Organic pastures
At BioAg we work with our clients to develop tailored and sustainable nutritional strategies for their organic pasture systems. Nutrition plans are formulated taking into account peak feed requirements, calving periods, feed quality requirements, and available resources.
Features and Benefits
- Proven techniques for growing organic pasture
- Stimulate growth during colder months
- Increase soil fertility for this season and the next
Specific considerations for organic pasture
In an organic system there is limited access to nitrogen fertiliser to promote growth. In pasture systems this can be offset to a large extent through pasture composition (use of clover as a nitrogen fixer), and building soil carbon, which will aid nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere.
For peak demand, or in fodder crops, nitrogen can be supplied through one or more of compost, manures, and fish emulsion, all of which contain nitrogen as well as carbon. BioAg’s HydraFish®, in combination with Balance & Grow Organic®, is an ideal growth promoter for pastures and crops.
The BioAg approach
BioAg nutrition programs are incorporated into a growers current nutrition program. Our objective is to make fertiliser and other inputs work better and build and support healthy and balanced soils and plants. Programs are custom-made for each block, using advanced soil and tissue analysis. These integrated programs typically incorporate a range of BioAg solid and liquid nutrients, often associated with conventional inputs. BioAg fertility programs can be developed to meet organic certification requirements.
Soil test
An experienced and Fertcare accredited BioAg agronomist works with you and provides technical expertise on your crop. If you don’t already have recent soil test data, we arrange a soil test for you. The results provide essential information about the soil fertility and soil structure for better performance. Download the BioAg soil sampling procedure here.
A tailored program
Based on the results of soil tests, crop requirements and other factors such as soil structure, climate, history of the block, and targets that you are trying to achieve, we provide a tailored program that aims to improve soil fertility and maximise yield response. We support you through the program to ensure that inputs are applied at the right time, in the right way.
Leaf and tissue testing
Any nutritional program cannot foresee the changes in weather, disease, or pests, that may impact a crop. During the season, growers may observe issues or evidence of stress in their crop. This may be due to greater growth or yields than planned, a trace element shortage or abiotic stresses. An on-farm inspection and associated leaf or tissue tests will promptly identify any issues, which can quickly be addressed by applying the appropriate inputs. Download the BioAg leaf sampling procedure here.
High yielding crops require fertile balanced soils
Key to highly productive crops is the function of soils. Soil structure, chemistry and biology are critical in supporting crops throughout the growing season. By improving all aspects of the soil, crops will benefit from improved access to moisture, due to improved infiltration and water holding capacity, improved access to nutrition through improved nutrient cycling, fixation (for N) and a reduction in loss pathways, improved resilience to abiotic stresses and disease, improved root growth providing access to additional moisture and nutrients as well as improved carbon sequestration and a range of other benefits (click for more on soil health).
Beneficial microorganisms stimulate the plant’s root growth and help protect it from abiotic stresses. This is made possible through mutually beneficial relationships that microbes develop with plants, for example mycorrhizal associations. BioAg products programs supply essential macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca), trace elements (B, Zn, Cu etc.), microbial food and metabolites beneficial microorganisms that colonise root systems, improving soil function, plant health and productivity.
Oganic pasture – key features of a BioAg program
The following table illustrates the cropping process and potential solutions depending on soil test results and other contributing factors. Call your BioAg Area Manager to discuss your individual needs.
Organic pasture resources
- Biostimulants increase yield benefits
The yield map from the Summer 2023 harvest near Brocklesby in Southern NSW visibly shows the positive impact of BioAg’s biostimulant program on yield.
- More pasture with less inputs – true!
If someone told you they were growing more pasture using no synthetic inputs, and saving a fortune in the process, would you believe them?
- Twizel, New Zealand, multi-year trial
BioAg New Zealand commenced multi-year pasture trials in 2021 in the in low rainfall high-country of the Mackenzie Basin near Twizel, located in the South Island of New Zealand.
- Building a feed wedge
While this season’s rainfall has extended pasture growth; it is traditional that livestock operations start to run short of good pasture any time from late summer through to late winter. Spring reserves are grazed down, while cold weather reduces the amount of new vege...
- Capital P in Broadacre Cropping and Pasture
In broadacre cropping and pasture, the last two seasons in Victoria and New South Wales have been exceptional. As a result, when considering your fertiliser requirements for 2022, it is important to consider the amount of nutrients your crops or livestock have removed. ...
- Beef case study, Ballendella VIC
Adopting of biological farming principles has enabled north Victorian beef producer, Craig Sobey, to rejuvenate a run-down property to the point where it has almost doubled productivity in the past five years. The Sobey family bought the Rochesterdistrict property, ‘The...
- Soil carbon
Like most elements carbon can be present in soils in different forms. Carbon is present as organic or inorganic carbon. Inorganic carbon is mineral based with its most common form being calcium carbonate. The carbon present in soil organic matter is referred to as organ...
- Magnesium deficiencies
Five things to consider in identifying magnesium deficiency in pastures: Are there occurrences of grass tetany in my stock? Is it necessary to supplement feed magnesium regularly? Do soil or tissue tests indicate a magnesium deficiency? Do the pastures display nitrogen ...
Recommended products
BioAgPhos
Solid Fertiliser
Highly reactive phosphate fertiliser made from high-grade reactive phosphate rock combined with BioAg’s microbial digesting agent.
Soil & Seed
Biostimulant
Formulated to improve soil microbial activity, natural soil fertility and moisture and nutrient utilisation.
Balance & Grow
Biostimulant
Formulated to increase vegetative growth, root development and soil microbial activity. Ideal for broadacre, pastures and horticulture.
HydraFish
Biostimulant
A natural and organic source of nitrogen, HydraFish is a source of nutrients derived from fish
Committed to organics
With a core range of natural fertilisers and biostimulants, BioAg can offer an extensive range of products certified by Australian Organics, suitable for use in organic systems.