Fine Particle Fertiliser Application Demonstration Project

Truck spraying — The FPA system uses the same fertiliser as conventional methods, but applies it differently. The granules are ground up much smaller (approximately 1mm diameter) which helps apply the fertiliser more evenly across pasture

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In 2016 Living Water commissioned a demonstration project on the fine particle application of fertilisers in the Waituna catchment. The project is assessing the effects of applying nitrogenous fertiliser (urea) using a fine particle application (FPA) method compared to conventional application of granular fertiliser. Previous studies suggest that FPA may achieve a similar pasture response to conventional application using less fertiliser and could result in greater fertiliser efficiency, reduced costs and potentially a reduction in nitrogen loss to water.

The FPA system uses the same fertiliser as conventional methods, but applies it differently. The granules are ground up much smaller (approximately 1mm diameter) which helps apply the fertiliser more evenly across pasture. The demonstration has three main components:

An international literature review of FPA trials
A trial area that compares conventional fertiliser application with FPA
Engaging farmers in demonstration days at which the findings of the literature review and trial plots will be shared

Living Water’s is interested to see if nitrogen fertiliser application use can be reduced without compromising pasture growth.

BENEFITS

Potentially greater fertiliser efficiency, reduced costs and a reduction in nitrogen loss to water.

PROGRESS

National and international literature review completed.
On-farm demonstration sites established.
First farmer demonstration day held in Oct 2017.
Independent peer review of literature review commissioned.
Three more farmer days planned before project completion in mid-2018.

Brett Emeny began FPA 25 years agoafter seeing a need for xxxx. His trucks retrofit existing applicator trucks to disperse fertiliser using the FPA method.

With the more recent focus on nutrient getting into waterways and the damage that that has been causing this technology has potential to really help with mitigating that.

Chris Crossley

You’re dealing with a biological system which involves cows, grass, the environment, soils, atmosphere, rain… bringing all these together, to reduce nitrate leaching, is complicated because also at the end of the day you have to make a profit to stay in business. Change needs to be well considered, and tested, and based on real science.

Chris Crossley

Chris Crossley has been contracted by Living Water to test the FPA technology.

Farmers listen at demo day — Farmers engaging in demonstration days at which the findings of the literature review and trial plots are shared

Literature Review and Demo Set-Up

Completed 2016

Progress: 100%

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Farmer Demo Days

Four farmer demo days are planned throughout the trial

Progress: 25%

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Project Implementation

Late 2016 until mid 2018

Progress: 65%

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Detail of spray — FPA may achieve a similar pasture response to conventional application using less fertiliser and could result in greater fertiliser efficiency, reduced costs and potentially a reduction in nitrogen loss to water.

WHAT'S NEXT

The demonstration plots will continued to be monitored.
Three further farmer demo days to be held.
Case study to be written.

To see farmers explaining the great results they’re getting from technology I developed is really quite empowering. I get a great buzz out of that.

Brett Emeny