“Viafos has applied to get its Viafos V10 phosphate added to Overseer, however, it’s a slow process,” Viafos general manager Keith Jackson says.
“Management plans should not just be considered something to do to meet regulatory requirements but also as an opportunity to improve onfarm efficiency.
“The process is a little like the change to GST. In most cases it was a catalyst to getting to know your business in far more depth which led to many and ongoing efficiencies in business practice and management.
“We all accept it is difficult to control dairy cow urine patches but what is more manageable is the type and amount of fertiliser to apply. Farmers now need to look at being smarter and perhaps moving to or combining some less conventional products to reduce the damage.”
“There is just so much choice that many farmers aren’t being made aware of.”
Where phosphate management is concerned, he suggests moving to a natural and available phosphate source.
“A real point of difference with Viafos V10 Guano Phosphate, for example, compared with chemical phosphate, is that it’s non-water soluble, has very minimal soil phosphorous fixation or leaching or runoff in any major capacity.
“Getting the benefit of almost all the phosphorous (and other naturally combined nutrients) you put on rather than just some makes total economic and environmental sense.”
Initiated by soil consultants concerned about the long term impacts of chemical fertilisers, Viafos was established in 2009 as an importer and wholesaler of a range of quality natural fertilisers with nutrient-rich, ancient bird guano phosphate fertiliser (Viafos) being the backbone.
Viafos products, mined safely at source, are available nationally through a network of retailers who are focused on biological farming and aim to reverse the ongoing damage being done through overuse of chemical fertilisers.
The company’s passion is to contribute to a healthier New Zealand through improved knowledge and understanding of soils and the application of better nutrient and plant available fertilisers.
For more information visit www.viafos.co.nz.
