Grains Guide 2015 - Growing Australian Grain

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7 GROWING AUSTRALIAN GRAIN Safely managing risks with crop inputs and grain on farm
Fertiliser
To avoid a breach of maximum residue limits , prevent grain from
mixing with fertilisers or other contaminants. Ensure trucks, augers, silos and any other
equipment used to handle non-grain products or treated grain are thoroughly clean before
using for grain. §
Canola sold for oil production for Europe (eg ISCC standards) may need to be grown
under carefully managed nitrogen fertiliser regimes to minimise nitrous oxide emissions.
Pulse crops should not be sold for sprouting if they have been grown in paddocks that have
had animal manure or biosolid applications in the past two years.
Using soil and plant tissue tests to inform your nutrition program. Use a laboratory that has
Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) certification and ideally also National
Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation. . .
Matching to crop demand and paddock history.
Carefully timing fertiliser applications and using application methods and fertiliser
placement that will minimise nutrient losses to the atmosphere (nitrous oxide emissions),
run-off or deep leaching.
Keeping records of the date of fertiliser application, fertiliser type, application rate and
details from the fertiliser delivery docket - such as the date and point of dispatch.
Checking that fertilisers and soil additives are of adequate quality to be effective and free
of excess contamination (eg heavy metals such as cadmium) that could later contaminate
grain. For example, request a chemical analysis, batch number and quality assurance
statement from the supplier.
Using a suitably qualified agronomist eg a Accredited Adviser.
OTHER PRACTICES TO CONSIDER IN YOUR GRAIN FARMING ENTERPRISE
Objective Manage nutrient inputs with minimal impacts on the environment.
Prevent fertiliser contamination of harvested grain.
MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS
§ GRDC Fact Sheet: Grain Marketing and Pesticide Residues. July 2014