As the impact of climate change, soil degradation, and rising costs continue to weigh on Australian farmers, a new sustainable solution to improve agricultural practices is crucial for the industry.
One such solution gaining momentum is pelletised compost, a refined version of traditional compost designed to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and contribute to sustainable farming.
Pelletised compost is made from organic materials such as plant matter, manure, and food scraps, which are decomposed into nutrient-rich compost and then compressed into small, uniform pellets. This process makes the compost easier to handle, store, and apply to crops.
Unlike traditional compost, which is often bulky and moisture-heavy, pelletised compost is dry, more concentrated, and compact, making it more efficient for farmers to work with.
As a result, the key benefits of pelletised compost go beyond its ease of application.
By improving soil structure, pelletised compost also enhances aeration and promotes root penetration, which is especially helpful for compacted soils where root growth can be stunted.
It also helps balance water retention in sandy soils and improves drainage in heavier soils, creating more favourable conditions for crop growth.
Unlike synthetic fertilisers, which provide a quick nutrient boost but can degrade soil quality over time, pelletised compost releases nutrients slowly. This gradual release ensures that crops receive a steady supply of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium throughout the growing season.
As a result, nutrient imbalances and deficiencies are reduced, and plants can grow more healthily and consistently. Pelletised compost also reduces the need for synthetic chemical fertilisers, which are not only costly but can also harm the soil ecosystem and pollute waterways.
By providing nutrients naturally, pelletised compost aligns with Australia’s broader goals of reducing the environmental impact of farming and promoting regenerative agricultural practices.
For organic farmers, this compost offers a viable alternative to synthetic chemicals, which are prohibited in organic farming systems. Pelletised compost enhances soil fertility without relying on artificial inputs, making it a suitable solution for organic operations looking to maintain soil health and promote biodiversity.
One of the advantages of pelletised compost is its ability to support healthy soil ecosystems. The organic material it introduces helps foster beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, which break down organic matter and make nutrients more accessible to plants.
This contributes to the development of a more resilient and fertile soil, capable of withstanding the pressures of intensive farming.
The compost plays a crucial role in mitigating soil erosion, a serious concern for many Australian farmers. The organic matter in the compost binds soil particles together, reducing the risk of erosion caused by wind or heavy rainfall.
As Australian farming becomes increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather, reducing erosion is a critical step in maintaining soil integrity and preventing the loss of valuable topsoil.
Pelletised compost trial
A practical example of the benefits of pelletised compost can be seen on the property of Tim Mendham, a third-generation farmer from Blayney, New South Wales. Mendham, who has been farming in the cold high country of Blayney for nearly 18 years, has long prioritised improving the health of his soil.
For years, he relied on a mix of synthetic fertilisers and organic inputs to restore carbon and organic matter to his soils. However, traditional compost, which sits on top of the soil and depends on rain to break down, wasn’t always the most efficient option for him.
“Healthy soil is our top priority,” said Mendham. “We’ve always tried to get more organic matter back into our soils, especially since we rely on hay, silage, and cattle production. But with regular compost, it sits on top of the soil and relies on rain, which isn’t always reliable.”
Mendham was introduced to pelletised compost through a trial supported by the Federal Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The trial on Mendham’s farm involved applying four different rates of pelletised compost directly with the seed during planting. The results were striking. After harvesting, Mendham observed a significant difference in crop yields.
The areas treated with higher rates of pelletised compost showed noticeable improvements in yield compared to the untreated sections.
“We were able to sow the pelletised compost right with the seed, which allowed it to sit directly next to the seed instead of just sitting on top of the soil,” he said. “The compost slowly released nutrients throughout the growing season, and the yields were definitely higher where compost had been applied.”
While Mendham’s farm typically uses around 13 tonnes of traditional compost per hectare, only 100 kilograms per hectare of pelletised compost was needed for the trial. This reduction in material use not only saved on handling and storage costs, but also made the application process quicker and more efficient.
“The pelletised compost is lighter and easier to spread, meaning we spent less time on the tractor and reduced movement across the paddocks,” said Mendham. “This allowed us to complete the job faster, with less wear and tear on our equipment.”
Beyond the improvements in soil health and crop yields, the financial benefits of pelletised compost have been equally evident.
While the cost per hectare of using pelletised compost may increase by around $50 compared to traditional methods, the resulting increase in yields has translated into higher profits.
“When you see such a big difference in yield, you realise the cost of using pelletised compost is minimal compared to the return,” said Mendham. “It saves us time and money while improving the efficiency of our operations.”
For farmers like Mendham, using such compost is a step towards a more sustainable and profitable future. As the demand for more sustainable farming solutions grows, pelletised compost offers a practical, cost-effective way to improve soil health and productivity.
A sustainable future
Mendham’s success with this compost is an example of its potential to positively impact Australian farming practices. With its ability to improve soil health, enhance crop yields, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, this method offers a sustainable alternative that meets the demands of modern agriculture.
In the face of climate change, soil degradation, and increasing production costs, innovative solutions like this provide a sustainable way forward. Its benefits extend beyond individual farms, contributing to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and long-term agricultural sustainability.