Fertiliser sales are up significantly for the first time in five years, says Fert Research, and farmers are reinvesting part of their good financial returns in fertiliser.

Fert Research technical director Dr Philip Mladenov says it is a move that is receiving the full support of the fertiliser industry, which has been ‘concerned’ over the recent lack of investment in phosphate fertiliser.

Last year phosphate use was down a third on the peak use seen between 2003 and 2005.

Many farmers have been reducing their phosphate use significantly and in some cases have applied no fertiliser at all.

New Zealand based research shows that even after two years of reduced phosphate use, declines in animal and pasture production were evident. By three and four years, production can decline by as much as 20-30 per cent.

By maintaining Phosphate use farmers can prevent the decline of white clover in pasture, and reduce moss and weeds.