Kikuyu Fertiliser trial part 3 - December 2023
Channel: Local Land Services NSW
Date: 2024-01-12

Following on from part 1 & 2, in part 3 we've observed some intriguing developments. The Synthetic Pasture Blend Fertiliser took an early lead, showcasing robust growth, possibly due to its balanced nutrient profile. Meanwhile, the Chicken Manure, with less than half the nutrients readily available, exhibited minimal change a week later, hinting at the importance of nutrient concentration.

On the other hand, the Urea application, though initially causing a burning effect on the pasture due to its excess.  Since the 2nd part video, the urea patch has significantly taken off.  The biomass is comparable to the Pasture Blend Fertiliser.  During this period the nitrogen has been utilised by the microbes and plant and allow the growth to begin.   Overall there is some indication that the fertilisers have had various impact on biomass production. 

Stay tuned for the exciting revelations as we continue to unravel the impact of these fertilisers on our kikuyu-based pasture. 

This fertiliser experiment series at the Demonstration Farm started in November 2023 is trialling the impact of different fertilisers on a kikuyu-based pasture. The fertilisers used are easily accessible from most rural stores.   

Plot 1 – Synthetic Pasture blend 250kg/ha (23.8%N, 3.7% P, 13.0%K, 4.1%S) 
Plot 2 – Chicken Manure Pelleted – 600kg/ha (3.5%N, 1.1%P, 1.6%K, 0.6%S) 
Plot 3 – Urea 200kg /ha (46%N) (Note: this is excessively high and future applications will be reduced to 50kg/ha to avoid toxicity). 
Plot 4 – Nil fertiliser (control group)

Watch part 1 & 2 of the Kikuyu Fertiliser trial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbeXAybNsB_FHkzC4qArHVZBz_qD-QVKp
Subscribe to the Grazing Management Group: https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcmQhCR8apIAAvQ
Contact Ben on ben.azzopardi@lls.nsw.gov.au