Tasmanian microbial soil fertiliser trial shows early success
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A group of Tasmanian dairy farmers is hopeful tiny organisms in the soil could soon offer a cheaper, climate-friendly alternative to synthetic fertiliser.
They've made more than 500 hectares available on eight farms for a pasture trial to measure whether microscopic soil organisms can supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), the three essential elements in most commercial fertilisers.
Agronomist Hiren Bhadani proposed the experiment three years ago while working at one of the farms now in the trial.
Sparked by an after-work yarn with Mr Bhadani about microbes and cricket, Mr Rigney agreed to a trial to see if soil microbes could improve soil health, boost pasture growth and cut the farm's reliance on urea.