Biological Fertilisers

Biological Fertilisers and Healthy Soil

Biological farming means many things to many people, with a huge diversity of ruralimages1 compostrowwithtur10008opinion evident about the correct recipe to follow for successfully achieving it. The term ‘Biological farmer', appears to have very loose parameters, with varied philosophy and practices being encompassed. We believe Biological Farming is all about Process and Outcomes. BioNutrients Carbon Farming Systems® were developed as a means of simplifying the Process to achieve the Outcomes, with specifically designed fertiliser supporting the implementation of the Principle.

What Defines a Healthy Soil?

A balanced microbial ecosystem - this is the fertility workforce of the soil and can be measured and quantified by means of key species numbers and diversity (SFI tests).
Available carbon to feed the workforce.
Adequate aeration - soil structure.
Adequate nutritional balance - no major deficiencies or excesses.

Healthy Soil has Measurable Parameters:

  1. 1.   Nutrient cycling and availability can be measured via soil tests from year ruralimages1 cottonpickerinpaddockto year.
  2. 2.   Nitrogen supply - N fixation, accumulation mineralization, stabilization and storage can be measured with soil testing.
    3.   Crop water use efficiency can be measured in mm/yield.
    4.   Diesel costs for tillage are reduced as improved structure provides easier to work, softer soil.
    5.   Disease prevalence reflects soil health as the healthier the soil, the less disease.
    6.   Final yield and dollars spent.

So What is Biological Fertiliser?

A true Biological Fertiliser feeds both the plant and soil, to both build soil capacity and meet plant growth goals in the short term.  In other words, Biological Fertiliser provides the plant with nutrient required for health and growth, as well as supplying the soil with energy to convert mineral nutrient into a plant available form, achieved by building the diversity and activity of the soil microorganism population, plant root development and soil chemical properties in the root zone.  And this, by default, provides long term benefit as well.