Microbial soil fertiliser trial shows early success

Farmers worldwide faced increasing pressure to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use due to environmental concerns.

In 2022, an Indian agriculture student joined a dairy farm in Tasmania to conduct research on soil health.The research focused on using soil microbes as a potential environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Pasture trials were conducted on a 50-hectare paddock in collaboration with a local farmer. Four specific microbial strains from an Indian manufacturer were tested alongside reduced urea fertilizer application.

The trials achieved a 25% reduction in urea use while increasing pasture growth by approximately three tonnes per hectare. Soil tests showed improved levels of potassium and phosphorus, along with an increase in soil pH after one year. The trial program expanded to cover more than 500 hectares across eight dairy farms in Tasmania.