Pasture Mineral Improvements & DCAD Balance Case Study
Summary.
Improved soil function leads to healthier pasture, which directly supports animal health and production. This case study shows measurable improvements in pasture mineral levels — including Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Selenium — plus a more favourable DCAD balance.
The Problem.
Many farms focus on increasing fertiliser and supplements, but the real limiting factor is often soil function. If soil biology and mineral availability are poor, pasture cannot access nutrients efficiently — even when they are present.
This can lead to:
lower mineral levels in pasture
reduced animal performance
increased reliance on supplements
What Was Done.
DCT products were applied as part of a farm management system designed to improve soil performance and nutrient availability.
The Result.
Soil and pasture tests show clear improvements in mineral levels, including:
Magnesium (Mg) increase
Zinc (Zn) increase
Copper (Cu) increase
Selenium (Se) increase
Improved DCAD balance
These changes demonstrate that improving soil function can translate into measurable pasture quality gains.
How DCT Products Drive These Improvements.
DCT products are designed to improve soil performance, allowing pasture to more effectively access and utilise existing nutrients rather than relying solely on higher inputs.
Our formulations work by:
✔ Chelating and mobilising key minerals
This helps keep minerals like Mg, Zn, Cu, and Se in plant-available forms rather than becoming locked in the soil.
✔ Supporting soil biology and root function
Improved biology increases nutrient cycling and mineral uptake by pasture.
✔ Improving nutrient balance and retention
This helps soils hold and exchange positively charged nutrients more effectively.
Why This Matters for Animal Health.
As soil function improves, pasture mineral content improves — supporting animal health and production.
Over time, these changes can lead to a more favourable Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD) profile in forage, which supports:
milk production
reproduction
metabolic stability
overall herd health
Conclusion.
The soil and forage tests shown here demonstrate how improving soil function can translate into measurable changes in pasture quality when DCT products are used as part of a well-managed system.
Improving Grass Quality leads to healthier animals and greater production
Better performing soils will be reflected in pasture uptake of nutrients and minerals.