Project summary
Objective
To design, test and commercialise circular biofertilisers made from agricultural waste that improve nutrient efficiency, reduce nitrous oxide emissions and soil degradation, increase soil organic carbon and replace conventional fertilisers without reducing yield or profitability.
Timeline
2025 - 2030
Investment
$1.8 million in this project, over five years
Program lead
Vicki Lane
Overview
This project will develop novel, waste-derived fertilisers that efficiently deliver nutrients to crops while reducing agriculture emissions. The fertilisers are designed to be made from agricultural residues such as poultry litter and sugarcane waste, turning them into high-performing biofertilisers that lower emissions, boost soil carbon and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
Program
This project is being completed as part of Program 1: Low Emissions Plant Solutions
Details
Importance
Nitrous oxide from fertilisers is responsible for nearly a quarter of emissions from Australian agriculture. This project directly targets those emissions while addressing nutrient losses, waste inefficiencies and soil degradation. With the potential to replace conventional urea use in Australia, it represents a scalable, circular economy solution for agriculture.
Impact
This project has the potential to avoid up to 6.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas annually through improved soil carbon, lower nitrous oxide emissions and avoided fertiliser manufacturing emissions.
Project team
This project brings together leading researchers and experts from Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Queensland University of technology, AgTech Consortium and Cotton Research and Development Corporation and Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Pathways to Adoption
This project will move from laboratory to field, ensuring that practical impact and industry relevance is prioritised. By partnering directly with waste-generating industries and fertilizer manufacturers, the project will tap into industry knowledge and fertiliser production expertise from the outset. Collaboration with peak industry bodies such as CRDC and GRDC will ensure alignment with grower needs.
Early-stage development will be guided by an industry Steering Committee, while later stage formulations will be validated through enterprise field trials at CRC Producer Demonstration Sites. This integrated approach, from nutrient specification design to in-field performance, will ensure that the waste-derived fertilisers are scientifically sound and ready for commercial uptake.
PhDs
This project includes one PhD student who will work on characterizing nutrient dynamics in waste-derived fertilisers and contribute to lab and field components.
