Use of nutrient management plan to improve environmental sustainability and water quality on a beef farm in Ireland
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 the fertility of his soils and to grow more grass to enhance output, as well as environmental sustainability, on the farm. The key objectives under the 5 year plan were; to correct soil pH, utilize slurry and farm yard manure better, to extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, and subsequently reduce the carbon footprint on the farm. Through the implementation of the plan Trevor managed to increase the volume of grass production from 10tt DM/ha to 15t DM/ha, extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, increase the stocking rate from 1.5LU/ha to 2.2LU/ha over 5 years and ultimately reduce his feed costs and increase profitability. From the farmers experience however the poor profitability on the farm prevented immediate investment in soil nutrients and grazing infrastructure, which slowed progress slightly. However, through his committment to the plan Trevor learned that it is possible to improve fertility on his farm with good grass and soil measurements. The constant monitoring and updating of the NMP was essential to keeping him on track to reducing the effciency and welfare of his herd which in turn improved the carbon footprint of his animals.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland