Research to assess the financial impacts of using organic wastes as fertilisers

A study by a Charles Sturt University agribusiness academic explores on-farm variable inputs in southern NSW to establish the economic benefits of the use of organic matter in agriculture.

• Charles Sturt University research in southern NSW explores the financial impacts for farmers of using organic wastes as fertilisers
• The research compares a 'business-as-usual' farming model with 'use of organic wastes as fertilisers' practices
• Farmers reported more favourably for the benefits of using organics, compared to any negative impacts

A study by a Charles Sturt University agribusiness academic explores on-farm variable inputs in southern NSW to establish the economic benefits of the use of organic matter in agriculture.

The research methodology and findings to-date were presented at the recent Soil CRC Participants Conference in Wagga Wagga by Associate Professor in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Richard Culas in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. He is also a member of the Charles Sturt Gulbali Research Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment.

Professor Culas's research presentation was titled 'Assessing the financial impacts of using organic wastes as fertilisers' and explains how various scenarios can be tested for the use of organic fertilisers by farmers.

"This includes the 'business-as-usual' model, assuming that farm inputs and practices are continued with current inputs," Professor Culas said.

"This will be compared to 'use of organic wastes as fertilisers', for example, biochar, farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure, assuming that current farm inputs and practices are changed due to use of organic fertilisers, whereby the farm inputs include energy consumption and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, soil amelioration, water saving, and yield, etc."

The research assesses multiple financial and environmental factors to establish the economic benefits of the use of organic matter in agriculture. These benefits include:

• Increased crop yields
• Improved soil workability
• Reduced fertiliser use
• Reduced pesticide use
• Improved microbial (biodiversity) condition
• Improved water holding capacity
• Reduced use of fuels for cultivation
• Reduced greenhouse emissions
• Less water required

The research questionnaire was promoted by Holbrook Landcare and Soils-for-Life and Soil Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), and via social media in April/May and June/July 2024, and received 61 responses by farmers in the region.

Professor Culas found the surveyed farmers had an average of 21 years managing property and their farm sizes ranged from one to 1,500 hectares.

"There was a significant presence of mixed farming systems, with farmers growing multiple varieties of the same crop," he said.

"Farmers replied more favourably for the benefits of using organics, compared to any negative impacts."

The farm soil types consisted of Sandy (48 per cent), Clayey (36 per cent) and Loamy (16 per cent).

The farming profile showed 68 per cent of responses grazed modified pastures, 48 per cent grazed natural vegetation, with 44 per cent hosting conservation areas and 28 per cent engaged in dryland cropping, plus 'other uses'.

The research project partners are Charles Sturt University, University of Southern Queensland, Holbrook Landcare, and Soils for Life. Contributors include the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and the Australian Organic Recycling Association.

Media Note:

To arrange interviews with Associate Professor Richard Culas, contact Bruce Andrews at Charles Sturt Media on mobile 0418 669 362 or via [email protected]

The Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment is a strategic investment by Charles Sturt University to drive integrated research to optimise farming systems, enhance freshwater ecosystems and improve environmental management, to deliver benefits across Australia and globally.

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