Rebuilding soil fertility
Soil fertility expectations
Most New Zealand farms have been in production for many years and have been regularly applying an NPKS and lime fertiliser regime over that time. Despite investing in new seed varieties and good management practices, many are still finding that their yields have stagnated or declined. Although they are using the recommended fertiliser program, it doesn’t seem to be lifting production or improving yield quality.
Soil testing and comprehensive testing – is it justifiable?
Soil testing and nutrient management have become increasingly sophisticated but more expensive. This is especially true for high-value crops where advisors can justify the additional costs. However, the increased intervention often fails to deliver the farmer's desired results and is likened to hitting an invisible production ceiling. This is where we can see that farmers who have chosen to adopt the Albrecht approach to soils have discovered the ability to build soil fertility beyond simply applying the required amounts of nutrients in plant-available forms.
Getting started – keeping it economic
Embarking on a new soil fertility program can be daunting in terms of determining where to start and the potential cost. We recommend taking an approach that fits within your budget and prioritising the most limiting nutrient. If using agricultural lime, a consideration is that it takes three years to completely release calcium, so a commitment to a reasonable timeframe is recommended. GBD can work with you to soil test your property and determine the best way forward for transitioning your farm into an Albrecht system.
Albrecht soil analysis
Golden Bay Dolomite is an advocate of the Albrecht soil analysis method which was developed by Dr William Albrecht at Missouri University. GBD is trained to complete soil sampling and recommendations to the Albrecht standard. Samples are sent to Perry Agricultural Laboratory (PAL), which is recognised as the leading Albrecht soil analysis laboratory.
Soil fertility expectations
Most New Zealand farms have been in production for many years and have been regularly applying an NPKS and lime fertiliser regime over that time. Despite investing in new seed varieties and good management practices, many are still finding that their yields have stagnated or declined. Although they are using the recommended fertiliser program, it doesn’t seem to be lifting production or improving yield quality.
How does the Albrecht system differ?
New Zealand soil testing is traditionally based on the reductionist theory that nutrients are applied to replace the quantities used in production, meeting pasture and crop nutritional needs with little regard given to the nutrient levels in the soil itself. In comparison, the Albrecht system recognises that minerals present in the topsoil (including trace elements) have an “optimum” level and when these are maintained, they create an environment where soil biology thrives and keeps nutrients cycling and available for production.
At these mineral levels, pasture and crops maintain a nutrient-dense composition, maintaining healthy animals, good live weights and/or milk solid production per hectare. Simplified, the Albrecht system aims to achieve the correct “percentages” between nutrients that are essential for plant nutrition.
Field validation of Albrecht soil testing results
To field test the accuracy of the Albrecht soil testing, farmers can map the different blocks that they define n as their sampling areas and check how the results align with the performance seen in the paddock, e.g., are the samples identified as “good” producing high yields.
Understanding the Numbers
Each soil testing method has its own set of measurements. Be aware that the Perry Lab data will differ from MAF quick test numbers and as a rule results in much higher numbers. The important thing is the interpretation of the testing results. Be sure to refer to the recommendations and comments that accompany your results from PAL.