phosphorus removal rates with dry matter are low. Phosphorus can be locked up
in the soil and adding compost may make phosphorus more readily available. Phosphorus
levels were also greater after application of high rates of Plain Super (300 kg) and Super
Potash (300 kg) than 100 kg and 200 kg rates, respectively. Soils treated with foliar
applications of Lucerne mix (mix A and A++) recorded the lowest phosphorus.
Broadcast applications of MnZn were made over the entire trial area during the growing season. Mn is required for seed germination and increases the availability of P and Ca. Fertiliser treatments still had a significant influence on zinc levels in soil. Although synthetic Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) contributed to high levels of zinc, all other fertilisers that had significantly greater zinc were organic products, including NutriCal, three treatments of BioGraze, chicken and composted manure and Lucerne mix (A++). Plain super and treatment with Super Potash recorded lowest zinc. Applications of Scrub mix showed a significantly greater level of Copper in the soil than any
other fertiliser. Copper is essential in the formation of enzymes required for respiration and
plant growth. However there was no correlation between copper and yield.
15
Figure 3. Soil nutrient status of irrigated lucerne trial area prior to treatment application in regard to desirable level (kg/ha), 2011 and 2017 (AgVita)
2011
2017
pH
EC 1:5
Cl
P
K
S
Ca
Mg
Na
Zn
Fe
Mn
Cu
B
Low Satisfactory High
Low Satisfactory High
N
P
K
S
Ca
Mg
B
Fe
Mn
Cu
Zn
16
Figure 4. Comparison of mean soil nutrient status from 2011 to 2017, irrigated lucerne.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Zn B S Cu Fe Mn
mg/
kg
Nutrient
2011
2017
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
P K Ca Mg Na
mg/
kg
Nutrient
2011
2017
17
Table 5. Mean soil nutrients signifciantly different between fertiliser treatments (in order of yield), 2017.
Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD)
2017
Tmt No. Treatment
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) X2 38.5 g 8.9 d-h 3.12 cde 349.1 a
28 Bio-Forge+ SuperPotash 2&1 57.7 b-g 6.6 gh 2.94 de 345.4 ab
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 45.8 efg 7.8 fgh 3.36 cde 340.6 abc
22 NutriCal 10L X3 + Biocoat 59.5 b-g 8.3 e-h 3.25 cde 336.5 a-d
17 BioGraze 51.1 d-g 13.1 a-d 3.86 bcd 335.7 a-d
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 67.8 a-d 14.6 a 6.12 a 333.1 a-d
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 64.3 b-e 9.9 b-g 3.54 cde 333 a-e
26 Compost 78.0 ab 9.5 c-h 3.27 cde 333 a-d
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) X2 40.5 fg 11.4 a-f 3.14 cde 331.7 a-f
30 Balance 3ZBM+Maxi+ SuperPotash 2&1 62.1 b-e 7.8 fgh 2.99 cde 328.9 a-g
23 NutriCal 15L X 2 + Biocoat 53.2 c-g 8.2 e-h 2.98 cde 328.3 a-g
5 Plain Super (SSP) 200kg 49.3 d-g 5.4 h 2.61 e 326.2 a-g
27 Foli-Zyme+ SuperPotash 2&1 63.3 b-e 7.2 fgh 2.91 de 325.4 a-g
24 NutriCal 15L X2 + Scrub Mix 75.6 ab 14.2 ab 4.81 b 323.7 a-g
8 Super Potash 2&1 200kg 66.7 a-e 8.6 e-h 3.13 cde 317.2 a-g
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 46.3 d-g 7.8 fgh 3.09 cde 317.2 a-g
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 49.2 d-g 8.9 d-h 3.33 cde 311.8 a-g
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 53.1 c-g 9.5 c-h 4.16 bc 311.6 a-g
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 64.9 b-e 7.7 fgh 3.12 cde 310.9 a-g
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100kg 48.5 d-g 6.1 gh 3.64 b-e 310 a-h
21 Composted manure 79.3 ab 10.4 a-g 3.63 b-e 306 b-h
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 50.7 d-g 12.5 a-e 3.85 bcd 304.9 c-h
20 SSP/SOP/Humate (60:30:10) 60.4 b-f 8.6 e-h 3.18 cde 304.4 c-h
29 Booster Zinc Moly+Maxi+SuperPotash 2&1 63.5 b-e 7.2 fgh 2.93 de 300.8 c-h
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 50.7 d-g 13.9 abc 3.96 bcd 300.7 c-h
25 Chicken Manure 86.5 a 13.4 abc 3.81 b-e 297.3 d-h
7 Super Potash 2&1 100kg 60.5 b-f 8.1 e-h 3.67 b-e 292.9 e-h
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 73.2 abc 6.0 gh 2.95 de 292.1 fgh
9 Super Potash 2&1 300kg 74.4 abc 8.0 fgh 3.12 cde 291.2 gh
1 Untreated Control 39.7 fg 6.3 gh 3.08 cde 270.7 h
Yield
40.11
24.56
7.75
0.0388
CuZnP
LSD P=.05 4.45
29.61
1.20821.58
21.4322.34
2.72 0.74
CV
13.22Standard Deviation
0.0005 0.00120.0007Treatment Prob(F)
18
Table 6. Mean soil nutrient analysis, March 2017.
Tmt No. Treatment NH4-N NO3-N K S Ca Mg B Fe Mn Na EC Cl OM
1 Untreated Control 0.46 23.7 101.1 21.9 1219.1 498 2.47 47.8 26.7 225.2 0.32 333.0 3.3
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 0.51 21.4 103.1 29.0 1281.6 509.4 2.1 50.5 28.7 275.6 0.4 416.5 3.4
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 0.52 24.5 102.7 27.4 1159.6 474.1 2.22 48.2 28.8 253.3 0.36 392.5 3.2
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100kg 0.45 22.5 89.0 26.8 1086.3 423.4 1.68 45 25.4 202.1 0.32 306.8 3.2
5 Plain Super (SSP) 200kg 0.38 17.5 74.5 26.0 998.2 383.3 1.86 41.9 21.1 202.7 0.34 344.8 3.8
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 0.48 26.2 88.5 28.4 1151.9 422.7 1.77 48.7 24.5 208.8 0.33 320.3 3.3
7 Super Potash 2&1 100kg 0.42 23 114.1 29.9 1348.9 530.2 1.91 52.2 30.5 290.3 0.41 470.8 4.5
8 Super Potash 2&1 200kg 0.37 20.9 110.1 29.9 1289.2 510.8 2.5 56.5 29.9 261.8 0.34 369.3 4.2
9 Super Potash 2&1 300kg 1.11 26.7 100.2 29.7 1330.6 512.4 2.21 48.7 27.4 283.9 0.41 474.3 3.3
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 0.41 19.5 100.1 27.8 1179.4 485.9 1.91 49 26.4 266.6 0.4 432.7 2.9
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 0.43 21.5 114.8 26.3 1302.1 533.5 2.17 54.1 29.7 277.5 0.4 435.0 3
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 0.46 25.3 109.9 26.9 1381 570.4 2.49 50.1 32.3 305.4 0.39 411.7 3
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 0.59 26.2 103.3 26.1 1244.6 513.1 2.22 48.8 27.9 278.0 0.41 480.0 3.4
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 0.41 24.8 109.8 22.6 1306.9 524.4 2.27 51.7 30.1 256.9 0.31 305.2 3.3
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) X2 0.43 20.2 90.5 22.5 1157.2 469 1.87 45 28.2 271.0 0.33 376.5 3.8
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) X2 0.37 25.6 102.1 21.0 1232.5 512.7 2.79 49.8 33.0 241.5 0.32 330.2 3.5
17 BioGraze 0.58 19.2 100.0 22.9 1194.3 486.1 2.53 50.1 29.8 257.0 0.33 356.7 3
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 0.48 24.8 99.1 23.5 1228.9 509.5 2.48 50.5 31.9 264.8 0.36 392.3 3.3
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 0.41 21.4 105.5 24.1 1189.8 487.7 2.75 49.2 32.6 251.9 0.33 375.2 2.8
20 SSP/SOP/Humate (60:30:10) 0.51 20.6 95.5 26.1 1253.4 496.5 2.08 48.2 28.2 261.6 0.36 417.8 3.7
21 Composted pig straw 0.41 21 112.3 22.7 1282.1 488.3 1.6 52.1 32.8 239.0 0.37 378.7 3.5
22 NutriCal 10L X3 + Biocoat 0.38 19.8 107.9 25.6 1309.4 525.7 2.39 55.9 30.8 279.2 0.37 411.8 3.2
23 NutriCal 15L X 2 + Biocoat 0.43 26.4 109.0 19.1 1168.9 475.8 2.01 46.9 31.6 212.8 0.28 262.3 3.2
24 NutriCal 15L X2 + Scrub Mix 0.47 27.9 108.2 30.4 1353.2 539.8 2.58 51.2 29.4 286.9 0.44 455.8 3.3
25 Chicken Manure 0.49 22.9 100.1 25.8 1390.5 534.6 2.16 50.3 32.3 303.8 0.4 455.3 3.1
26 Compost 0.52 27.6 107.5 25.3 1341 528.1 2.28 48.4 33.0 279.2 0.37 454.7 3.3
27 Foli-Zyme+ SuperPotash 2&1 0.56 24.1 90.2 25.7 1223 479.5 2.38 48.3 28.0 255.5 0.38 399.0 3.2
28 Bio-Forge+ SuperPotash 2&1 0.55 23.2 99.0 24.4 1149.1 450.1 1.54 48.4 28.8 244.3 0.34 392.0 3.3
29 Booster Zinc Moly+Maxi+SuperPotash 2&1 0.57 19.4 91.6 25.5 1184.1 459.1 1.85 50.2 29.7 257.9 0.37 467.3 3.2
30 Balance 3ZBM+Maxi+ SuperPotash 2&1 0.58 31.2 116.2 29.6 1258.2 493 2.37 49.2 27.5 229.8 0.33 320.8 3.7
0.416 8.42 31.92 9.672 280.71 117.23 0.867 12.09 7.443 75.204 0.11 156.752 1.02
0.255 5.15 19.55 5.923 171.9 71.79 0.531 7.4 4.558 46.053 0.067 95.99 0.63
51.98 22.12 19.19 23 13.86 14.52 24.33 14.93 15.6 17.89 18.59 24.53 18.58
0.6868 0.348 0.8645 0.833 0.7168 0.619 0.3086 0.9837 0.375 0.3672 0.5622 0.372 0.4483
LSD P=.05
CV
Standard Deviation
Treatment Prob(F)
19
Figure 5. Mean soil phosphorus from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source: AgVita).
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100P
ho
sph
oru
s (m
g/kg
)
20
Figure 6. Mean soil zinc from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source: AgVita).
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16Zi
nc
(mg/
kg)
21
Figure 7. Mean soil copper from each fertiliser treatment, March 2017 (source: AgVita).
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Co
pp
er (
mg/
kg)
22
SAP ANALYSIS
Tissue sap analysis was conducted in January each season. Nutrient levels were highly
influenced by seasonal conditions and varied between the years. Tissue analysis indicated
all nutrients were satisfactory or high except for nitrates (Table 7). In 2017, nutrients were
not significantly different between fertiliser treatments, except for molybdenum (Table 8).
There was a correlation between sap and soil analysis such as Scrub mix which showed
high nutrient levels in both. However there were no trends to indicate high tissue nutrient
content resulted in high seed yield.
Phosphorus is critical for rapid early growth and adequate levels were achieved for all fertiliser treatments. Synthetic fertilisers provided adequate phosphorus compared to many organic fertilisers (Figure 8). As phosphorus can be locked in the soil, tissue analysis highlighted phosphorus applied as a granular form in spring was readily available to the plant during the growing season.
Potassium levels in soil were optimal for all treatments. The highest potassium was recorded following treatments with Super Potash (Figure 9). Others like MOP are a soluble source of potassium but used on its own does not provide essential phosphorus for lucerne growth. There was optimum phosphorus in the plant, but low phosphorus in the soil, indicating plants were taking up the nutrient yet depleting it from the soil.
Lucerne mix (A++) showed the highest molybdenum in tissue and highest seed yield in 2017
compared to other treatments. Yet for other fertiliser treatments, there was no correlation
between molybdenum and seed yield (Figure 10). Although molybdenum assists nitrate
assimilation, nitrates were not higher in Lucerne mix (A++) and in general nitrates were low
for all fertiliser treatments.
Calcium was adequate for plant growth, and there were no significant differences between
the fertiliser treatments. In 2017, calcium was highest in many synthetic fertilisers such as
scrub mix, super potash and potash based fertilisers (Figure 11).
Table 7. Mean nutritional status of lucerne plants by sap analysis, 2017 (Agvita, TAS).
Analyte Result Desirable Status81.6ppm47ppm
468ppm347ppm
5288ppm1019ppm958ppm1.75ppm0.25ppm1.38ppm4.28ppm2.78ppm
SatisfactorySatisfactorySatisfactory
Optimum
AmmoniumNitrate
Phosphorus
10 - 100ppm
600 - 1700ppm
200 - 500ppm
OptimumVery LowOptimum
200 - 500ppm
4000 - 8000ppm
600 - 1800ppm
300 - 1100ppm
5952ppm
4.80ppm1894ppm
Iron
1.00 - 3.00ppm
0.04 - 0.14ppm
0.50 - 2.00ppm
1.00 - 6.00ppm
High
BoronMolybdenum
Copper
SatisfactoryHigh
OptimumOptimum
100 - 3000ppm
OptimumSatisfactory
Very High
ManganeseZinc
SodiumChloride
1.00 - 4.00ppm
3.00 - 7.00ppm
5 - 500ppm
SulphurPotassium
CalciumMagnesium
23
Table 8. Mean tissue nutrient analysis from irrigated lucerne trial site, January 2017 (source: AgVita, TAS).
Tmt No. Treatment NO3 NH4 P K Ca Mg Zn B S Cu Fe Mn Na Mo Cl
Grower 10.2 214 406.9 5591 851 940.6 5.7 1.7 321.3 1.2 3.6 2 1940 0.1 5633
1 Untreated Control 35.7 110.5 488.83 5374.3 1208.33 1019.83 5.393 1.947 368.87 1.2 4.523 3.313 1685 0.158 5950
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 32 25.57 557.87 6025 1165.77 1123.5 5.247 1.633 370.5 1.503 4.623 2.687 2212 0.461 5733.3
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 35.7 80.83 549.93 5135.7 1132.67 1091.93 4.703 1.767 351.23 1.477 5.47 2.863 1877.7 0.142 5683.3
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100kg 46.7 72.73 478.37 5147.3 1067.33 963.53 4.663 1.633 343 1.48 4.46 2.647 1659 0.158 5546.7
5 Plain Super (SSP) 200kg 40.7 45.5 507.87 5265 1017.03 973.37 5.11 1.72 380.8 1.347 4.57 2.85 1962.3 0.19 5700
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 55 92.5 521.33 5140 1048.9 954.83 4.093 1.967 376.13 1.45 4.517 2.877 1782.3 0.24 5566.7
7 Super Potash 2&1 100kg 55 56.83 471 5250.7 969.2 923.87 4.967 2.033 364.5 1.273 4.32 2.753 1910.3 0.158 6133.3
8 Super Potash 2&1 200kg 30.7 82.6 500.8 5148.7 1136.33 950.53 4.413 1.85 368.7 1.35 4.243 2.947 1817.3 0.152 6133.3
9 Super Potash 2&1 300kg 46 74.93 445.13 4844 987.27 917.47 4.417 1.49 315.47 1.193 4.037 2.567 1903.7 0.122 6633.3
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 28.3 53.13 491.8 5202.7 1030.07 939.4 4.947 1.507 344.63 1.357 4.013 2.58 1962.7 0.153 5966.7
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 57.7 61.17 419.03 5776.3 846.2 891.63 4.487 1.713 325.53 1.317 3.94 2.337 1808.3 0.078 6233.3
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 39.3 98.73 509.6 5352.3 1099.8 1068.7 5.413 2.137 368.1 1.4 4.64 2.923 1819 0.176 6083.3
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 37.7 121.67 444.3 5314.3 1101.23 920.97 5.13 2.063 348.17 1.477 4.253 2.897 1620 0.181 5448.3
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 54.7 18.67 472.47 5272.7 987.97 929.93 4.917 1.417 353.23 1.407 4.483 2.72 1920.3 0.127 5800
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) X2 54.7 57.53 441.4 5308.3 984.4 940.43 5.173 1.497 350.57 1.413 4.227 2.81 1768.7 0.332 5816.7
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) X2 44.3 64.47 406.93 5003 1030.17 978.67 4.157 1.42 317.03 1.317 4.313 2.71 1899.3 0.886 5933.3
17 BioGraze 40.3 91.4 437.93 4686.7 980.3 842.07 4.517 1.927 341.6 1.393 4.197 2.757 1811.7 0.167 6050
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 44 59.07 420.03 5264.3 967.2 940.93 4.287 1.537 331.37 1.293 4.017 2.933 1783 0.272 5916.7
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 75 93.77 475.97 5278.6 1130.42 990.91 4.819 1.67 344.4 1.301 4.237 2.907 1929.1 0.174 6504.5
20 SSP/SOP/Humate (60:30:10) 119.7 69.67 470.27 5352.3 1025.93 932.23 5.607 1.703 343.03 1.41 4.223 2.973 1899.3 0.182 6083.3
21 Composted pig straw 51.7 108.83 467.97 4929 1041.33 954.7 5.24 1.7 332.23 1.463 4.423 2.85 1715.3 0.219 5833.3
22 NutriCal 10L X3 + Biocoat 47 95 408.53 5233.3 989.27 936.23 4.643 1.653 315.63 1.18 3.723 2.277 2014.7 0.229 6283.3
23 NutriCal 15L X 2 + Biocoat 64 119.53 469.47 4829.3 1039.63 948.17 5.067 2.43 387.83 1.423 4.67 3.127 2084.7 0.252 6100
24 NutriCal 15L X2 + Scrub Mix 66.7 70.6 478.43 5415.7 1021.97 962.73 4.327 1.523 319.77 1.16 4.01 2.84 1735.7 0.458 5866.7
25 Chicken Manure 109.7 51.6 491.27 5148.3 878.77 880.8 4.35 1.657 337 1.3 4.47 2.79 1987.3 0.338 5733.3
26 Compost 21.7 113.27 452.37 4928.3 1024.87 942.2 4.227 1.893 345.83 1.527 4.323 3.027 2100.7 0.293 6150
27 Foli-Zyme+ SuperPotash 2&1 30.3 75.6 484.7 6054 982.37 1015.27 4.56 1.863 361.9 1.32 4.067 2.887 2331.3 0.228 6000
28 Bio-Forge+ SuperPotash 2&1 27.3 109.37 461.53 5517.3 973.27 889.77 4.91 1.987 352.1 1.32 3.977 3.013 1834 0.292 6116.7
29 Booster Zinc Moly+Maxi+SuperPotash 2&131.7 57.07 425.47 5741.7 922 966.63 4.807 1.523 327.6 1.37 3.913 2.543 2061.7 0.665 6450
30 Balance 3ZBM+Maxi+ SuperPotash 2&143.7 85.47 456.87 5408.7 999.1 970.63 4.55 1.733 347.63 1.333 4.293 2.837 1915 0.234 5600
Desired level 600-1700 10-100 200-500 4000-8000 600-1800 300-1100 3-7 1-3 200-500 0.5-2 1-6 1-4 5-500 0.04-0.14 100-3000
24
Figure 8. Mean phosphorus in plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita).
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
Ph
osp
ho
rus
(pp
m)
25
Figure 9. Mean potassium in plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita, TAS).
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
Po
tass
ium
(pp
m)
26
Figure 10. Mean molybdenum plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita).
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
Yiel
d (
kg/h
a)
Mo
lyb
deu
nm
(pp
m)
P=0.001
LSD=0.1656
27
Figure 11. Mean calcium plant tissue from each treatment as measured by sap analysis, Jan 2017 (source: AgVita).
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Cal
ciu
m (
pp
m)
28
YIELD AND GROSS MARGIN
Seed yield in the trial reflected seasonal conditions and were similar to those obtained in the growers’ block. Yields were highly influenced by pollination, pod set, wind and rainfall. Natural fluctuations in seed yield occurred (Table 11).
Table 9. Average yield (kg/ha) in irrigated trial area across five seasons (2013-2017).
Year Average Yield (kg/ha)
2013 1023
2014 877
2015 496
2016 697
2017 317
Significant differences between fertiliser treatments were recorded in 2015 and 2017 when yields were low and there were adverse seasonal conditions. In a season where good yields were achieved, the type, rate and application method of fertiliser treatments had less effect on seed yield production. In 2016, there were fewer differences in gross margin between fertiliser treatments due to smaller variations in yield.
Some fertiliser treatments performed consistently between seasons and achieved highest yields in comparison to other treatments (Table 12), With the exception of composted manure and Plain Super; there was a trend for foliar fertilisers to have a greater influence on seed yield than granular fertilisers (Table 13).
Table 10. Fertiliser treatments that achieved consistently highest yields across five seasons (2013-2017).
Tmt No. Fertiliser Treatment Av. Gross margin
(profit $/ha)
Av. Gross margin (inc. application
cost)
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) X2 4076 4054
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100kg 4012 4007
28 Bio-Forge+ SuperPotash 2&1 3973 3957
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 3899 3894
21 Composted manure 3897 3877
30 Balance 3ZBM+Maxi+ SuperPotash 2&1 3886 3870
22 NutriCal 10L X3 + Biocoat 3875 3831
24 NutriCal 15L X2 + Scrub Mix 3871 3838
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) X2 3839 3817
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 3797 3792
17 BioGraze 250 kg/ha 3755 3744
23 NutriCal 15L X 2 + Biocoat 3675 3642 # Relative gross margin based on fertiliser cost ($/ha) and seed clean price of $5.60/kg. Excludes application costs, freight, storage, labour, machinery and miscellaneous costs (deemed applicable pending individual grower properties). If application costs applied, figures based on $5 granular product, $11 liquid product and $20 for compost per application timing.
29
Table 11. Average lucerne yield over 5 years and respective application timings of different treatments.
5-year
Average Yield
(kg/ha)
Application Timings Type
Treatment (in order of highest av. yield)
Post-cut Spring Autumn Foliar
Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) X2 746.7 a
Bio-Forge+ SuperPotash 2&1 739.7 ab
Composted manure 738.7 ab
NutriCal 15L X2 + Scrub Mix 735.5 abc
NutriCal 10L X3 + Biocoat 734.0 abc
Plain Super (SSP) 100kg 722.3 a-d
Balance 3ZBM+Maxi+ SuperPotash 2&1 718.3 a-d
Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 706.7 a-e
Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 700.7 a-f
NutriCal 15L X 2 + Biocoat 700.0 a-f
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) X2 697.7 a-f
Plain Super (SSP) 200kg 697.7 a-f
Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 693.7 a-g
Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 693.0 a-g
BioGraze 5 in 1 689.3 a-g
BioGraze 685.3 a-h
SSP/SOP/Humate (60:30:10) 682.0 a-h
Super Potash 2&1 200kg 679.0 a-h
Compost 672.0 b-h
MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 664.7 c-h
Chicken Manure 655.3 d-h
Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 652.7 d-h
Super Potash 2&1 300kg 651.0 d-h
Untreated Control 642.3 e-h
Booster Zinc Moly+Maxi+SuperPotash 2&1 639.3 e-h
Foli-Zyme+ SuperPotash 2&1 636.7 e-h
BioGraze 2 in 1 634.5 e-h
Super Potash 2&1 100kg 634.0 fgh
Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 621.5 gh
Muriate of Potash (MOP) 614.7 h
LSD (P<0.10) 72.58
Standard Deviation 53.2
CV 7.79
P-value (<0.10) 0.0809 A P-value < 0.10 indicates significance difference between treatments. Letters accompanying data are ‘letters of significance’. All treatments with the same letter of significance cannot be considered significantly different.
30
Lucerne mix high concentration (mix A++) was most consistent with high yields in each year (Figures 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) and performed slightly better than the lower rate Lucerne mix low concentration (mix A). Lucerne mix products are biological fertilisers applied as a foliar spray in autumn at 100 L/ha and at post-hay cut at 50 L/ha. Lucerne mix products were applied without base granular fertilisers and soil analysis in 2017 showed that although soil phosphorus levels were low, plant tissue nutrients maintained good plant growth. The increased yield offset the price of the product compared to Plain Super and improved gross margin (Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22). Application costs resulted in an additional $44 per ha compared to application of Plain Super (not including other incurred costs on both).
Similarly, the biological fertiliser BioGraze (1.6-6-0-4.5-12) provides soil with additional humic and fulvic acid together with essential nutrients. A fertiliser program incorporating a mix of granular and foliar biological fertilisers may further enhance soil and plant properties of seed production.
Plain super (0-9-0-11-19) is commonly used in lucerne production and was included in the trial as a standard fertiliser. Applications of plain super at 100 kg/ha provide adequate nutrients for seed production compared to 200 kg and 300 kg/ha. Higher application rates did not increase yield. Results confirm plain super at a low rate provides an essential source of phosphorus, calcium and sulphur for lucerne and is a cost –effective fertiliser.
Bio-Forge (2.5-0-3-0) + Super Potash enhanced seed yield and particularly performed well in adverse environmental conditions. As a foliar spray BioForge enhanced root recovery and plant growth after hay cut. High gross margin was achieved compared to most other fertilisers (Figure 23).
Prescription blends of granular fertilisers as Lucerne K/B/Zn mixes were effective for targeted lucerne seed production and promoted good gross margins. Based on soil and tissue testing, blended mixes would assist individual properties that may be low in essential nutrients and were cost-effective in terms of application costs.
Three types of compost were used in the trial and showed variability for yield production. The composted manure made on farm in the region was consistently more effective than commercial compost and un-composted chicken manure. Unprocessed chicken manure provides rapid nutrients for plant growth but is not sustained within the season. Freight costs, location of distribution centre and availability of product can be restrictive for the use of compost. Compost improves yield and also improves soil properties such as organic matter, water retention and structure. For poor soils, use of composts would facilitate rehabilitation.
NutriCal is a biologically-enhanced fertiliser which increased yield in several seasons. NutriCal applications three times during the season (autumn, spring and post hay cut) were better than higher rates applied twice at autumn and post hay cut (data not statistically significant). The number of applications may be restrictive for some grower practices and has an effect on overall gross margin of less than $176-$365/ha compared to Plain Super at 100 kg/ha.
Foliar applications of Balance 3ZBM and Maxi Fruit post hay cut also provided good yields as a foliar fertiliser with addition of Super Potash. The highly concentrated products assisted in reduced product used and resulted in gross margins $137/ha less than Plain Super.
The least effective fertilisers were Sulphate of Potash (SOP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP) applied on their own, of which the lowest yields (Figure 17) and lowest gross margin was reported. Although SOP provides potassium and sulphur is a soluble form, it can be more expensive than Muriate of Potash (MOP) and lacks essential phosphorus inputs for lucerne production. These products should be mixed with single super or other fertilisers to ensure the supply of phosphorus.
31
Yield and gross margins of individual fertiliser treatments show significant differences in
2015 and 2017 (see Appendix). Regardless of the statistical significance, in all years, the
application of different fertilisers has an effect on yield and resulting gross margin.
Example: In 2015, BioForge + Super Potash achieved the highest yield at 619 kg/ha. In comparison,
Sulphate of Potash (SOP) achieved only 614 kg/ha. There was a total yield difference of 260
kg/ha from the lowest yield to the highest yield. Based on a seed price of $5, this is a
difference of $1,300/ha. Using a cheap fertiliser that produced less yield compared to a
fertiliser that achieves optimum yield across a 20 ha property across a paddock is
approximately $26,000 less.
Even in a good year, there was a difference of 160 kg/ha when using different fertiliser treatments. Gross margins of fertilisers show the direct correlation with improved yield and fertiliser cost (Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23). Consideration of a targeted fertiliser program will have a major impact on profitability.
32
Figure 12. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site in 2013 (note range 400-1100 kg/ha).
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
Yiel
d k
g/h
a
2013
33
Figure 13. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site in 2014 (note range 400-1100kg/ha).
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
Yiel
d k
g/h
a 2014
34
Figure 14. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site in 2015 (note range 400-700 kg/ha).
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
Yiel
d k
g/h
a 2015
P=
LSD=149.97
35
Figure 15. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site in 2016 (note range 400-800 kg/ha).
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
Yiel
d k
g/h
a 2016
LSD=117.90
36
Figure 16. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site in 2014-2015 season (note range 400-800 kg/ha).
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
380
400
Yiel
d k
g/h
a 2017
LSD=36.47
37
Figure 17. Mean estimated lucerne seed yield (kg/ha) from a range of fertiliser treatments at the irrigated trial site across 5 years (2013-2017, note range 400-800 kg/ha).
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
Yiel
d k
g/h
a
5 year average
38
GROSS MARGIN
Figure 18. Gross margin in 2013 from a range of fertiliser treatments.
800
850
900
950
1000
1050
1100
4200
4400
4600
4800
5000
5200
5400
5600
Luce
rne
Mix
1 lo
w c
ost
(mix
A)
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Pla
in S
up
er (
10
0kg
/ha)
Pig
Man
ure
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Bio
-Fo
rge
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Luce
rne
K 3
6 B
0.9
5%
Zn
0.1
9%
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
Co
mp
ost
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Bio
Gra
ze
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
Foli-
Zym
e
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
15 14 16 30 4 21 22 5 13 28 6 19 23 12 9 1 26 29 3 2 20 8 25 17 11 18 10 27 24 7
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
)
2013
39
Figure 19. Gross margin in 2014 from a range of fertiliser treatments.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000Lu
cern
e K
36
B 0
.95
% Z
n 0
.19
%
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Pla
in S
up
er (
10
0kg
/ha)
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Pig
Man
ure
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Bio
Gra
ze
Luce
rne
Mix
1 lo
w c
ost
(mix
A)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Co
mp
ost
Bio
-Fo
rge
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
Foli-
Zym
e
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
12 16 4 5 21 19 6 17 15 8 14 20 26 28 30 22 7 23 18 13 24 1 9 25 10 3 2 29 27 11
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
) 2014
40
Figure 20. Gross margin in 2015 from a range of fertiliser treatments.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500P
lain
Su
per
(1
00
kg/h
a)
Bio
-Fo
rge
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Pig
Man
ure
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Luce
rne
Mix
1 lo
w c
ost
(mix
A)
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Luce
rne
K 3
6 B
0.9
5%
Zn
0.1
9%
Bio
Gra
ze
Foli-
Zym
e
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
Co
mp
ost
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
4 28 30 16 14 6 22 13 21 5 24 8 19 15 18 25 23 12 17 27 20 2 1 26 3 9 29 10 11 7
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
)
2015
41
Figure 21. Gross margin in 2016 from a range of fertiliser treatments.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
Bio
-Fo
rge
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Pig
Man
ure
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Pla
in S
up
er (
10
0kg
/ha)
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Bio
Gra
ze
Luce
rne
K 3
6 B
0.9
5%
Zn
0.1
9%
Co
mp
ost
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
Luce
rne
Mix
1 lo
w c
ost
(mix
A)
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
Foli-
Zym
e
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
28 16 21 22 20 4 14 3 24 13 1 30 17 12 26 18 5 23 6 11 7 8 19 29 15 25 9 2 27 10
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
) 2016
42
Figure 22. Gross margin in 2017 from a range of fertiliser treatments.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000Lu
cern
e M
ix 1
low
co
st(m
ix A
)
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
Bio
Gra
ze
Co
mp
ost
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Bio
-Fo
rge
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
Pla
in S
up
er (
10
0kg
/ha)
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
Foli-
Zym
e
Luce
rne
K 3
6 B
0.9
5%
Zn
0.1
9%
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Pig
Man
ure
15 13 11 17 26 5 28 16 2 4 30 14 8 10 27 12 22 3 19 7 23 25 18 29 20 24 6 1 9 21
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
)
2017
43
Figure 23. Average gross margin across five seasons from a range of fertiliser treatments.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
Luce
rne
Mix
2 h
igh
co
st(m
ixA
++)
Pla
in S
up
er (
10
0kg
/ha)
Bio
-Fo
rge
Luce
rne
K 3
1 B
1.2
5%
Zn
0.2
5%
Pig
Man
ure
Bal
ance
3ZB
M +
Max
i Fri
ut
Nu
triC
al X
3 +
Bio
Co
at
Pla
in S
up
er (
20
0kg
/ha)
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Scr
ub
Mix
Luce
rne
Mix
1 lo
w c
ost
(mix
A)
Pla
in S
up
er (
30
0kg
/ha)
Luce
rne
K 3
6 B
0.9
5%
Zn
0.1
9%
Luce
rne
K 3
8 B
0.7
7%
Zn
0.1
5%
Bio
Gra
ze
Bio
Gra
ze 5
in 1
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
20
0kg
/ha)
SS/S
OP
/Hu
mat
e gr
anu
les
Co
mp
ost
Nu
triC
al X
2 +
Bio
Co
at
Un
trea
ted
Co
ntr
ol
MA
P S
/MO
P 2
& 1
(2
00
kg/h
a)
Ch
icke
n M
anu
re
Scru
b M
ix (
20
0kg
/ha)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
30
0kg
/ha)
Sup
er
Po
tash
2 &
1 (
10
0kg
/ha)
Bio
Gra
ze 2
in 1
Bo
ost
er
Zin
c M
oly
+ M
axi M
ang
Foli-
Zym
e
Sulp
hat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
SOP
)
Mu
riat
e o
f P
ota
sh (
MO
P)
16 4 28 14 21 30 22 5 24 15 6 12 13 17 19 8 20 26 23 1 3 25 2 9 7 18 29 27 10 11
Gro
ss m
argi
n $
/ha
(to
tal i
nco
me
- co
sts
incu
rred
) 5 year average gross margin
44
CONCLUSIONS
Phosphorus and potassium are the most important nutrients for lucerne seed production with other trace elements. The commonly used Plain Super was shown to provide key essential nutrients to achieve good seed yield, with low rates of 100 kg/ha more effective than higher rates of 200 kg and 300 kg/ha. This confirms that more is not necessarily better. Greater profitability can be achieved if existing programs and rates of fertilisers are modified. Standard industry practices may be justified if yield improvements are achieved, but the use of foliar sprays and organic amendments may promote increased yield potential.
Foliar fertilisers showed increased yield in the absence of granular fertilises applied to the soil. Many of the foliar fertilisers were biologically enhanced, which contributed to soil health and soil structure. Foliar sprays promoted seed production when applied post hay cut and many promoted crop biomass. Foliar fertiliser treatments that influenced crop biomass were predominantly organic based products that were applied in autumn or post hay cut. In comparison, potassium and phosphorus based fertilisers such as sulphate of potash (SOP), muriate of potash (MOP) and plain super showed poor crop biomass.
Soil and tissue analysis showed variability in nutrients at different times of the season were
related to timing of fertiliser application. For example, one application of granular fertiliser
early in the season was least effective than foliar sprays in spring and post hay cut in regard
to nutrient capacity and yield.
Soil analysis showed phosphorus levels could be depleted with continued use of fertilisers that do not replenish the soil. Foliar sprays could improve the uptake of phosphorus, although would be more beneficial to incorporate with granular phosphate fertilisers. In the long term, soils would require addition of essential phosphorus and potassium to ensure sustainable production and to maintain soil properties for continued production.
Consideration should also be given to the fertility and sustainability of the soil for future production. Constant removal of essential nutrients from the soil under continuous lucerne production will lead to soil depletion if nutrients are not replenished and ultimately poor yields. The use of soil and tissue analysis will assist the use of fertilisers and the right strategy for your property.
Yields were highly dependent on seasonal environmental conditions but profitability between
good and poor years was dependent on the fertiliser program. There were significant
differences between fertilisers in a dry season, where yields were below average. In dry
conditions, some fertilisers aided plant survival and crop growth and increased gross
margins by at least $1300/ha.
The most economic seed yield in terms of yield output for dollar input was attributed to Lucerne Mix 2 (A++), BioForge + Super Potash 2&1 and Plain Super at 100kg.
45
APPENDIX
YIELD ANALYSIS
Seed Yield
Date 19/3/13 21/3/14 15/3/15 7/3/16 6/4/17 Rating Type YIELD YIELD YIELD YIELD YIELD Rating Unit kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha ARM Action Codes T2 T3 TY13 T21 T29
Trt Treatment No. Name 91 94 101 107 110
1 Untreated Control 994.2 a 828.3 a 433.7 efg 683.3 a 270.7 h
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 1012.6 a 804.6 a 468.4 b-g 644.1 a 333.1 a-d
3 MAP S/MOP 2 & 1 1013.5 a 829.7 a 448.0 d-g 721.1 a 310.9 a-g 4 Plain Super (SSP) 100 kg 1040.1 a 938.5 a 614.9 ab 708.2 a 310.0 a-h
5 Plain Super (SSP) 200 kg 1038.6 a 936.7 a 505.5 a-g 681.4 a 326.2 a-g
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 1029.4 a 936.2 a 564.6 a-e 681.3 a 292.1 fgh
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 945.1 a 852.1 a 358.1 g 659.0 a 292.9 e-h 8 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 1000.4 a 904.1 a 505.7 a-g 667.2 a 317.2 a-g
9 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 1022.8 a 856.2 a 425.6 efg 658.7 a 291.2 gh
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 969.0 a 822.1 a 385.1 fg 629.1 a 317.2 a-g
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 988.3 a 713.1 a 371.0 g 667.7 a 333.0 a-e
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19%
1015.9 a 982.4 a 466.9 b-g 689.8 a 311.6 a-g
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15%
1042.1 a 850.7 a 525.9 a-f 710.9 a 340.6 abc
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25%
1079.5 a 871.5 a 560.7 a-e 710.2 a 311.8 a-g
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 1088.8 a 909.6 a 487.2 a-g 652.9 a 349.1 a
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 1075.8 a 974.5 a 590.0 a-d 761.2 a 331.7 a-f
Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 17 BioGraze 994.2 a 931.8 a 465.1 b-g 700.0 a 335.7 a-d 18 BioGraze 2 in 1 996.5 a 862.3 a 483.2 a-g 697.5 a 300.7 c-h
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 1024.7 a 939.6 a 507.1 a-g 669.8 a 304.9 c-h
20 SSP/SOP/Humate gran (60:30:10)
1013.3 a 880.7 a 477.3 a-g 735.3 a 304.4 c-h
21 Composted Manure 1079.3 a 972.8 a 552.9 a-e 781.7 a 306.0 b-h
22 NutriCal 10L X3 1080.1 a 897.6 a 588.1 a-d 767.8 a 336.5 a-d
BioCoat 23 NutriCal 15L X2 1053.9 a 894.4 a 504.0 a-g 718.5 a 328.3 a-g
BioCoat 24 NutriCal 15L X2 999.2 a 888.5 a 545.5 a-e 749.5 a 323.7 a-g
Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 25 Chicken Manure 1001.4 a 848.4 a 475.9 a-g 653.9 a 297.3 d-h 26 Compost 1013.0 a 868.9 a 451.5 c-g 694.3 a 333.0 a-d
27 Foli-Zyme 972.7 a 765.4 a 476.2 a-g 643.9 a 325.4 a-g
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 28 Bio-Forge 1055.2 a 883.8 a 619.9 a 794.8 a 345.4 ab
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 29 Booster Zinc Moly 1015.2 a 790.4 a 420.5 efg 669.4 a 300.8 c-h
Maxi Mang Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
30 Balance 3ZBM 1073.7 a 875.7 a 599.7 abc 713.2 a 328.9 a-g
Maxi Fruit Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
LSD P=.05 92.76 168.20 149.97 117.90 40.11 Standard Deviation 56.80 103.00 91.84 72.20 24.56 CV 5.55 11.74 18.52 10.36 7.75 Bartlett's X2 32.02 32.278 30.824 22.506 34.249 P(Bartlett's X2) 0.319 0.308 0.374 0.799 0.23 Treatment Prob(F) 0.2244 0.3717 0.0344 0.4278 0.0388
ARM Action Codes: T2 = [C90]*1.05; T3 = [C93]*1.5 ; TY13 = 1.8*[C100]; T21 = [C106]*1.3 ; T29 = [C109]*1.1 Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P (F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. Missing data estimates are included in columns: Yates=91, 94
46
GROSS MARGIN ANALYSIS
Description Gross Margin
2013 Gross Margin
2014 Gross margin
2015 Gross margin
2016 Gross margin
2017 Rating Date 2/3/16 6/4/17 Rating Type Rating Unit $/ha $/ha $/ha $/ha $/ha ARM Action Codes T7 T5 T15 T31 T23
Trt Treatment No. Name 92 97 103 114 116
1 Untreated Control 4971.0 a 4141.4 a 2168.3 a 3416.5 a 1516.1 gh
2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 4943.0 a 3903.2 a 2221.7 a 3100.5 a 1745.2 a-f
3 MAP S/SOP 2 & 1 4945.7 a 4026.5 a 2118.0 a 3483.3 a 1618.9 b-h
4 Plain Super (SSP) 100 kg 5167.5 a 4659.7 a 3041.3 a 3507.8 a 1702.8 a-g 5 Plain Super (SSP) 200 kg 5127.1 a 4617.4 a 2461.7 a 3340.9 a 1760.8 a-f
6 Plain Super (SSP) 300 kg 5048.1 a 4582.0 a 2724.0 a 3307.3 a 1537.1 fgh
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4682.3 a 4217.0 a 1747.7 a 3252.0 a 1597.2 b-h
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4916.0 a 4434.3 a 2442.7 a 3249.8 a 1690.4 a-h 9 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4984.9 a 4152.2 a 1998.7 a 3164.6 a 1501.9 gh
10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 4735.2 a 4000.1 a 1815.7 a 3035.5 a 1666.3 a-h
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 4886.6 a 3510.5 a 1800.0 a 3283.4 a 1809.8 abc
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19%
5006.6 a 4838.9 a 2261.3 a 3376.0 a 1671.7 a-h
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15%
5122.3 a 4165.7 a 2541.7 a 3466.3 a 1819.6 ab
14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25%
5339.3 a 4299.5 a 2745.7 a 3492.9 a 1688.2 a-h
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 5376.0 a 4480.2 a 2368.0 a 3196.8 a 1887.1 a
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A)
16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++)
5274.0 a 4767.6 a 2845.0 a 3701.2 a 1752.6 a-f
Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++)
17 BioGraze 4888.5 a 4576.7 a 2242.7 a 3417.5 a 1797.3 a-d
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 4858.8 a 4188.1 a 2292.7 a 3364.2 a 1560.2 e-h
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 5015.5 a 4590.1 a 2427.3 a 3240.9 a 1599.6 b-h
20 SSP/SOP/Humate gran (60:30:10)
4916.7 a 4253.7 a 2236.7 a 3526.3 a 1554.4 e-h
21 Composted Manure 5156.6 a 4623.9 a 2524.3 a 3668.5 a 1473.8 h 22 NutriCal 10L X3 5165.4 a 4253.1 a 2705.0 a 3604.0 a 1649.2 b-h
BioCoat 23 NutriCal 15L X2 5024.7 a 4227.0 a 2275.0 a 3347.4 a 1593.3 c-h
BioCoat 24 NutriCal 15L X2 4751.2 a 4197.0 a 2482.7 a 3502.5 a 1567.6 e-h
Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 25 Chicken Manure 4923.2 a 4157.9 a 2295.3 a 3185.5 a 1580.8 d-h
26 Compost 4967.5 a 4247.1 a 2160.3 a 3374.1 a 1767.6 a-e
27 Foli-Zyme 4731.3 a 3695.0 a 2249.3 a 3087.7 a 1690.3 a-h
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 28 Bio-Forge 5107.2 a 4250.0 a 2930.7 a 3804.9 a 1765.0 a-e
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 29 Booster Zinc Moly 4957.1 a 3833.1 a 1983.7 a 3227.8 a 1565.7 e-h
Maxi Mang Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
30 Balance 3ZBM 5231.5 a 4241.7 a 2861.3 a 3429.2 a 1704.6 a-g
Maxi Fruit Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
LSD P=.05 464.43 840.87 749.03 589.52 224.84 Standard Deviation 284.40 514.93 458.69 361.01 137.69 CV 5.68 12.06 19.39 10.71 8.29 Bartlett's X2 32.797 32.285 30.784 23.057 34.584 P(Bartlett's X2) 0.286 0.307 0.376 0.774 0.219 Treatment Prob(F) 0.3314 0.3915 0.0646 0.7507 0.0301
Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P (F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. Missing data estimates are included in columns: Yates=92, 97, and 98,104,115,117
47
Description Average Gross Margin Av Gross Margin Av Gross Margin Av Gross margin Rating Date 6/4/17 Rating Type 2013-14 2013-14-15 2013-2016 2013-17 Rating Unit $/ha $/ha $/ha $/ha ARM Action Codes T6 T18 T24 T30
Trt Treatment No. Name 98 104 115 117
1 Untreated Control 4556.3 a 3760.7 a 3211.7 a 3597.0 a 2 Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 4423.1 a 3689.3 a 3143.3 a 3535.0 a
3 MAP S/SOP 2 & 1 4486.1 a 3696.7 a 3201.3 a 3600.3 a
4 Plain Super (SSP) 4913.6 a 4289.7 a 3578.7 a 4012.0 a
5 Plain Super (SSP) 4872.2 a 4068.7 a 3422.3 a 3841.0 a 6 Plain Super (SSP) 4815.0 a 4118.0 a 3404.3 a 3824.7 a
7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4525.0 a 3631.4 a 3123.9 a 3504.1 a
8 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4675.1 a 3930.7 a 3309.0 a 3716.3 a
9 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 4568.5 a 3712.0 a 3126.0 a 3516.3 a 10 Sulphate of Potash (SOP) 4316.8 a 3503.9 a 2994.4 a 3366.6 a
11 Muriate of Potash (MOP) 4198.7 a 3399.0 a 3018.3 a 3387.3 a
12 Lucerne K 36 B 0.95% Zn 0.19% 4922.8 a 4035.7 a 3392.0 a 3807.7 a
13 Lucerne K 38 B 0.77% Zn 0.15% 4644.1 a 3943.3 a 3380.3 a 3796.7 a 14 Lucerne K 31 B 1.25% Zn 0.25% 4819.4 a 4128.0 a 3475.3 a 3899.3 a
15 Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 4928.1 a 4075.0 a 3420.3 a 3839.0 a
Lucerne Mix 1 low cost(mix A) 16 Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 5020.8 a 4295.3 a 3628.3 a 4076.3 a
Lucerne Mix 2 high co(mix A++) 17 BioGraze 4732.6 a 3902.3 a 3344.0 a 3755.3 a
18 BioGraze 2 in 1 4325.6 a 3600.6 a 3079.3 a 3463.5 a
19 BioGraze 5 in 1 4802.8 a 4011.0 a 3338.7 a 3752.3 a 20 SSP/SOP/Humate gran (60:30:10) 4585.2 a 3802.7 a 3260.0 a 3669.0 a
21 Pig Manure 4890.2 a 4102.0 a 3453.3 a 3896.7 a
22 NutriCal 10L X3 4709.3 a 4041.7 a 3435.0 a 3875.3 a
BioCoat 23 NutriCal 15L X2 4625.9 a 3842.3 a 3255.0 a 3675.0 a
BioCoat 24 NutriCal 15L X2 4562.4 a 4043.4 a 3429.4 a 3870.6 a
Scrub Mix (1-10-0-10) 25 Chicken Manure 4540.5 a 3792.3 a 3192.7 a 3586.0 a 26 Compost 4607.3 a 3791.7 a 3262.7 a 3666.0 a
27 Foli-Zyme 4213.2 a 3558.7 a 3051.3 a 3433.3 a
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 28 Bio-Forge 4678.6 a 4096.0 a 3529.3 a 3973.0 a
Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 29 Booster Zinc Moly 4395.1 a 3591.3 a 3077.7 a 3461.0 a
Maxi Mang Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
30 Balance 3ZBM 4736.6 a 4111.3 a 3454.7 a 3885.7 a
Maxi Fruit Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7)
LSD P=.05 570.90 559.04 433.93 485.94 Standard Deviation 349.60 342.34 265.73 297.57 CV 7.54 8.81 8.05 8.02 Bartlett's X2 36.805 29.299 25.338 25.378 P(Bartlett's X2) 0.151 0.45 0.661 0.658 Treatment Prob(F) 0.3127 0.1282 0.2251 0.2147
Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. Missing data estimates are included in columns: Yates=92, 97, and 98,104,115,117
ARM Action Codes T7 = ([C91]*5)-[C96] T5 = ([C94]*5)-[C96] T15 = ([C101]*5)-[C96] T31 = ([C107]*5)-[C96] T23 = ([C111]*5.60)-[C96] T6 = ([C95]*5)-[C96] T18 = ([C102]*5-[C96]) T24 = ([C112]*5-[C96])
AgriFutures Australia
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AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation. AgriFutures is a trade mark owned by Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.
Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for Lucerne Seed Production 2012-2017
By Dr. Belinda RawnsleyJuly 2017
AgriFutures Australia Publication No: 17/053AgriFutures Australia Project No: PRJ-006081 ISBN: 978-1-74254-976-7