1.4 User Guide Pastoral

USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Foreword The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) says that everyone has a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects their activities may have on the environment. One of the ways in which the RMA affects the farming industry is that fertiliser use is beginning to be regulated through regional plans. This is happening because injudicious fertiliser use can result in adverse environmental effects, including increased nitrate concentrations in groundwater, and nutrient enrichment of surface water. Decisions on fertiliser use are based on complex criteria including production and profit objectives, crop needs, soil fertility status, soil type, climatic conditions and fertiliser characteristics. In response to this need, the fertiliser manufacturing industry has promoted the development of the Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use to avoid a perceived difficulty in setting blanket rules or regulations to fit all farming conditions. The Code addresses the use of solid fertilisers (manufactured and unprocessed) and fluid fertilisers (liquids and suspensions). Internationally, the regulatory environment is broadening to include new standards and restrictions which pose threats to New Zealand’s primary producers. The Code will become an increasingly important tool for maintaining access to international markets. The Code of Practice is designed to: • assist regulatory authorities to meet their responsibilities under the RMA as they prepare their Regional Policies and Regional or District Plans. • provide a procedure which enables fertiliser users to employ sustainable practices specific to their situation (farm, orchard, forest), while ensuring they fulfil their responsibility under the RMA. and • assist and improve the farm business decision making process required to maintain viability in today’s climate of economic uncertainty. The Code does not contain prescriptive practices for given fertilisers. Instead, it is effects based and site specific. The User Guides set out the key indicators and symptoms of any adverse effects from fertiliser use and provide practical options for avoiding, remedying or mitigating them. With this certainty, fertiliser use carried out in keeping with the Code, could be considered a permitted activity in any regional plan. Under these circumstances the alternative for those not wishing to use the Code as a guide, is to apply for resource consents under the RMA. (s15) C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 1 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming The Code of Practice has been prepared in four sections • Fertiliser Practice • User Guides • Fact Sheets • Addenda The Fertiliser Practice section is a resource document setting out the principles for fertiliser use as a sustainable land management activity from both commercial and environmental perspectives. The User Guides enable farmers to maximise production while minimising any adverse environmental effects in relation to fertiliser use. They are stand alone sections of the Code that give practical effect to the framework for sustainability set out in the Fertiliser Practice section. They are designed specifically for fertiliser users and can be successfully used without reference to the Fertiliser Practice section. The Fact Sheets provide farmers with more technical information for achieving commercial and environmental sustainability, and contain options for addressing issues relating to soil fertility and water quality. The Addenda were added in 2002 and provide up-to-date information on a range of topics. For additional information about the purpose, objectives and use of the Code see Appendix A. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 2 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming This user guide outlines best practice to enable pastoral farmers to use fertiliser in a way which meets their production goals and is environmentally sustainable. More detailed information can be found in the fact sheets accompanying this document. The following modules are designed to assist you to audit factors which are critical to your operation and which impact on the environment. They will form the basis of a simple five step planning process outlined below. Step 1 Nutrient requirements are calculated based on your production goals. Various additional factors also need to be considered, such as soil type and soil or leaf test data. Step 2 Product type and application rate is selected to supply the nutrient requirements in the correct proportions while taking into account elements related to cost including product type, storage, transport and application costs. Step 3 Operational matters such as timing with respect to plant growth, soil moisture, pasture cover and threat of rain are considered. Step 4 Environmental impacts are assessed and appropriate options selected and actioned. Step 5 Decisions are recorded. Various means are available for calculating nutrient requirements. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 3 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide Adherence to these Guidelines requires meeting, whenever practical, the provisions of the following self audit. You may choose to phase-in adherence by setting target dates. Planning 1. 2. Date(s) of application: Application site (whole property/ paddock numbers or names): 3. Fertiliser history for each application site: Date of last application: Product type used: Application rate: Date of last soil test/leaf analysis: Attach results for your future reference. 4. 5. Is the reason for the application maintenance/ capital/ strategic (to meet a short term demand)? Soil characteristics: Type: Texture: 6. 7. Stocking rate: Required nutrients: (kg/ha) N P K S Ca Mg Other (eg. trace elements) C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 4 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide On what recommendations did you base these rates? Fact Sheets/ Fertiliser company/ Soil testing organisations/ appropriate farm consultant: Name of technical advisor: Attach any report for your future reference. 8. In planning for annual fertiliser application short and long term objectives (production, soil nutrient status) need to be identified and provided for. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 5 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide This section of the self audit allows for a decision to either proceed or select appropriate remedial option(s) from the Environmental Indicator tables referenced below. Monitoring 1. Groundwater nitrate Is groundwater in your local aquifer used for domestic drinking purposes? Are streams or other water bodies into which your local acquifers discharge high in nitrate? (eg. greater than 5ppm - check with your regional council) If the answer to either of the above questions is yes, please answer the remaining questions in this section. If you have applied nitrogenous fertiliser and you suspect groundwater nitrate may be high, what is the concentration of the nitrate in your tile drain outfalls or shallow bores? Environmental Decision Indicator Table Reference Yes No Yes No (1.1 - 1.8) (1.1 - 1.8) (1.1 - 1.5) (1.1 - 1.5) Are other sources of nitrate likely to be significant? eg. mineralisation, septic tanks. Based on your responses above, is your fertiliser use likely to affect groundwater nitrate levels? 2. Nutrients in streams Are there any indicators of elevated levels of nutrients (algae, water plants, chemical test results) in water bodies (streams, rivers, lakes) that pass through or are downstream of your property? Do you think runoff from your property may be a significant cause? Is your fertiliser use likely to contaminate open water? 3. Have you received complaints about noisy application, dust or off-target applications? Yes No (1.1 - 1.8) Proceed Yes No (2.1 - 2.11, 3.2 /3.3 /3.5 /3.6) Proceed Yes No Yes No Yes No (2.1 - 2.10, 3.1 - 3.6) Proceed (2.1 - 2.10) Proceed (4.1 /4.2 /4.3) Proceed C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 6 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide Product Selection Supplier and product names: Weight supplied (t): Application rate (kg/ha): Nutrients supplied: N P K S Other % % % % % kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha Also note probable fate of any nutrient supplied in excess of that required in 7 above: What precautions have you taken to minimise soluble nitrogenous products from leaching into groundwater? Environmental Decision Indicator Table Reference • Could the product be difficult to spread evenly? eg. a mixture consisting of different sized products. • Is the product so fine that special precautions are required to minimise it blowing off-site? • Is the product so coarse that it will not all be available to plants in the first year? Yes No Yes No Yes No (3.4) Proceed (4.1/4.3) Proceed (2.5) Proceed C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 7 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide Choice of application machine Please consider the following factors: • Is the machine suitable for the terrain? • Is the machine appropriate for the size of the application area? • Is the use of the machine likely to result in noise or dust nuisance to third parties? • Is the machine calibration certified to meet accuracy requirements? Environmental Decision Indicator Table Reference Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Proceed (2.6) Proceed (2.6) (2.6/4.1/4.2) Proceed Proceed (2.6) C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 8 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Self Audit Guide Application of Fertiliser 1. Who applied the fertiliser? What was the method of application? 2. Pasture cover at time of application (dry matter per hectare/height): Average: Range: Environmental Decision Indicator Table Reference 3. Did visible runoff occur from pasture after rain or irrigation in the four week period following application? (discount runoff from bare tracks): Was the fertiliser applied accurately by an experienced operator? Was the fertiliser confined to the application site, within practical limits? If applied by a groundspreader, was it Spreadmark certified? Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No (1.4/2.1/2.2/2.3) Proceed 4. Proceed (2.6) Proceed (3.2) Proceed (2.6) Proceed (2.2/3.3) Proceed (4.1/4.2/4.3) 5. 6. Were weather conditions within acceptable limits at the time of application? (eg. wind less than 5km/hr) Was prior notification given to third parties who may have been significantly affected by dust or noise during application? C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 9 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators The following environmental indicators will assist you to examine the possible adverse environmental effects which may occur as a result of fertiliser application. They suggest a range of alternative practices you can adopt to avoid, remedy or mitigate these adverse effects. 1. Nitrate leaching to groundwater Indicator: Increasing Nitrate nitrogen in groundwater Note: Nitrate leaching is not easily measured by users, so the emphasis should be on avoiding nitrate leaching by following good practice with nitrogen fertilisers, rather than remedial action after it has occurred. Possible Cause(s) 1.1 Nitrogen input exceeding nitrogen uptake Best practice for remedial action • Reduce nitrogen input • Increase nitrogen uptake in plants by matching nitrogen applications to plant growth • Ensure pasture growth is sufficiently abundant to cope with the uptake. Pasture should be 25 mm high (1000 kg DM per ha) before nitrogen is applied • Balance fertiliser inputs. • Increase soil pH to acceptable levels (to increase N uptake) Fact Sheet 3, 9, 10 1.2 High nitrogen application • Reduce nitrogen input rates (eg. greater than 200 kg • Ensure high nitrogen uptake by: N /ha/yr) • - timing for growth periods • - splitting dressings • - reviewing balance between N fixation and addition 1.3 Applying nitrogen in a single application 1.4 Rainfall greater than 20 mm falling within a day of applying fertiliser • Split the nitrogen applications so that smaller amounts are applied more frequently. • Check weather forecast and avoid application if rain seems likely • Avoid applying fertiliser when soil is above field capacity (ie. saturated puddles on the ground) • Select a less mobile nitrogen fertiliser (low nitrate levels) • Apply smaller amounts of fertiliser more often • Reduce the amount of nitrogen applied • Change the type of nitrogen applied 3, 9, 4, 5 3, 5, 10 3, 4 1.5 Permeable soils which can cause nitrogen leaching. (ie. if puddles disappear quickly after heavy rainfall) 1, 3, 4, 10 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 10 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators Best practice for remedial action • Ensure nitrogen is contained within the storage area on an impervious floor • Protect stored N from rain • Reduce amount of N applied per application • Match N application to plant uptake • Ensure no spillage when loading in or out of storage, or into application equipment. Possible Cause(s) 1.6 Nitrogen fertiliser not securely stored 1.7 High water table present Fact Sheet 6 3 1.8 Contamination from loading sites 11 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 11 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators 2. Contamination of surface water from fertiliser run-off Indicators: Algal blooms/excessive weed growth - elevated nutrient levels (eg. nitrogen & phosphate) Possible Cause(s) 2.1 Slope too steep for vehicle access or natural drainage lines running down to open water Best practice for remedial action • Split fertiliser applications. Apply smaller amounts more frequently • Develop and maintain riparian strips • Avoid applying fertiliser when the ground is saturated • Increase buffer distance between application site and the open water • Check weather forecast and avoid application if rain seems likely. Avoid irrigation in excess of field capacity • Reduce the fertiliser application rates in wetter conditions • Split the application rates. Apply smaller amounts more frequently • Increase ground cover before applying fertiliser • Maintain resilient and productive pasture that is capable of efficiently using the fertiliser • Ensure pasture is not over-grazed (reduce stocking rate) • Seek to avoid pugging damage • Install and maintain riparian strips • Delay fertiliser application until soil conditions improve • Use a less soluble or slow release fertiliser Fact Sheet 3, 11 2.2 High rainfall, or irrigation within a day of fertiliser application 11 2.3 Less than 80% of ground cover (eg. pasture less than 25 mm high or 1000 kg DM/ha) 11 2.4 Saturated soils (puddles forming) 1, 4, 11 2.5 Excessive rates of application • Set realistic crop yield goals and apply fertiliser at times of maximum plant uptake • Account for all sources of nutrients and apply nutrients in correct proportions 2.6 Uneven application • Use equipment suitable for the conditions • Use calibrated equipment and experienced operators • Improve soil draining characteristics (subsoiling) • Reduce soil compaction • Reduce stocking rate • Split fertiliser application rates. Apply less more often 2, 3, 4 7 2.7 Soil permeability low/soil cracking (macropores) 1, 11 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 12 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators Best practice for remedial action • Apply fertiliser when tile drains are not running • Avoid application when soil is saturated • Improve storage facility so that all fertiliser is effectively contained (including a roof) Possible Cause(s) 2.8 Outflow from tile drainage system 2.9 Storage site too close (less than 50 metres) to open water 2.10 Loading site too close (eg. less than 50 metres) to open water 2.11 Drought (excessively dry soils allowing high surface run-off because of slow infiltration rate) Fact Sheet 1, 7 6 • Minimise spillage of fertiliser when loading into or out of storage • Move loading site away from open waterway • Avoid applying fertiliser until sufficient regrowth has occurred after rain 6 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 13 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators 3. Contamination of surface water from direct application of fertiliser Indicator: algal blooms/excessive weed growth - elevated nutrient levels (eg. nitrogen & phosphate) Possible Cause(s) 3.1 Aerial application Best practice for remedial action • Use fertiliser with larger particle sizes (less wind effect) preferably with accurate track spacing • Alternate aerial techniques that allow more precise placement • Use methods other than aerial application • Use selective application techniques (cover part of the area) • Allow a larger margin between fertilised area and open water • Use application techniques which direct the fertiliser • Use fertiliser with larger particle size • Erect a physical barrier/riparian strip around the water • Apply fertiliser when wind direction is away from open water • Use fertiliser products and application techniques that confine fertiliser to the target zone. • Use fertiliser with larger particle sizes • Use application techniques that direct the fertiliser Fact Sheet 7 3.2 Ground application close to open water (eg. less than 10 m) 4, 7, 12 3.3 Wind speed greater than 5 km/hr towards open water 4, 7 3.4 Fertiliser particle sizes with poor ballistic properties (eg. less than 1 mm in diameter for dry material) 3.5 Storage site within 50 metres of open water 3.6 Fertiliser loading/handling operations less than 50 metres from open water 4, 7 • Move storage site away from open water • Ensure the storage facility effectively contains the stored fertiliser (including a roof) • Relocate the loading site away from open water • Use wind shelters around the loading site to contain fertiliser 6 6 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 14 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Environmental Indicators 4. Social / third party effects Indicators: Complaints from affected parties Possible Cause(s) 4.1 Use of dusty fertiliser Best practice for remedial action • Use fertiliser with a larger particle size (dry material) • Use other forms of fertiliser (eg. slurry/liquid) • Ensure the wind is blowing away from sensitive areas • Apply fertiliser only at agreed times • Change to a quieter application equipment • Change time of day when fertiliser is applied • Change operational technique to reduce effect of noise on affected parties • Apply fertiliser only at agreed times • Use fertiliser with larger particle size and employ more precision application techniques • Apply fertiliser only when the wind direction is away from affected parties • Apply fertiliser only at agreed times Fact Sheet 4, 8, 13 4.2 Noise during fertiliser application 4, 7, 8, 13 4.3 Off-target contamination (solids and liquids) 4, 7, 8, 13 C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 15 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Appendix A How the Code Should be Used The Code provides information on the environmental effects of fertiliser use to enable farmers to make informed decisions about fertiliser use - decisions which enable adverse effects to be avoided, remedied or mitigated. Instead of presenting farmers with a set of prescriptive rules that could not satisfy complex criteria, the Code presents options within a specially developed decision framework to assist farmers to assess the effects of fertiliser use on a site specific basis. It is intended to complement existing farm monitoring procedures that farmers regularly undertake. Regional Councils will be able to refer to the Code in regional plans with confidence because farmers will be equipped to take an effects-based approach to sustainable land management practices without the need for a regulatory approach. Objectives The Code objectives are to • enable farmers to meet the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 as required by Regional Councils. • provide a self-audit method of environmental quality assurance to support the marketing of agricultural products. • assist farmers to use fertiliser more efficiently. Purpose The Code has been designed in a way which • enables fertiliser to be used in ways that are efficient and environmentally sound. • empowers farmers to make choices about fertiliser use that are appropriate to their farming enterprise. • recognises that fertiliser is a valuable farm management tool used to secure the ongoing productivity of land. • ensures environmental sustainability by replacing nutrients removed in production. • provides farmers with a means of formalising current practices. Scope The Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use covers the use of fertiliser in all agricultural production systems including horticulture, arable farming, pastoral farming and forestry. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 16 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Appendix A Land Use Practices Not Covered By This Code Sediment run-off contributes to the way in which nutrients enter streams. While this Code does not attempt to govern land use, such as choice of vegetation coverage and stock type, it does provide guidance as to ways in which land can be managed to minimise sedimentation run-off. By following the Code of Practice aspects not directly related to fertiliser use, such as sediment run-off, are addressed. Definition of Fertiliser This Code covers the range of products which are used, known or seen as fertilisers, and which were required to be registered as such under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997, and the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2001. The following definition is provided to resolve situations where there may be uncertainty as to whether a given product is considered a fertiliser. “Any substance (whether in solid or fluid form) which is described as or held out to be for, or suitable for sustaining or increasing the growth, productivity or quality of plants or animals through the application of the following essential nutrients to plants or soils: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, sodium, as major nutrients or manganese, iron, zinc, copper, boron, cobalt, molybdenum, iodine, selenium, as minor nutrients or additives” and, “Any other product which is considered to meet identified soil or plant nutrient deficiencies and is applied with this as the principle objective. Products discharged or applied as part of a waste treatment process require resource consents. Products that have received resource consent and will be used as a nutrient source should comply with the principles of the Code.” Note: to be considered a fertiliser under this Code any product, including those known as “organic” fertilisers shall be free from pathogens or any other agents which could effect disease and pest transmission. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 17 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use Section 1 Fertiliser Practice • Body of Knowledge • Reference Material Section 2 User Guides • Enables practical application of sustainable land management activities • Self audit procedures • Participatory approach Section 3 Fact Sheets • Technical support information • Decision support • Testing procedures C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 18 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming The Code of Practice Framework The Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use (Code) comprises four sections Section 1 - Fertiliser Practice Section 2 - User Guides Section 3 - Fact Sheets Section 4 - Addenda 1. Fertiliser Practice This section deals with all aspects of fertiliser use. It provides detailed information that can be used as a resource document for anyone seeking in-depth knowledge of fertiliser and its use. Its principles are consistent with the legal requirements of the RMA and it makes reference to important industry developments such as the Fertmark and Spreadmark schemes which are complementary to this code. Fertmark is a fertiliser quality assurance scheme providing farmers with added confidence when assessing nutrient efficacy while Spreadmark increases confidence in the uniform spreading and accurate placement of fertiliser. 2. User Guides The second section comprises a series of user guides designed to give effect to the elements of sustainability identified in the fertiliser practice section. They contain self audit modules which effectively provide an efficient framework to the auditing procedures already undertaken by fertiliser users. It outlines a range of best management practices and options enabling them to determine their own methods of maximising production and minimising adverse environmental effects. There are four separate User Guides within the code covering • arable farming • pastoral farming • horticulture • forestry They have been developed on the basis that fertiliser use differs according to specific agricultural practices. Under the Resource Management Act (s17) there is a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the environment. The User Guides identify four possible adverse effects which may result from inappropriate fertiliser use. They provide a list of possible causes, and identify best practices for remedial action. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 19 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming The Code of Practice Framework The possible adverse environmental effects which could result from fertiliser use are 1. 2. 3. 4. Groundwater contamination from nitrogen Surface water contamination from fertiliser run-off Surface water contamination from direct application of fertiliser Nuisance factors such as noise and dust during application The User Guides summarise steps that could be followed in each of the self audit modules. An example of the broad process for assessing sustainable fertiliser application rates is set out below. Table 1: Process for Assessing Sustainable Fertiliser Application Rates Production Goal Nutrients Required Possible Environmental Effect YES Impact (Indicator) NO No impact Determine Cause Proceed Take Remedial Action Evaluate Resolution Problem Persists Proceed C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E AUGUST 1998 20 USER GUIDE: Pastoral Farming The Code of Practice Framework Self Audit Guide The User Guides allow for a self-audit of sustainable fertiliser use. This approach addresses all aspects of fertiliser use including • planning • storage • application • monitoring Response to questions in the above modules are cross referenced to a set of environmental indicators and fact sheets. This provides farmers with a range of options to guide remedial actions if required. 3. Fact Sheets This third section comprises fact sheets which provide farmers with the tools for determining elements of sustainability and production capabilities including tests for measuring soil fertility and water quality as identified in the User Guides. The Fact Sheets support the User Guides with more detailed information on fertiliser and best practice. A resource index is provided to advise where more indepth information can be found. 4. Addenda Added in 2002, the addenda provide up-to-date information on various topics. C O D E O F P R A C T I C E F O R F E R T I L I S E R U S E A U G U S T 1 9 9 8 (updated 2002) 21