Rethinking Reliance on Imported Fertilisers

Building resilient soils, farming systems, and input supply

Rising fertiliser costs and supply uncertainty are no longer theoretical risks for Australian growers; they are active pressures on production planning. 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”:

• Volatile input costs
• Reduced product availability during planting windows
• Increased production risk
• Pressure on margins and supply consistency

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:

• Input security (reduced reliance on global supply chains)
• Nutrient efficiency (maximising every fertiliser dollar)
• Financial sustainability (stabilising margins)

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:

• Improve nutrient retention in light soils
• Enhance structure in heavier soils
• Support consistent crop establishment and uniformity
• Maintain yield while reducing input risk

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:

• Nitrogen leaching in sandy soils (notably in potato systems)
• Uneven nutrient uptake affecting onion bulb development
• Compaction restricting root growth in crops like carrots
• Increased reliance on repeat applications, adding cost

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:

• Increase organic carbon, improving nutrient holding capacity
• Enhance soil structure and tilth, supporting root development
• Improve moisture retention during dry periods
• Stimulate microbial activity, supporting nutrient cycling

Applied in vegetable systems:

• Potatoes: Improved structure supports uniform tuber sizing and reduces nutrient losses
• Onions: Better nutrient buffering and even bulb development
• Carrots: Improved soil friability reduces deformation and rejection rates

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:

• Maintaining fertiliser applications at critical growth stages
• Building soil capacity progressively using organic amendments
• Improving retention of applied nutrients - Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K)
• Reducing reactive or corrective fertiliser applications

This delivers:

• Stable short-term production outcomes
• Improved nutrient efficiency over time
• Reduced exposure to supply disruptions

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:

• Reduce nutrient losses, lowering long-term fertiliser demand
• Improve crop uniformity and pack-out rates
• Enhance resilience to seasonal variability
• Help stabilise margins under volatile input conditions

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:

• Low organic carbon
• High nutrient leaching
• Variable moisture retention

Heavier soils:

• Compaction from intensive use
• Poor infiltration
• Inconsistent root development

Crop requirements further reinforce the need for balanced soil management:

• Potatoes: Consistent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supply
• Onions: Tight nutrient timing and uniform soil structure
• Carrots: Friable soils for straight, marketable roots

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:

• Local production, supporting reliable supply
• Stable input sourcing, reducing price volatility
• Custom blends, aligned to specific farm needs
• Proven agronomic benefits, improving soil health and productivity

In a time of global uncertainty, access to consistent, locally available inputs is a strategic advantage.

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:

• Test soils for organic carbon and structure (not just nutrients)
• Introduce compost-based amendments in selected blocks
• Monitor yield, uniformity and nutrient efficiency
• Refine the approach with agronomic support

Final thought

The future of fertiliser use is about using it better.

For growers across South Eastern Australia, the opportunity is clear:

• Build stronger, more productive soils
• Reduce exposure to global supply disruptions
• Improve input efficiency and cost control
• Maintain high-performing, marketable crops

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

• Goulburn Valley
• Western District
• Central Highlands
• Port Phillip & Western Port
• Mallee

South Australia

• Upper South East
• Limestone Coast (Lower South East)
• Adelaide Plains & Northern Adelaide Plains

Contact us for information and agronomic advice specific to your land.