Stocking rate up ninefold

Seven years’ application of poultry litter and a program of soil testing have pleased son James (left) and father Ian Bird on their all beef property near Gresford in the Lower Hunter.

Soil tests have changed from being deficient in all major nutrients to no deficiencies.

"Litter is not cheap per hectare but it is highly effective," James Bird said.

Paddocks which once struggled to run one cow to 2½ hectares on couch and carpet grass dominant pastures now produce lush ryegrass, clover and kikuyu.

James and Ian now run 60 cows or steers on 16 hectares after litter application and have been cutting up to 16 bales of silage per hectare when they can’t keep up with the feed.

Fertiliser alternatives such as poultry litter and manure provide a good option to offset hiked up conventional fertiliser costs.

Poultry litter is bulky and variable but can be very attractive at current prices, provided all its nutrients can be used, says NSW Department of Primary Industries district agronomist at Tocal, Neil Griffiths.

"If a soil test shows that phosphorus and potassium are needed as well as nitrogen, then poultry litter should be costed and compared with the price of superphosphate and urea or other fertilisers delivered and spread on the paddock," Mr Griffiths said.

"Because it is variable poultry litter must be significantly cheaper than alternatives with a guaranteed nutrient analysis on the label.

"If the costings look attractive, then it becomes important to spread the litter safely, to minimise any side effects on neighbours or the environment.

"When spreading poultry litter, ensure that dust does not cause problems for neighbours and take care to minimise the risk of nutrients in runoff from the paddock."

The first step in minimising environmental problems is to limit poultry litter to areas needing phosphorus fertiliser.

In the past, poultry litter was used as a nitrogen fertiliser, risking water pollution on some farms through overuse.

Mr Griffiths says if soil tests indicate an area would benefit from poultry litter, then try to spread when runoff from rainfall or irrigation is unlikely.

"Leave a non-fertilised buffer of at least 20 metres around dams and water courses," he said.

"Use litter where groundcover exists in pastures or, if cropping, cultivate it into the soil to further reduce the risk of it washing off paddocks."

Cattle owners must ensure that stock do not have access to poultry litter stacks and must not enter or graze a paddock for at least three weeks after spreading with poultry litter or poultry manure.

They should also vaccinate for botulism to further reduce the risk of animal health problems.

Further information is contained in NSW DPI Primefact 534 Best practice guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures.

Contact Neil Griffiths, Paterson, (02) 4939 8948, neil.griffiths@dpi.nsw.gov.au