December 29, 2010

WEST AUSTRALIAN ALLIANCE FORMED TO MEET NEW FERTILISER LIMITS

New limits on phosphorus levels in home garden and lawn fertilisers – which come into effect from January 1 – have paved the way for a joint venture between two West Australian fertiliser companies.

In response to t he proposed new WA regulations, Tenterden-based biological fertiliser manufacturer Western Mineral Fertilisers (WMF) and specialty fertiliser manufacturer, Langley Fertilizers, based in Wangara, have teamed up to create a new range of products.

WMF managing director Stephen Frost said it was a strategic fit that allowed for the sharing of crucial information for the purpose of product development.

“As part of its quest to create a river-friendlier fertiliser for home use, Langley Fertilizers approached us about combining our unique technologies and the joint venture has also opened up new export markets nationally and internationally,” he said.

The Troforte™- GrowSafe™ range of products contains mineral fertiliser coated with 27 strains of beneficial soil microbes and natural minerals with controlled-release and slow release soluble NPK fertiliser.

 It meets the proposed new limits which restrict phosphorus in lawn fertilisers to a maximum of one per cent (currently up to 3.5 per cent) and in garden fertilisers to a maximum of 2.5 per cent phosphorus from January 1, 2011 and two per cent from January 1, 2013 (currently between 3.5 and four per cent).

  “In line with the WA Government’s bid to help slash algal blooms in our waterways, this environmentally and biologically-friendlier fertiliser is river and reef safe with very low leachability, and has a high nutrient use efficiency so that nutrients are released only when required,” said Langley Fertilizer’s CEO Sunil Misra.

 “Through our strategic alliance, we are committed to furthering our technological capabilities, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality and availability of these environmentally friendly fertilisers for the benefit of the community.

 “These slow-release and controlled-release fertilisers, fortified with beneficial microbes and natural mineral fertilisers, can have phenomenal results by creating a synergetic effect on plant growth, without the excess runoff of nutrients into our waterways.”

 Mr Frost said the range would also open up new avenues for use in turf, horticulture, forestry, and commercial nurseries.

 “While many believed the task of delivering product that met these new limits was going to pose challenges, this alliance is proof that not only is it possible but that there are many markets demanding these next generations fertilisers, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia,” he said.

 WMF recently won a 2010 Western Australian Industry and Export Award, receiving the top accolade in the Innovation Excellence category.