While conventional fertilisers have played an important part in developing New Zealand’s farming economy, some farmers are looking for alternative solutions to help maintain or improve farm productivity. BioPhos is a biologically enhanced phosphate fertiliser that provides this alternative.
Unlike conventional fertilisers, BioPhos uses micro-organisms to solubilise the phosphate and make it available for uptake by plants. The micro-organisms in BioPhos help to stimulate the breakdown of organic matter in the soil, if the existing microbial activity in the soil is low and there is a suitable niche available that allows the BioPhos micro-organisms to become established in the soil. BioPhos is pH neutral and contains no residual acid.
BioPhos contains 11.0% phosphorus and 5% organic matter.
BioPhos is available in both conventional and organic forms, with the latter conforming to BioGro standards.
BioPhos is suitable for use in a wide range of farming situations, including dairy, pastoral, cropping, horticulture and viticulture.
BioPhos is a stable product that can be stored in bulk or bag, providing it is kept dry. It is easily applied by groundspreaders and is suitable for application by aerial top-dressing.
BioPhos can be used at a higher soil pH than traditional rock phosphate fertilisers. The product can also be blended with a wide range of conventional fertilisers.
BioMag is made using the same principles as BioPhos, except that serpentine rock is used in the process. The result is a biologically enhanced magnesium fertiliser.
BioMag is available in both conventional and organic forms, with the latter conforming to BioGro standards.
BioLime is made using a composting process similar to that used to make BioPhos. Lime is composted in the presence of a fish-based nutrient solution, sawdust and a fungal inoculum.
BioLime is available in both conventional and organic forms, with the latter conforming to BioGro standards.
