Response to oustanding issues Animal Husbandry MCU12/0184

                                                                            MW A Environmental




        Spreading Method

        Given the spatial constraints of the orchard terraces, litter is expected to be
        spread using a relatively small ground-driven spreader mounted to a small
        tractor. The farm currently operates two spreader systems suitable for this

        purpose,      a   Marshall     800     Series
                                                Multispread      Trailed      2.5T
        (http://www.marshallspreadersales.com.au/800-series-multispread.html)
        and     a    Vicon    SuperFlow      604    (http://ien.vicon.eu/Spreading-
        EguipmenVFertiliser-Spreaders/Rear-Mounted-Pendulum-Spreaders/Vicon-
        SuperFlow-604-1654)       .




        These spreader systems typically have a fairly short broadcast distances
        and low      velocity   which will minimisepotential for excessive dust (and
        associated odorous   particles) to be released to the atmosphere. The
        vegetated terrace structures will assist in reducing entrainment of litter in the
        atmosphere during periods of high wind speeds. This notwithstanding, it
        may be necessary to dampen the surface of the litter by irrigation during
        high wind conditions to minimise potential fugitive dust (and odour)
        emissions.




        Agronomist’s Analysis

        Myriad International Pty Ltd has undertaken                 nutrient calculations and
        prepared advice included as Attachment 45.                  The   agronomist’s advice
        indicates that:


                "... while all the poultry manure compost produced on farm can be utilised by
               the orchard additional manufactured fertiliser nutrient will be required to
               meet the demands of your Avocado production system."



               and


                "Phosphorus contained in compost is predominately in the Citrate form
                which is extremely stable in the soil and not water soluble. The citrate form

               of Phosphorus tightly binds to the soil and only a small percentage is
               available for crop uptake. The application of the compost will greatly reduce
               the potential movements of Phosphorus on the farm due to water runoff.
               This is compared to the standard practice of reliance on manufactured

               fertilisers which are water soluble Phosphorus based and move readily move
               with water flows unless managed."


        The Myriad International analysis thus indicates that use of spent litter in
         preference to manufactured fertilisers will not result in an increase in
         nutrient loading that could impact on ground and surface waters. In order
        to monitor nutrient loading, farm        management will undertake soil and leaf
        analysis to ensure the com posted poultry litter is supplying appropriate
         ratios of nutrients and minerals to the trees.




5
    Nutrient calculations proposed Broiler production system (Myriad International, August 2013)




Ridgewood 12-002                                 16                          11 September 2013