FORAGE AND ARABLE
A more environmental and profitable phosphorus A new tool is helping significantly reduce phosphorus (P) losses. “Phosphorus-based fertilisers are vital for farming our naturally P deficient soils but the challenge is applying this nutrient without environmental losses,” Ballance Agri-Nutrients Environmental Management Specialist Ian Power says. “Most P fertilisers contain mainly watersoluble P, which can be lost as runoff. SurePhos, a fertiliser launched in late 2019, contains mainly water-insoluble P, which minimises fertiliser P losses by up to 75 percent1.”
“The actual amount of P lost to
SurePhos is a cost-effective option,
waterways is quite low but can have a
highly compatible with other products
major impact in P-limited waterways,
and has a high P content for a reverted
by introducing just the amount needed
phosphate fertiliser, reducing cartage
for aquatic weeds and algal blooms to
and spreading costs. It can be custom
take over.”
blended with most other fertilisers,
Enter SurePhos
including nitrogen fertilisers – such as
Ballance Agri-Nutrients, with Primary Growth Partnership support, spent
SustaiN and urea – helping to minimise the number of applications and
many years formulating SurePhos,
pasture damage.
designed to provide P where and
SurePhos was runner-up for the
when it is needed, minimising
Innovation Launch Award in the
impact to the environment without
Fieldays Online Innovation Awards
effecting profit.
2020, which showcases cutting edge
The P application challenge
No more than 23 percent of the P in
ideas that benefit the primary industry.
“Minimising P losses via runoff can be tricky, with weather, timing and proximity to waterways all needing to be considered,” Ian says.
SurePhos is water-soluble (compared
Commonly used P fertilisers such as superphosphate and DAP are highly water-soluble.
water-insoluble P slowly releases
For more information and availability*, contact your Ballance Nutrient Specialist, your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.
“These fertilisers work in ideal conditions, with no heavy rain (an average of 30 mm within 21 days) to remove the P. As conditions are not always predictable, it’s not uncommon to lose P in runoff, which can affect profits and waterways.
less lost to the environment.
WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ
to 82 percent in superphosphate and 90 percent in DAP), which pasture can use straight away. The remaining into the soil over several months. The result is more P in the soil and Independent tests conducted by
1. McDowell RW, Smith C, Balvert S 2011. The environmental impact and agronomic effectiveness of four phosphorus fertilisers: Report for Ballance AgriNutrients, October 2011
superphosphate products, SurePhos
2.Dexter M, Kear M, Lucci G 2019. P leaching from SurePhos, Superten and Serpentine Super fertilisers in a laboratory evaluation: Report prepared for Ballance Agri-Nutrients by AgResearch Limited
can reduce P loss by up to 75 percent1
Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients
AgResearch show that compared to
and in a laboratory trial it was shown to reduce P leaching by up to 83 percent2.
Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2021. All rights reserved.
*SurePhos is available from selected North Island stores only.
THE FARMLANDER | 53
