Australian farmers seeking to improve soil health are reporting promising results after trialling biologically enhanced efficiency fertiliser (EEF) Fertica H+ ahead of its market launch.

ProdOz International has officially launched Seawin Biotech’s Fertica H+ after putting the granular compound NPK fertiliser through its paces in commercial trials around Australia.

ProdOz crop science technologist Zenon Kynigos says Fertica H+ was developed specifically to improve Australian soil health and support sustainable farming practices. 

“It’s an NPK fertiliser with a unique blend of nutrients, humic acid and organic matter,” Zenon says.

“This combination targets Australian soils and Australian conditions and allows farmers to achieve high yields while building soil resilience for future crops," he says.

"Farmers want to be sustainable but it’s hard to find a product that benefits both the soil and their crops – this does both.

“Farmers who have been trialling it are now implementing it into their programs. Demand is extremely high and that’s a great result.

"Lead agronomist with WalkerAg Consultancy Tim Walker, has seen how the fertiliser improves soil and crop performance in potato production in Tasmania.

“Humic acid in Fertica H+ has made a significant difference in how nutrients are absorbed by the soil and plants.

“The improved availability of phosphorus and potassium has allowed us to reduce overall fertiliser use without sacrificing yield.

“At the same time, the quality of the soil has improved dramatically,” he says.

His trials in Tasmania showed application could be reduced by up to half with no significant yield loss.

The soil retained moisture better, and the crops were more uniform, with less waste.

Fertica H+ also simplified the planting process and reduced costs, as less product was needed, he says.

“We’ve done many trials in Tasmania and have recently begun with potatoes in Victoria. What we’re seeing is changing outcomes for potato growers,” he says.

Leading Western Australia vegetable producer, the Galati Group is now into its second year of using Fertica H+ in its root vegetable crops, predominantly onions, carrots, potatoes as well as broccoli, following solid results from commercial trials.

The product has given us the desired result nutritionally and leaf testing shows the status of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plant.

Co-principal Vince Galati says with humic acid combined with bio stimulants, we’re getting an NPK fertiliser with benefits.

“As we have sandy soils, there’s now an improved ability to provide carbon uptake. Our use of Fertica H+ has also increased yield.

“We’ve had a 10 per cent or better yield over the range of our three crops.”

Distributor Terrence Rattray of All Supply Direct, Devonport, Tasmania has been supplying Fertica H+ to potato, onion and dairy farmers for more than a year.

"Dairy farmers are reporting that they are getting more protein and energy into their feed after treating pastures – clover and rye grass predominantly," he says.

"The pastures are visibly greener where applied and it's giving them a better, strong bottom. Farmers are also not having to fertilise quite as regularly.

“Over the long term, Fertica H+ is proving beneficial to soil microbes and soil health.” 

Zenon Kynigos says the addition of humic acid was a key point of difference.

“Humic acid, a key ingredient in Fertica H+, is a natural compound that binds essential nutrients, preventing them from being washed away, and makes them more available to plants,” he adds.

“This ensures crops absorb what they need, especially phosphorus and potassium. Humic acid also improves soil structure, making it more porous so water and air can move through easily.

“It supports the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil, creating a healthy ecosystem and by reducing nutrient loss, it also helps protect the environment

“Australian soils often face challenges such as nutrient depletion and poor structure but by incorporating humic acid and organic matter, Fertica H+ revitalised soils, ensuring they remained productive and healthy,” Zenon says.