Update on the Fertiliser Action Plan.

The Fertiliser Action Plan (FAP) was originally announced in 2006. At this stage the plan was to ban the use of high water soluble phosphorus (P) fertiliser (HWSP) on the Scott and Swan Coastal plains and replace them with low water soluble phosphorus (LWSP).

In May 2009, Government announced a new approach which will now focus on implementing best management fertiliser practice through the Fertiliser Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) Fertcare program. This approach will encourage fertiliser practice change that will deliver beneficial outcomes for industry as well as the environment. This new approach replaces the earlier intention to phase-out the use of highly water soluble phosphate fertiliser.

The aim of Fertcare is to provide consistent advice to fertiliser users that will allow them to maximise productivity while minimising their impact on the environment. A list of Fertcare advisers is available on the Fertcare website, www.fertcare.com.au 

In the grazing industries the focus is on reducing the use of phosphorus in circumstances where it is not profitable. The emphasis is on soil test interpretation and matching nutrient application to plant requirements. There are a number of tools and publications available to aid producers in making better fertiliser decisions, all of which are listed under the various tabs at the top of the page.  

• Comparing size in lime
• Environmental impact of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers in high rainfall areas
• Greener Pastures - The risk that Nitrogen & Phosphorus pose to groundwater systems on the Southern Perth Basin
• GV-Sig mapping program
• Increasing fertiliser prices - how much to use now?
• Lime for high rainfall pastures: above 800 mm average annual rainfall
• Methods of Lime storage & stabilisation
• Nitrogen fertilliser management for high rainfall pastures
• Phosphorus for high rainfall rain-fed pastures
• Potassium for high rainfall pastures
• Soil testing high rainfall pastures
• Sulfur for high rainfall pastures
• QGIS mapping program

Whole farm soil nutrient maps

These maps use a traffic light colouring system e.g. Green = Good, Yellow = OK and Red = Bad. Put simply you can look at any paddock on your property and see if the nutrient levels are adequate or not.   

Soil Productivity And Nutrient Assistant (SPANA) 

This double sided tool called the SPANA helps you use soil test information to assess the impact of a Phosphorus (P) application on clover-based pastures in the >600mm rainfall zone. Please click the link above to view a sample SPANA.   

Making $ense of Fertiliser DVD (1min preview version) 

If you would like to recieve a FREE copy of the SPANA and DVD, please complete the below form and they will be posted out to you.

 

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Autumn 2009 Participant Testimonials

 

The Ag Department fertiliser project maps made it very easy to identify the fertiliser levels on our property. Upon Independent Agronomist recommendations, we will reduce our fertiliser applications. 

The Ag Department team were very enthusiastic and reliable. Talks from well experienced Industry representatives were very relevant. We look forward to further consultation in the future.

- John & Ali Birch, Sheep producers - Coolup WA

 

We really like the maps as they gave an immediate and definitive visual picture of the state of our paddocks. The results were pretty well what we expected and it reinforced that we are on the right track. We will however increase our liming program and the application rates to raise our pH.

Having the nutrient results for all the paddocks, rather than just a few of the hay paddocks meant we could target the right amount and type of fertiliser to individual paddocks. The advice and fertiliser recommendations provided by the agronomist at our private consultation made this modification simple and easy to follow. It took the guess work our of the equation and should overtime not only increase productivity but improve the quality of water that reaches the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

- Ross & Colleen Archibald, Beef producers - Waroona WA

Lime WA

Lime WA Inc, provides you with accurate, up-to-date information about accredited suppliers of Limesand, Limestone and Dolomite who work under the Western Australian Agricultural Lime Industry Code of Practice. This enables end user to source products and information, confident in the knowledge that they are getting what they pay for.

Fertcare

The aim of Fertcare is to provide consistent advice to fertiliser users that will allow them to maximise productivity while minimising their impact on the environment. A list of Fertcare advisers is available on the Fertcare website. 

 

Lime Comparison Calculator

Aglime Australia Lime Calculator

Listed alongside are some examples of the calculators available online which will allow producers to make comparisons between lime suppliers. Information regarding suppliers who work under the Western Australian Agricultural Lime Code of Practice can be found on the Lime WA website. Here you will find the "Product Information Sheets" that contain all the information you require to utilise these calculators.

 

 

Expression Of Interest - Closed Feb 2011 

If you are interested in having:

• Your whole farm soil tested for FREE
• Soil test results transformed into a whole farm nutrient map
• Getting access to industry experts
• A better understanding of the nutrient status of your property

Your property is located in the following:

• Ellenbrook catchment
• Scott River catchment
• Swan Coastal Plain 

Please complete the Expression Of Interest (EOI) listed below. Understand that we will be expecting a few things in return which are outlined in the Participation agreement document. Please read this document to ensure that you are willing to adhere to the conditions before sending in your EOI. 

• Participation agreement
• Expression Of Interest 

Please send completed EOI and property maps to:

FAP Project

120 Sth Western Hwy

Waroona WA 6220

 

     

 

 If you would like to find out more information about the Fertiliser Action Plan or how to be involved please contact one of the following people. 

Geographe Tilwin Westrup - Bunbury DAFWA   Ph: 08 9780 6165 tilwin.westrup@agric.wa.gov.au	Peel - Harvey Heidi Blackburn - Waroona DAFWA Ph: 08 9733 7713 heidi.blackburn@agric.wa.gov.au
Scott River Peta Richards - Manjimup DAFWA  Ph: 08 9777 0144 peta.richards@agric.wa.gov.au	Ellenbrook Sue Metcalf - Chittering Landcare Centre  Ph: 08 9571 0200 sue.metcalf@iinet.net.au