FERTILISER is a key input for many farmers involved in mixed agriculture, grazing and horticulture, with a strong emphasis placed on production and profitability. However, poor quality fertilisers, excessive use and inappropriate application can damage soil and lead to nutrient pollution of land, water and air.

Primary producers are commonly sold mineral fertilisers and organic matter blends that contain acidified minerals or waste-products. Some of these fertilisers and organic products can contain highly soluble nutrients that can dissolve soil carbon and leach into the soil water table or contain heavy metals which can accumulate in the soil body.

Recycled organics are purchased for the organic carbon content but can also contain volatile nitrates and toxic heavy metals. The application of these fertilisers with recycled organic matter or other ameliorates such as limestone, gypsum or dolomite has been a common practice to ‘undo the damage’ as soluble fertilisers are known to contribute to soil degradation by acidifying a soil and reduce levels of soil carbon.

Northern NSW mixed farming company Mara Seeds has lived through this ‘production treadmill’ which proved to be unsustainable and counterproductive.

For the past 25 years, this company has been an industry leader because of their incorporation of Sustainable and Organic Farm Management Techniques.   

SOFT Agriculture (Sustainable Organic Farming Techniques) provides agronomic support services for farmers to get an independent view of which direction their soils are going.

These services include soil, water, plant and animal tissue testing and analysis, farm mapping and fertiliser recommendations.

SOFT Agriculture uses a three-step testing process:

1. Collect representative samples
2. Analyse the sample at our partner Accredited Testing Laboratory
3. Use the results of the soil analysis to define the nutrient requirements for optimum soil health - your Soil Management Strategy

To compliment the agronomy services, Soft Agriculture also supplies sustainable fertiliser blends which can contain a mix of controlled release minerals, organic compost and biochar or your choice of compatible soil ameliorates.

What is the investment?

The price of the soil sample’s analysis package is $242.00 and SOFT Agriculture are happy to offer our soil testing services, soil management strategy, farm mapping and fertiliser recommendation into this price. 

When you require a soil test or wish to discuss your soil management strategy, please call SOFT Agriculture on 02 6664 5145 or email our Agronomist Leo McLean on leomclean@softagriculture.com.au . To read more about our Agronomic Services please click here.

August 2017 - Primary Producer of the Year 2017

Mara Seeds and SOFT Agriculture have proudly announced that Kyogle and District Chamber of Commerce have awarded them the Primary Producer of the Year for the 2017 Business Awards.

The Primary Producer category was one of many encompassing a range of businesses operating within the Kyogle Local Government Area. 

March 2016 - Research

SOFT Agriculture has conducted and funded four years of extensive research and trials with Central Queensland University and lately in conjunction with CSIRO.

Feed additive and fertilisers at laboratory level commercial trials at centre's located over Queensland and New South Wales.

Local trials on Compost production and usage.

Plans are to continue for the next 6 years establishing data and formulas to track for carbon benefits in the future.

July 2015 - Outstanding Product of the Year, Carbon Cocky Awards 2015

Stuart Larsson and SOFT Agriculture have been awarded the winner of the "Outstanding Product of the Year" for their organic compost at the 2015 Carbon Cocky Awards. 

The Carbon Cocky awards are held as part of the National Carbon Farming and Expo, in Albury, 7-10 July 2015. 

Stuart was also a finalist in the categories "Oustanding Leadership" and "Outstanding Innovation or Invention". 

MEDIA LINKS - IN THE NEWS

Going back to basics pays off for farmer, The Northern Star, 30th July, 2015.   

Family dynasty innovation over generations, The Queensland Times, 30th July, 2015. 

Of course, it can be done, Australian Organics, 20th April, 2015.

Food mix carbon bonus - Green Chicken Carbon Smart Bio Fertiliser, The Coffs Coast Advocate, 15th February, 2015.

Poultry to play part in locking up carbon, boosting soil quality, CQU University, 3rd February, 2014.

Big future for biochar, Farm Online, 13th August, 2011.