Time To Talk: Thoughts & Reflections
Mike Harrington
Managing Director
Nitrogen Management Inhibitors
As nitrogen inhibitors gain prominence, particularly urease inhibitors mandated for urea-based products from April 1st, the conversation is shifting towards broader adoption of nitrification inhibitors. Neil Fuller's graphs underscored the significant role of nitrous oxide in nitrogen mitigation, suggesting the probable inclusion of
nitrification inhibitors for all nitrogen sources. Without a robust system for capturing and retaining free nitrogen on farms, we face rising costs, especially with the upcoming nitrogen tax in 2027.
Key Considerations to Mitigate Costs:
Base Carbon Footprint:
Establish a baseline carbon footprint for the farm. We are all going to have to consider Scope three carbon reductions, reducing your footprint will be important for your end sale.
Cover Crops and Herbal Leys:
Implement bigger and better cover crops or grassland breaks to improve soil health.
Soil Health and Biology:
Focus on developing better soil health and biological conditions.
Biological Amendments:
Apply biological amendments at drilling, concentrated on the seed or seed row.
Carbohydrate Sources:
Always pair liquid nitrogen with a carbohydrate source like Nurture N or Citadel.
Nitrogen Fixers:
Consider applying nitrogen-fixing microbes at the end of February under optimal conditions.
Innovative Products:
Utilize products like R-Leaf as partial nitrogen replacements, applied twice in the season (GS 31 and GS37-39).
Wise Use of Nitrogen Inhibitors:
Use nitrogen inhibitors judiciously and only when necessary.
Balanced Foliar Nitrogen:
Apply foliar nitrogen in balance with other nutrients, based on supply and need.
A Holistic Approach
Reducing reliance on purchased nitrogen requires a holistic approach, recognizing that we lose 40-60% of applied artificial nitrogen. The strategies outlined should be the minimum standard, with applied nitrogen viewed as the most expensive carbon addition. This approach will lead to significantly lower carbon footprints, SBTi-compliant carbon reductions, and valuable food products in the market.
The Potential of R-Leaf
R-Leaf's ability to convert atmospheric nitrous oxide to nitrate on the leaf is revolutionary. However, its adoption requires a shift in mindset. It involves trusting the science, balancing application costs with returns, and integrating it into the farm's nitrogen management plan.
Carbon and Nitrogen Amendments
The Importance of Quality Compost Brewing
Compost brewing can be highly effective, but quality is paramount. Poor compost can promote imbalance, disease, and other issues. Analysis and assessment is essential to verify compost quality, particularly for tea extracts. Reports of bacterial dominance, poor fungi, and other issues highlight the need for stringent quality controls. In California, compost brewing applications were heavily restricted after a serious health incident. As a safety measure, uncertain compost brews are generally limited to soil drenching rather than plant applications. Edaphos have been champions of compost, compost tea, ‘hybrid teas’ and creating innovative microbial supplements for over twenty five years, something we are very proud of and understand how these important solutions fit into a systems approach. With the next generation of agronomists following Dr, Elaine Inghams Academy, we aim to enhance on-farm understanding with on farm evaluation and training. These amendments can be powerful when applied correctly. However, the quality of compost, much like fertility, can vary greatly. We must only use the best compost for brewing.
Managing Compost Brew Risks
In the worst-case scenario of applying poor compost brewed and applied to anaerobic or waterlogged soils already laden with pathogens, detrimental effects are likely. Poor conditions can foster pathogenic dominance, as seen with club root issues, rhizoctonia and fusarium species. Beneficial microbes struggle in such environments, emphasizing the need for careful management.
Mike Harrington
Managing Director
In conclusion, Aiva's T2T events have highlighted the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to nitrogen management, carbon footprint reduction, and compost quality control. By adopting these practices, we can achieve sustainable, resilient, and productive farming systems for the future.
The future is bright if we can only grasp the opportunity!
