--- title: Rethinking Reliance on Imported Fertilisers description: Strategies for Australian vegetable growers to enhance soil resilience and reduce reliance on imported fertilisers amid rising costs and supply uncertainties. image: https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/Straight%20of%20Hormuz%20Blocked%201500px.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://content.biogro.com.au/bio-gro-agri-news/rethinking-reliance-on-imported-fertilisers#main-content) [![Bio Gro Logo White](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/Bio%20Gro%20Logo%20White%20Tight.svg)Homepage](https://biogro.com.au) - [About Us](https://biogro.com.au/about-us/) - [Who we are](https://biogro.com.au/about-us/#whoweare) - [What we do](https://biogro.com.au/about-us/#whatwedo) - [Our history](https://biogro.com.au/about-us/#ourhistory) - [Our people](https://biogro.com.au/about-us/#ourpeople) - [Our Approach](https://biogro.com.au/ourapproach/) - [Vision, Mission, Values](https://biogro.com.au/ourapproach/#visionmissionvalues) - [Safety](https://biogro.com.au/ourapproach/#safety) - 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In early 2026, escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for globally traded fertilisers. When supply chains tighten, prices rise, and availability becomes unpredictable, particularly in import-dependent markets like Australia. With Australia importing approximately 85% of its fertiliser requirements, growers are increasingly exposed to global volatility beyond their control. For high-value vegetable systems, where timing and consistency are critical, this creates a “perfect storm”: At the same time, agronomic research continues to highlight the benefits of improving soil health, particularly in terms of organic carbon, structure, and nutrient efficiency. This creates a practical opportunity: not to replace fertiliser, but to use it more effectively within a broader soil management system. #### Redefining resilience in vegetable production Traditionally, resilience in field vegetable systems has focused on irrigation, pest and disease control, and yield stability. Today, resilience must also include: For growers across regions such as the Goulburn Valley, Central Victoria and South East South Australia, this shift is particularly relevant. Soil constraints, ranging from sandy, low-organic-carbon profiles to compacted heavier soils, already challenge nutrient management. A resilient system should aim to: #### Moving beyond short-term nutrient inputs In many intensive vegetable systems, fertilisers are applied to meet immediate crop demand. However, without sufficient soil structure and organic matter, efficiency is often limited. Common challenges include: This creates a dependency cycle in which higher inputs are required each season to maintain yields. A better approach is to improve how nutrients are retained and used within the soil system. #### The role of compost-based soil amendments Compost-based amendments, such as Bio Gro’s AgriGro range, provide a practical mechanism to improve soil performance alongside fertiliser programs. Agronomically, these products can: Applied in vegetable systems: #### Integration, not replacement, is key Maintaining yield and crop quality remains non-negotiable. For this reason, compost-based amendments should be integrated with conventional fertiliser strategies rather than replacing them outright. A balanced approach includes: This delivers: #### Economic benefits: lowering risk in high-input crops Vegetable production is highly sensitive to input costs. Even modest efficiency gains can significantly impact profitability, especially when fertiliser prices are elevated. Integrating compost-based amendments can: In the current environment, these efficiencies translate directly into risk mitigation. #### Local soil conditions demand targeted solutions Across key vegetable-growing regions in Victoria and South Australia, soil challenges vary but share a common theme: nutrient holding and structure drive productivity. **Sandy soils:** **Heavier soils:** Crop requirements further reinforce the need for balanced soil management: In each case, improving soil structure and nutrient efficiency is critical to both yield and quality. #### The Bio Gro perspective: local, reliable and practical Bio Gro supports growers with locally produced compost-based soil amendments through the AgriGro range. Products include 100% compost and blended formulations with manures and mineral inputs, allowing solutions to be tailored to crop and soil conditions. Key advantages include: In a time of global uncertainty, access to consistent, locally available inputs is a strategic advantage. ![Newbridge 13\_02\_2026\[41\]-1](https://content.biogro.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Newbridge%2013_02_2026%5B41%5D-1.jpg?width=768&height=422&name=Newbridge%2013_02_2026%5B41%5D-1.jpg) *Image: The Bio Gro Newbridge facility in Victoria. Bio Gro has a current soil amendment processing capacity of 400,000 tonnes per annum.* #### Getting started: a practical pathway A staged approach helps minimise risk and maximise outcomes: #### Final thought The future of fertiliser use is about using it better. For growers across South Eastern Australia, the opportunity is clear: Periods of disruption often drive innovation. For many growers, this is the right time to rethink soil nutrition and build more resilient farming systems. #### About the author This article has been developed with input from agricultural soil management principles and Bio Gro’s experience supporting Australian vegetable producers across Victoria and South Australia. Bio Gro provides compost-based soil amendment solutions tailored to regional soil conditions and crop requirements. #### Regional availability Bio Gro products are available in: **Victoria** **South Australia** [Contact us](https://content.biogro.com.au/agriculture-contact) for information and agronomic advice specific to your land. ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.biogro.com.au%2Fbio-gro-agri-news%2Frethinking-reliance-on-imported-fertilisers](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.biogro.com.au%2Fbio-gro-agri-news%2Frethinking-reliance-on-imported-fertilisers) ## Keep reading ### [![Scott Merrett Legacy Farm Co and Liam Van Schaik Bio Gro](https://content.biogro.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Scott%20Merret%20Legacy%20Farm%20Co%201800px-1.jpg?width=1800&height=942&name=Scott%20Merret%20Legacy%20Farm%20Co%201800px-1.jpg) AgriGro Compost for potatoes Soil organic matter Compost Blends: What's Right for Potato Farms?](https://content.biogro.com.au/bio-gro-agri-news/compost-blends-whats-right-for-potato-farms) ### [![](https://content.biogro.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Artboard1_3-2.jpg?width=1200&height=800&name=Artboard1_3-2.jpg) Organic Farming Solutions Organic Soil Amendment Regenerative Agriculture Case Study | Potato Yield Response with AgriGro](https://content.biogro.com.au/bio-gro-agri-news/potato-yield-response-with-agrigro) ![NIASA](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/NIASA.svg "NIASA") ![EcoHort](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/EcoHort.svg "EcoHort") ![BioSecure](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/BioSecure.svg "BioSecure") ![Familyownedaustralianbusiness](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/Familyownedaustralianbusiness.svg "Familyownedaustralianbusiness") ![NASSA\_](https://content.biogro.com.au/hubfs/NASSA_.svg "NASSA_") #### Newsletter Sign up to receive updates on new product announcements, industry news and more. ##### Follow Us ##### Mt Gambier - Head Office --- 2 Pinaceae Ct, Mount Gambier, South Australia, 5290 Phone: [(08) 8724 5555](tel:08-8724-5555) ##### Dandenong Facility --- 80-82 Ordish Rd, Dandenong South, Victoria, 3175 Phone: [ (03) 8788 1700](tel:+61387881700) ##### Wandilo Facility --- 970 Wandilo Rd, Wandilo, South Australia, 5291 Phone: [ (08) 8739 9257](tel:+61887399257) ##### Newbridge Facility --- 1477 Yorkshire Road, Newbridge, Victoria, 3551 Phone: [(03) 5437 3487](tel:+6154373487)  Copyright © 2026. 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