Dairy farmers across Gippsland are being urged to make the most of effluent supplies to improve pasture growth and cut input costs ahead of winter.
Dairy Industry Development Officer Rachael Campbell said now is the ideal time to empty effluent ponds and apply nutrients to paddocks while conditions remain favourable.
“If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to plan to empty your dairy effluent ponds to gain the best result from both its nutrient content and water,” Ms Campbell said.
Effluent provides a valuable source of nutrients, helping to boost pasture growth and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, particularly when applied while plants are actively growing and can respond to follow-up rainfall.
Ponds are designed to store waste over winter, so they should be emptied before the wetter months to ensure capacity and avoid overflow risks.
Ms Campbell stressed the importance of testing effluent before application, as nutrient levels vary depending on herd size, feed type and storage conditions.
Farmers are advised to target paddocks with lower soil fertility, rotate application areas, and conduct soil testing every two to four years to match effluent and fertiliser use to paddock requirements.
Careful management is also needed to protect pasture and livestock health.
Effluent should not be applied to newly established pastures until plants are well developed.
Livestock should be kept off treated paddocks for at least 21 days, while transition cows should avoid high-potassium areas, and young stock should be restricted from effluent storage and application areas.
“Using the nutrients you have sitting in the effluent storage pond is likely to save you money on fertilisers,” Ms Campbell said, highlighting the potential cost savings alongside improved pasture performance.
