Trials were established on clay loam soils in Ballarat, Victoria, contrasting with the lighter sandy soils under trial in South Australia, to assess AgriGro compost as a pre-plant amendment ahead of a commercial potato crop.
Compost was incorporated prior to planting, with plots monitored from crop establishment through canopy development to harvest, measuring both early vegetative response and final yield.
For potato growers, the challenge is familiar - "I want to get the most from every hectare while building a soil that can continue to perform season after season".
That’s where the conversation around soil health becomes more than just a long-term consideration.
Crop performance starts in the soil.
Nutrient availability, soil structure and biological activity all play a role in how well a crop establishes, develops and ultimately produces. But adding nutrients alone doesn’t necessarily address the bigger picture. For growers across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, the question then becomes "How can we improve what’s happening in the soil while still seeing a measurable return from the crop?"
AgriGro compost is designed to put organic matter and soil biology back into the production system.
In recent regional potato trials, Bio Gro has tested different application rates and compared AgriGro against untreated soil and equivalent-rate feedlot manure.
The aim is straightforward: generate real local data that helps growers understand where AgriGro can deliver value in a commercial cropping system.
In a replicated Victorian potato trial, AgriGro produced a measurable yield response:
6 t/ha - (+2.88 t/ha above the control)
12 t/ha - (+5.44 t/ha above the control)
Based on an estimated farm-gate potato value of $500–$550/t, the trial calculated an additional return of approximately $1,440–$1,584/ha at 6 t/ha, and $2,720–$2,992/ha at 12 t/ha, before considering other farm-specific costs.
A second South Australian trial also showed an early plant response, with AgriGro-treated plants producing 15% more tubers and 21% more stems per plant than the untreated control.
For a closer look at the results, see the trial insights here.
These results don't mean every paddock will respond in exactly the same way. Soil type, crop, conditions and application rate all matter.
That's why we're continuing to undertake regional trials and refine application rates and return-on-investment data for growers.
For growers looking beyond this season, AgriGro is about putting the soil first while keeping productivity firmly in focus.
If you're interested in what the trial results could mean for your soil, crop or application program, click here, then talk to the Bio Gro agricultural team about AgriGro and the appropriate application rate for your operation.
Soil first. Future focused.
Contact us to discuss how we can help deliver an AgriGro compost formulation to improve your soil health, productivity and resilience.