PASTURES & SOILS

Basalt to be trialled as low-cost fertiliser

Crushed volcanic rock could provide a cheap and effective solution to rising fertiliser costs.

Claire Harris
UniSA environmental researcher Binoy Sarkar (right) with student Thilini Amarasinghe, at a field trial site in Mallala, South Australia, in April this year.

UniSA environmental researcher Binoy Sarkar (right) with student Thilini Amarasinghe, at a field trial site in Mallala, South Australia, in April this year. | Credits: UniSA.

WITH fertiliser costs rising, a readily-available natural fertiliser – crushed volcanic rock – could provide a cheap and effective solution for growers, providing a suite of benefits for productivity and...

Start a free trial to continue reading this article

Already have an account?

Subscribe now

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Drones (July 2026)

With drones becoming more prevalent in Australian agricultural operations, this month’s Research Report looks at the latest drone technology and applications for both broadacre farming and livestock enterprises.

editions

Research Report: Auto Drafters (June 2026)

This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.

editions

Research Report: High Horsepower Tracked Tractors (May 2026)

Kondinin Group researchers Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli have inspected some of the latest high-horsepower, articulated, fixed-frame and twin-tracked tractors for this month's Research Report. It's all about getting power to the ground.

editions

Research Report: Mother Bins (April 2026)

Mother bins are an important part of on-farm grain logistics. This Research Report details 10 brands including locally-made and imported models with capacities up to 300 tonnes.