Factsheet3 -The Value of Effluent

Re-using effluent provides a range of benefits including:
• A source of essential plant nutrients, boosting crop and pasture yields,
• Replacing some bought in fertiliser, reducing annual fertiliser expenses, and
• Addition of organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure, water and nutrient holding capacity. Effluent from second ponds contain nitrogen and potassium that is mostly available for immediate uptake by plants, whereas sludge contains more nutrients in an organic form which become available over a longer period – up to three years after application.