A major research trial is set to commence at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Dairy Research Facility in the coming weeks, with researchers aiming to find practical solutions to reduce the amount of nitrogen used on dairy farms without negatively impacting milk production.
The trial is part of the Dairy HIGH 2 project and is funded by Dairy Australia. It has been enabled by a multi-million-dollar upgrade of TIA’s Dairy Research Facility (TDRF) at Elliott in North-West Tasmania, which was jointly funded by the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
Four farmlets or “mini farms” have been established at TDRF comprising of eight irrigated paddocks measuring approximately one hectare each. Four separate dairy herds will be managed over three grazing seasons to assess the impact of different pasture compositions and varying levels of nitrogen input ranging from 300kg per hectare to no application.
The farmlets include:
- Farmlet 1: 80% perennial ryegrass and 20% white clover, with 300kg of nitrogen per hectare
- Farmlet 2: 80% perennial ryegrass and 20% white clover, with 150kg of nitrogen per hectare
- Farmlet 3: 40% perennial ryegrass, 30% white clover, 30% plantain, with 150kg of nitrogen per hectare
- Farmlet 4: 40% mixed grasses, 30% mixed legumes, 30% mixed herbs, with little to no nitrogen application
“This is the only site in Australia conducting this kind of grazing dairy cow research on irrigated pastures, and positions Tasmania to lead the nation in contemporary research and innovation to support this important sector,” TIA Director, Professor Michael Rose, said.
“This trial will generate extensive knowledge about the impact of each farmlet treatment on pasture and milk production, as well as soil health and soil carbon measurements. We will work closely with the dairy industry to share knowledge and enable industry adoption of findings.
“We have received strong interest since the announcement of this research project and have hosted regular visits by industry stakeholders from Tasmania, Australia, and international visitors who have been impressed by the modern infrastructure that is enabling this new research.”
Professor Rose said the need for greater efficiency in the use of nitrogen fertiliser, to reduce farmer costs and limit the impact on the environment were the catalyst for this research.
TIA is a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
Read more about the transformation of TIA's Dairy Research Facility.