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The figures say it all for VitaLife Print E-mail
How does a non-irrigated dairy farm boost per-cow production by 25.8% and total
production by 20% despite a dry autumn and earlier-than usual drying-off without
increasing herd numbers or extra supplementary feed?

Well, in the case of a “Top of the South” farm, the answer is apparent – VitaLife.

The introduction of VitaLife was the only change to the traditional nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium-sulphur fertiliser programme. It was applied in the March, October and March of the second season under comparison.

During the season 55 tonnes of dry matter was harvested for silage and 1.5 tonnes for hay and 3 ha of green feed supplement was grown.

VitaLife is a biologically active, solid fertiliser designed to increase organic activity, speed up the natural nitrogen cycle, improve soil structures, and make more nutrient plant available.

Observations from soil and herbage tests during the season revealed:
  • Denser swards through greater tillering;
  • A higher percentage of clovers, with strong growth from mid-spring until restricted by moisture in autumn, then further strong growth after autumn rain;
  • A marked increase in root mass of both ryegrass and clover;
  • Improved soil structures with increased granular aggregates;
  • Increased earthworm activity, and colonies of beneficial fungi observed on the roots of the strong-growing and palatable kale crop.
Swede trial conducted at Woodlands near Invercargill during the winter of 2003 and analyzed by an independent Consultant.

Soil
Background traditionally sheep pasture but had been more recently leased out for market gardening and had been heavily compacted.

Swede crop was late sown (28.12.02) with a base fertiliser of 500kg/ha Serpentine Super and 2500kg/ha Lime.  Half of the crop had a base dressing of VitaLife at a rate of 250kg/ha.

Aim:  To ascertain if VitaLife would make any difference in yield.

A random sample was taken and analyzed in August 2003.

Result:  Increase of 25.86%.