Can farmers become less reliant on synthetic fertiliser? Some are trying
Farmers in Australia are exploring ways to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilisers amid rising prices and supply constraints due to geopolitical tensions. Some, like organic dairy farmer Mark Lambert, have successfully eliminated synthetic fertilisers by focusing on soil health and using natural alternatives. Others, such as apple grower Marcus Burns, are adopting a hybrid approach, using less synthetic fertiliser while incorporating more natural supplements.
- ▪Synthetic nitrogen is the most commonly used fertiliser in Australia, with nearly all of it being imported.
- ▪The ongoing war in Iran has led to constrained supply chains and soaring fertiliser prices.
- ▪Farmers are exploring alternatives to synthetic fertilisers, with some successfully using organic methods to maintain soil health.
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| Original publisher | ABC News (Australia) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-28/synthetic-fertiliser-reliance-on-australian-farms/106723890 |
| Publication time | Wed, 27 May 2026 19:30:13 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-27T19:38:03.746Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-27T19:38:03.746Z |
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Can farmers become less reliant on synthetic fertiliser? Some are tryingBBy Bec PridhamTopic:FertilisersThu 28 May 2026 at 5:30amThu 28 May 2026 at 5:30amThu 28 May 2026 at 5:30amSynthetic nitrogen is the most commonly used fertiliser in Australia. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)In short:The Middle East is a key market for the fertiliser that Australian farmers rely on to grow crops.As the war in Iran drags on, supply has become constrained, leading to soaring prices.What's next?Alternatives to imported fertilisers exist, but an agronomist says that synthetic fertiliser remains the only option in many cases.abc.net.au/news/synthetic-fertiliser-reliance-on-australian-farms/106723890Link copiedShareShare articleA war thousands of kilometres away from Australia's farms is quietly reshaping what…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).