AN effective effluent system ensures farmers can manage waste in an efficient, sustainable and socially acceptable way.
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DairySA has been working with farmers to develop farm effluent plans.
The completed plans have identified four key areas in building and operating effluent systems.
One is to minimise the volume of water going into the effluent system to save time and money.
By reducing the volume of unnecessary water you will reduce time spent on hosing and cleaning up, electricity and pumping costs, freshwater charges, the required size of effluent-storage facilities, wear-and-tear on effluent equipment, and time spent managing effluent on the farm.
Reduce volumes by using calm stockmanship to minimise manure, fix water leaks, keep clean stormwater - from roads, roofs and paddocks - out of the effluent system, and recycle effluents for yard and pad washing, and complete a water audit.
The system needs to be able to capture the effluent from all areas, including the yard and feedpad.
Concreted areas need to have nib walls to prevent any effluent losses.
Storage capacity must also be adequate.
A storage pond must be large enough to hold effluent when conditions do not suit applying it to land, or when life gets too busy on the farm.
The pond should be well above the groundwater table, and constructed in a way that does not leak or leach.
Use Fert$mart planning or nutrient budgeting to match effluent spreading with soil and plant requirements.
Nutrients can build up if you spread too much effluent.
Move irrigators regularly, and use a large application area.
Apply effluent in small amounts for the best way to make the most of nutrients and match pasture and crop requirements.
Soil tests on the effluent reuse area allows changes in fertility to be tracked.
Use an accredited planner to troubleshoot your system.
If you are planning to upgrade infrastructure or unsure if your existing system is operating effectively, seek information from a qualified adviser.
Accredited effluent planners can help maximise the efficiency of your system, ensure you are meeting regulatory requirements, and minimise expenses.
Contact one of the DairySA team to help find support and resources when reviewing your effluent plan.
In 2015, DairySA's effluent planning project has been supported by funding Natural Resources Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Sustainable Industry grants and from Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin.
