Two replicated soil health sites at Willow Creek and at Yundi on the Fluerieu Peninsula of SA contained 4 soil health treatments, 1 farmer method and a control. They were monitored to find differences in soil health, plant health, feed quality, biomass and soil moisture.

This aim was to find and provide a better regional understanding of the impact of the alternative and chemical fertilisers on soil moisture holding capacity, growing season length, soil acidity and other soil health parameters such as microbial properties (mainly bacteria and fungi), organic C and pasture health and production.

We found that the cost of biological treatments compared well with chemical treatments and can be applied in larger rates biannually saving on application cost. In addition, the biological soil health treatments made substantial improvements in soil health and plant health and the biomass and feed testes compared well with chemical treatments The cost of biological treatments compared well with chemical treatments and can be applied in larger rates biannually saving on application cost. Specifically, the biological soil health treatments:

• Made a bigger difference when soil organic carbon was lower (such as at Yundi compared to Willow Creek)

• Built soil carbon when the soil organic C was lower

Improved:

• Biomass

• Plant mineral uptake

• Nitrogen availability and mineralisation

• Phosphorus availability

• pH, and soil health indicators such as bacteria and fungi numbers.

There were statistical differences in plant feed test results when comparing those treated with biological fertilisers vs chemical treatments.
The cost of the minerals added to the treatments were in most cases beneficial as they were taken up by the plants.
Some mineral elements where lacking in the soil need re application each year, while others do not. This is a case by case basis and there is more information in the report.

The additional cost of biochar added to the FFF/S treatment Oct have played a role in improving soil moisture and mineral availability, biomass, soil health and pH as this treatment was overall the better of the biological treatments.

Full report can be found HERE