Farmers in northern Tasmania are pioneering a trial that utilizes soil microbes to enhance pasture growth while simultaneously decreasing reliance on synthetic fertilisers. George Rigney and Hiren Bhadani have started this innovative experiment at the Rigney family dairy farm, which provides milk to dairy giant Fonterra. The trial will help determine whether these tiny organisms can efficiently deliver otherwise inefficient-to-produce nutrients. These nutrients, which include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are commonly found in commercial fertilizers.
Three years ago, Hiren Bhadani suggested that we employ soil microbes for the task. He cultivated this concept while managing one of the farms currently taking part in the trial. That’s part of the appeal of this nascent movement, which holds great potential for enhancing soil health and the productivity of pastureland. As pressure mounts to mitigate environmental impacts, the trial aims to identify sustainable agricultural practices.
The Role of Microbes in Agriculture
Soil microbes are indispensable and work day and night enriching the soil with essential nutrients needed for plant growth. In this clinical trial, Bhadani has been field-testing four species of live microbes that were brought over from India. These microbes are deployed onto cattle paddocks in liquid, slurry-like form, improving nutrient availability and overall soil vitality.
Interestingly, two of these microbial species are capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere. They then further process it into a form that plants can use. The other species help unlock more complicated and legacy-like forms of phosphorus and potassium. Farmers such as Rigney have witnessed dramatic increases in soil pH since beginning the trial. As for the environmental benefits, their pasture productivity has increased tremendously.
“We’re actually growing more grass with 25 per cent less fertiliser and soil pH is up,” – George Rigney
Beneficial microbes in the soil increased by 0 to 35 percent. That incredible jump showcases their power to change how we farm forever. With better soil health, farmers have a greater ability to decrease their use of synthetic fertilisers without sacrificing yield.
Environmental Impact and Economic Benefits
As a result, the trial has further played a significant role in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions tied to the use of fertiliser. George Rigney has been able to reduce his urea by 25 per cent while not losing any grass growth. This change not only relieves farmers of the financial pressure of rising fertiliser costs but it responds to climate-related concerns.
Hiren Bhadani explains why this transition is so critical. He notes, “If we reduce the synthetic urea application, we will reduce the greenhouse gas emission in the environment, which is very, very harmful to the climate.” The trial is part of a larger national movement to incentivize sustainable farming practices that protect our environment from harmful impacts.
Furthermore, Richard Rawnsley highlights the risks associated with nitrogen loss: “If we’re losing it up into the air, that can be lost as nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas that we don’t want.” The importance of reducing nitrogen loss is evermore important for safeguarding our environment and improving agricultural productivity.
Looking Ahead: Future Applications
Even though this was a relatively small trial, its success has attracted enquiries from several hundred other dairy farms. Compass Agribusiness Tasmania were taken in by the positive experiences at Woodrising. They’re already planning to start using the microbial approach on each of their five other dairy farms.
Troy Ainslie, a supporter of innovative agricultural practices, reflects on the initial hesitation surrounding such trials: “You have a bit of apprehension [asking], ‘Why is it not done already then?’” He stresses the importance of experimentation in agriculture: “If no-one’s willing to try it, how are we going to find this stuff out?”
“As Rigney and Bhadani look ahead to what’s next, they haven’t lost hope. “In the next five years, if the whole area is under [the] microbes trial, it will definitely reduce 30-to-40 per cent of the synthetic urea … that’s a big, big amount for the dairy business,” states Bhadani.
The path to more sustainable farming practices using these microbes is only beginning. Farmers are literally chomping at the bit at the prospect of these efforts. They are confident these improvements in agricultural practices will help their operations thrive while improving environmental health.
