Abstract
Soil is one of the earth’s greatest carbon sinks that sustains plants, animals, and humanity. However, agricultural managements including chemical fertiliser applications can affect the soil health. In majority of cropping soils across Australia, there has been a 2-3% per annum decrease in the soil N reserves and low in phosphorus (P) due to extensive weathering. Potassium (K) is low or deficient on many of the sandier soils, and higher K removal can occur on soils across intensive grazing and intensive horticultural crops. The use of organic fertilizers (processed organic waste materials) can constitute a sustainable strategy for improvement in soil structure (physical, biological, and chemical properties), increased soil C storage, improved water and nutrients holding capacity to achieve productive yields and for mitigating climate change. Considering the above, the Soil CRC (https://soilcrc.com.au) is bringing together scientists, industry, and farmers to find practical solutions for Australia’s underperforming soils. As part of Soil CRC projects, a new initiative entitling “Assessing economic feasibility and benefits of adopting high-grade organic fertilizers recovered from waste streams” has commenced in 2022. This project will assess the cost effectiveness of using waste products such as manure, dairy farm waste, compost, and biochar as an organic fertiliser. It will be evaluated in broadacre and other cropping systems in NSW, to inform farmers to understand the economics of applying organic fertilisers derived from waste, thereby leading to greater uptake and application of recycled organic materials. This paper reviews advances in key aspects of economic feasibility and benefits (and risks) of adopting high-grade organic fertilizers. The second objective of this paper is, to provide a case study example, where APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Simulator) model was used to simulate how farmers can increase productivity and farm income using organic fertilisers in comparison to inorganic fertilisers.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages | 92 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Jun 2023 |
| Event | Soil Science Australia National Conference 2023 - Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, Australia Duration: 25 Jun 2023 → 30 Jun 2023 https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/ https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/2023-program/ https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Poster-Abstract-Book.pdf (Poster abstract book) https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Oral-Abstract-Book.pdf (Oral abstract book) https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Program-v8.0-2.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | Soil Science Australia National Conference 2023 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Our soil: Spirit of a nation |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Darwin |
| Period | 25/06/23 → 30/06/23 |
| Other | Join us in Darwin for the Soil Science Australia National Conference “Our Soil: Spirit of a Nation”. For the first time in its history, Soil Science Australia is holding its biennial national conference in the Northern Territory. The theme for 2023 is ‘Our Soil: Spirit of a Nation’. It promises to be a unique Top End experience! Program Speakers Sponsors Delegates will be able to enjoy the Darwin lifestyle and iconic natural environments of the north; explore and understand the important relationships between land, soil and culture of First Nations People; gain rare insight into Top End soils and their land uses in an ancient but flourishing landscape. With an emphasis on northern rangelands, the conference provides a fantastic opportunity for delegates to Gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by land managers in the Top End. Enjoy a unique array of presentations as well as a hands-on experience during field tours. Join hundreds of other delegates on Larrakia Country to experience this unique north Australian experience! |
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