A trial of biostimulants on-farm has allowed Waikato farmer Matt Rout to reduce nitrogen use by over 50%, improve soil health and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The move has seen the farm produce nearly 60% more dry matter per kilogram of nitrogen than his Fonterra Farm Insights Report benchmark group. Despite initial scepticism, Matt Rout has become a staunch advocate for biostimulants.
His growing understanding of soil health and the impact of synthetic fertilisers led him to fully embrace their use over the past three seasons – a decision he wholeheartedly stands by.
“I wanted to reduce my already relatively low nitrogen fertiliser use, knowing there was potential to cut back even further,” Matt says.
Bringing soil to life
Though his typical application was only 100-130kg/ha per season, he was mindful of the sector-wide need to lower nitrogen use and keen to explore additional reductions. His AgriSea representative approached him about a project incorporating biostimulants into farming systems, sparking his interest.
“They explained it’s not about replacing like-for-like; biostimulants don’t replace fertiliser. It’s about using stimulants to activate the biology in the soil and promote soil health, bringing the soil to life to be able to do it on its own,” he says. “I didn’t know the outcome, but I wanted to use less nitrogen, and I was keen to understand what could replace that.”
Milking 200 cows just north of Morrinsville in Waikato, Matt operates a system 3 farm. As a one-man band, he likes to keep things simple and effective.
In the first season using biostimulants, he applied 95 units of N while maintaining pasture and milk production. In the second season, he reduced further to 71 units, and this season he is on track to use just over 50 units total while making more silage.
Another significant impact is his greenhouse gas emissions. Last season, the Nitrous Oxide (biological) emissions from fertiliser on Matt’s farm were 0.20 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of milk solids (kg CO2-e/kg MS), compared with the benchmark of 0.30kg CO2-e /kg MS. And his Carbon Dioxide (non-biological) was 0.30 when the benchmark was 0.50.
BIiostimulants explained
Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency by stimulating natural biological processes. They differ from fertilisers by improving plant health indirectly rather than supplying nutrients directly.
Biostimulants can be applied to any soil type or growing system, with a specific amount, frequency, and application tailored to the desired goals. Soil tests or visual soil assessments can provide valuable insights into whether biostimulants would be beneficial. As efficiency gains priority in the dairy sector, there is a growing awareness and appreciation of biostimulants’ benefits.
“There is clear evidence from our pilot trials and research under the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge that integrating biostimulants into farming systems can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, reduce greenhouse gases, and positively impact animal health,” explains AgriSea CEO Clare Bradley.
She notes that internationally, standards are being established for biostimulants, highlighting their growing significance as a vital category of agricultural inputs worldwide.
“It can be the missing piece of the puzzle for some farms, providing an additional tool to help produce food more sustainably.”
Talk to your Farm Source TSR or AgriSea rep to discuss biostimulants for your farm.
Find out more about the research here.