SPRING TOPDRESSING ON DAIRY
FARMS

Rainfall is a major limiting factor to dairy pasture production throughout most North Island summers. However, the Department of Agriculture considers that by topdressing in November with superphosphate (and potash also if needed) a more vigorous and dense cover for pasture can be secured and it will keep the soil moister and result in better summer and autumn production.

If topdressing is left too late, insufficient rain may fall to encourage the required summer growth. If the pasture is to be topdressed again in autumn, 2cwt. of superphosphate per acre is all the phosphate that need be applied in November. All fields being grazed and aftermaths of silage fields can be topdressed in November to provide extra summer feed.