evaluation of different fertilisers for lucerne seed ...€¦ · super potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha...

Evaluation of Different Fertilisers for Lucerne Seed Production 2012-2017

By Dr. Belinda Rawnsley July 2017

1

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

2

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

3

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


at the irrigated trial site in 2014 (note range 400-1100kg/ha). ........................................... 33


at the irrigated trial site in 2015 (note range 400-700 kg/ha). ............................................ 34


at the irrigated trial site in 2016 (note range 400-800 kg/ha). ............................................ 35


at the irrigated trial site in 2014-2015 season (note range 400-800 kg/ha). ...................... 36


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 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

4

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.

5

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

6

TREATMENTS Tmt No.

Product Supplier

Treatment Rate Rate Unit

Application Total Product Cost ($/ha)

1 Untreated Control 0.00

2

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



7 Super Potash 2 & 1 100 kg/ha Spring 43.00



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



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

17

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

22

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

23


235.00 NutriCal 15 l/ha Post Hay Cut

BioCoat 200 kg/ha Spring

24


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

29

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

30

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.

7

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



7 Super Potash 2 & 1 (0-6-17-7) 100 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



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

8

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.

9

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






28/02/2014 Field day







2/03/2015 Field day




21/07/2015 RIRDC Field day




10/02/2016 Field day







1/03/2017 Field day


10

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 Irrigation

Feb 2015 Trace Element Spray MnCu* 4 l/ha

Feb 2015 Irrigation

2015-16 Season


Nov 2015 Irrigation

Dec 2016 Hay cut

Dec 2016 Irrigation


Feb 2017 Irrigation

2016-17 Season


Nov 2015 Irrigation

Dec 2016 Hay cut

Dec 2016 Irrigation


Feb 2017 Irrigation

* Incorporated Fastac insecticide @160 ml/ha

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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


400

450

500

550

600

650

700

Yiel

d k

g/h

a 2015

P=

LSD=149.97

35


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


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

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3 +

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Co

at

Sup

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2 &

1 (

10

0kg

/ha)

Nu

triC

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2 +

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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 +

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ub

Mix

Un

trea

ted

Co

ntr

ol

Sup

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tash

2 &

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30

0kg

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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


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

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30

0kg

/ha)

Nu

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3 +

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Co

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Luce

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8 B

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Zn

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Man

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Pla

in S

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0kg

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Mix

Sup

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20

0kg

/ha)

Bio

Gra

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in 1

Luce

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Mix

1 lo

w c

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(mix

A)

Bio

Gra

ze 2

in 1

Ch

icke

n M

anu

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Nu

triC

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2 +

Bio

Co

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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

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Un

trea

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Co

ntr

ol

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mp

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MA

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/MO

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& 1

(2

00

kg/h

a)

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tash

2 &

1 (

30

0kg

/ha)

Bo

ost

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Zin

c M

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+ M

axi M

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Sulp

hat

e o

f P

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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


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

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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 (

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)

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


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

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sh (

MO

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Bio

Gra

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Co

mp

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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

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K 3

1 B

1.2

5%

Zn

0.2

5%

Sup

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Po

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2 &

1 (

20

0kg

/ha)

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)

Foli-

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Luce

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K 3

6 B

0.9

5%

Zn

0.1

9%

Nu

triC

al X

3 +

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Co

at

MA

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/MO

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& 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


30 Balance 3ZBM 5231.5 a 4241.7 a 2861.3 a 3429.2 a 1704.6 a-g


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


30 Balance 3ZBM 4736.6 a 4111.3 a 3454.7 a 3885.7 a


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

Building 007Tooma WayCharles Sturt UniversityLocked Bag 588Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

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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

evaluation of different fertilisers for lucerne seed ...€¦ · super potash 2 & 1 200 kg/ha...

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