There are a few reasons why effluent is a great fertiliser when growing maize. One reason is effluent is a natural fertiliser that also operates as a soil conditioner. The organic matter in the effluent helps build up soil structure in order for the soil to hold adequate water and nutrients to encourage plant growth.
Effluent holds NPK and other trace elements, but it is particularly great for potassium levels. When spreading thicker slurries that come from the bottom of ponds, feedpad scrapings, or herd home bunkers, it holds a great amount of potassium that is valuable for higher yields of maize crops.
How to improve soil levels
It is important to be mindful of balancing effluent spreading, as over application of effluent can cause animal health issues. One approach to improving soil is to plant maize. Maize has the ability to take potassium out of the soil and brings the paddock back into good condition.
Utilising inorganic or mineral fertiliser burns up carbon in the soil, which leaves it without the capacity to improve the soil. Good soil includes soil colloids that have a high cation exchange, which means it has the ability to hold more nutrients and make it available to the plants within the soil. We recommend a heavy application of effluent when planting maize crops, but be sure to check with the council in your region to ensure you are in compliance with regulations.
Is effluent a good fertiliser for growing maize
Effluent is an excellent fertiliser for growing maize. While effluent nutrient values can range from farm to farm, we have seen fantastic results from farmers and contractors who had great returns after covering a paddock in effluent. Applying effluent serves as a great fertiliser across different soil types, but it is particularly useful when applied to lighter sandy soils where it can provide the necessary nutrients for effective returns.
Keep in mind the restriction of 150kg of nitrogen per hectare each annum, which is why we recommend going below the 150kg mark by spreading effluent over a wider area across the farm. This is where a slurry tanker can be beneficial in regards to reaching further away locations and ensuring nutrients are spread across the farm.
Cultivating for greater returns
Working with heavy slurry from a pond, solid separator, or weeping wall and applying it directly is normally not great for paddocks, unless it is applied to cultivate and prepare for seeding. Chat with our team to learn more how you can utilise effluent management strategies for improved soil health and greater returns for maize crops and pasture growth.