Use of nutrient management plan to improve environmental sustainability and water quality on a beef farm in Ireland
Trevor Boland won an IFA (Irish Farmers Association) competition under the Smart Farming Programme and he used the prize to pay for a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for his suckler beef farm. Under the NMP he developed a 5 year program of liming and fertilizer use to improve fertility of the soils and enhance output on the farm as well as environmental sustainability. The key objectives under the 5 year plan were; to grow more grass, correct soil pH, utilize slurry and FYM better, extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, and reduce the carbon footprint on the farm.
The main benefits were; increasing the volume of grass production from 10tt DM/ha to 15t DM/ha, extending the grazing period and shortening the winter period, increasing the stocking rate from 1.5LU/ha to 2.2LU/ha over 5 years, increasing profitability, and reducing the work load. Main bottlenecks were poor profitability on the beef farm which prevented investment. Success factors were the progress made on improving fertility, growing more grass, and improving profitability.
From this implementation, the farmer learned that it is possible to imrpove fertility of the farm with a clear NMP, measurement is key, and monitoring and updating of the NMP is essential.
A positive impact is possible on the other WPs in the project. For example an improved grass production that leads to an increased stocking rate and increased output and profitability and an improved utilization of grass with animals outdoors for longer periods led to improved heard health.
- Environmental sustainability: Improvement in environmental sustainability from increased grass production on the farm, improved stocking rate and reduced carbon footprint.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland