Phosphate message sinks in

Wairarapa farmers are knee deep in spring grass aided by regular rainfall and just enough sun to warm the soil and keep the growth coming.

But, although there is plenty of feed now, farmers are being encouraged to keep investing in phosphate fertiliser and seem to be heeding the message, according to Fert Research.

Philip Mladenov, technical director of Fert Research which is based in Auckland, said for the first time in five years farmers were using good financial returns for their produce to reinvest in fertiliser.

Welcoming the renewed spending on phosphates, Dr Mladenov said that last year phosphate use was down about a third on the peaks of 2003-05.

"Many farmers had cut their phosphate use significantly and, in some cases, were not applying any," Dr Mladenov said.

"As a consequence they have eaten into soil phosphate reserves to maintain production or have accepted lower production."

Dr Mladenov said initial data on sales for the 2010-11 season - which has now ended - shows much higher phosphate sales. He said this was vital to maintain high production rates in future years.

Phosphates have been credited with keeping up the growth of white clover in pasture while knocking back unwanted weeds and moss.