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Contrary to popular belief fertilisers – even chemical fertilisers – are good for the soil biology and soil biological activity. By correcting nutrient deficiencies plant growth is increased and the more biological material (dung, plant leaves and roots) is returned to the soil. This is food for all soil life starting with the earthworms - and the more food the larger and more vigorous the biological population. Consider a pasture growing for arguments sake 10 tonnes of DM/ha/yr. If the utilisation is 80% then 2 tonnes of plant litter is returned to the soil and this is not including the turnover or roots. Indeed it is estimated that between 1 to 3 tonnes of organic carbon is returned to a pastoral soils annually. It should be no wonder that our pastoral soils are rich in organic matter and hence soil microbial activity. And remember that about one third of the litter returning to the soil is sugar (soluble and insoluble). Not really much point in adding a little bit a molasses is there? More (see Fertiliser Review 14 and 15)