The New Zealand Fertilizer Industry- A Vital Cog in the Pasture Production Cycle

The New Zealand fertiliser industry is geared mainly to meet domestic demand, The main fertiliser applied is single superphosphate supplying both sulphur and phosphorus, These elements are required on most New Zealand soils. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) provides most of the nitrogen requirements by symbiotic production. Fertiliser applications are currently 1.S-1.6 million t, of which 9091, is used for livestock production, supporting SB million sheep, 4.6 million beef cattle and 3.S million dairy stock. Fertiliser sales peaked at 2.S million t in 1979 and have fallen as economic conditions deteriorated in the 1980s, coupled with removal of all Government farm subsidies. Fertiliser applications are made to balance nutrient losses (80-90%) through the sale of produce and transfer of nutrients off the grazing area. The New Zealand pastoral farming system is considered to be relatively organic. Additions of fertiliser account for approximately S-1 ()91, of 1he plant nutrient pool. Very little nitrogen-ferliliser is applied, accounting for only some 5-1091, of the nutrient inpuls. New Zealand waterways are relatively free of nutrient runoff from topdressing sources.