Soil scientists and industry experts maintain that the Ag Industry could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by simply following the #4R protocols for fertilizer application.
What does this mean in a practical sense? How can we determine the right source and the right rate at low cost and complexity?
Variable rate application by square meter with #PrecisionAg platforms shows promise but this technology is not yet widely adopted. Is there a middle ground that might be helpful and scalable?
To explore this, Paul Westdal from TheoryMesh engaged Westman Soil Sampling Ltd. to conduct a soil survey on five zones within 40 acres of forage alfalfa on a quarter section in Western Manitoba.
The work demonstrated the potential benefits of a more focused soil investigation approach by zones, defined by topographical features.
Based on analysis of the original soil sample of the entire 40 acres and a target of 3 tons per acre yield of alfalfa, the recommendation called for: 46 lbs./acre of phosphorus, 76 lbs./acre of potassium, 10 lbs./acre of sulphur, 2 lbs./acre of boron.
Recommendations for the same target yield by individual field zone within the 40 acres, presented quite a different picture. While Boron was recommended for all zones, phosphorus was only needed on zone 4; sulphur only on zone 2. Potassium was called for on 3 of the 5 fields.
The initial recommendation for the 40 acres called for 5,300 kilos of active ingredient fertilizer at a cost of $4,200 at present prices.
Following the Zone approach, the recommendations called for 1,200 kilos of active ingredient at a cost of $1600, a saving of $2,600, and the avoidance of GHG emissions and other environmental impacts.
While this was conducted on a small field with tailored applications, this study provides insight into how GHGs and environmental impact might be reduced without compromising yields and saving money at the same time.
*Note: A crop requiring nitrogen fertilizer may be expected to have a more substantial GHG reduction effect.
TheoryMesh is providing solutions to demonstrate the value of verifying sustainable practice and communicating the outcomes of best management practices along the supply chain to buyers, to bankers, to processors, to regulators and ultimately to consumers. This approach will be the key to keeping open market access and creating the potential for premiums for environmental impact.
Thanks to Westman Soil Sampling Ltd. for the great work on this project.
Chris Bunio Paul Westdal Stephanie Westdal
#sustainability #traceability #ghgemissions #4rpractices
