SurePhos is a game-changing new fertiliser that’s been years in the making. It’s huge news for sustainable farming, and for everyone who shares a love of the land.
Losing P and profit
Phosphorus can be lost in a number of ways, all of which can affect profits.
“Phosphorus is needed for plants to grow in New Zealand’s naturally deficient soils, but too much of it in waterways can cause excessive growth of unwanted aquatic plants and algal blooms”, says Ballance Innovation Leader, Dr Jamie Blennerhassett. “Phosphate losses to the environment can also affect farm profits, so it’s good business sense to minimise them where you can,” he says.
Runoff losses
“Most farm systems lose phosphate, mainly via runoff. The actual amounts of phosphate lost to waterways in runoff are relatively low, typically 0.1 to 1.7 kg P/ha/year. But even low amounts can have a significant negative impact on water quality”, says Jamie.
Fertiliser losses
A soluble fertiliser, such as superphosphate or di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), spread too close to waterways or applied less than two weeks before irrigation or heavy rainfall can contribute up to 90 per cent of total phosphate losses from pasture, via runoff. If this lost phosphate enters waterways, it will be available to aquatic plants and algae.
The good news is that SurePhos can reduce phosphate loss by up to 75%, so it’s better for business, better for waterways, and better for the future of farming in this country.
