Author: timlester

Thank you all for your support in 2022 and Merry Christmas. 

If you are looking to spoil yourself or a green thumb for Christmas consider some MycoGold  https://biostim.com.au/shop/myco-gold/

Phosphate fertiliser prices are once again extreme. This effects super phosphate, single super, triple super, MAP, DAP, MKP, etc pricing and availability. Supply and demand determines prices but these increases are mainly on the supply side. The war in Ukraine has caused sanctions on Russia further limiting the number of suppliers in the world market. Morocco basically controls the world price as the world has under invested for decades in developing phosphate mines.

The ABC just did a video below but I have a few issues with the reporting.

1/ Australian soils have large reserves of phosphate but they are often in plant unavailable forms.

2/ Using tax player funding to build infrastructure isn’t moral or wise as the price will correct at some stage and we are a high cost producer.

3/ Rock phosphate may never become plant available. You need extensive microbial activity (labile carbon and moisture) and/or low soil pH to release the phosphate. Applying to dead soil is a total waste of resources/capital.

A more sustainable solution that requires no tax payer funding is mycorrhizal fungi as that can help unlock existing phosphate reserves. Even better than mycorrhizal fungi is implementing a cover crop strategy if possible.

I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year. If you are looking for a gift for a green thumb then maybe MycoGold or Seaweed Saver. It has been a pleasure and we value your support. 

Kind regards

Tim Lester and team.

Thank you to all who have submitted reviews over the last year. It is much appreciated. Chris from Endeavour Hills in Victoria was the random selected review winner for 2021.