AgriSea NZ and Fertco Ltd. have joined forces to revolutionize agricultural nutrient management with the launch of SeaPhos, a groundbreaking product that merges advanced biostimulant and fertilizer technologies.

The new hybrid offering combines the natural benefits of AgriSea’s fermented seaweed with Fertco’s phosphate, sulphur and lime, creating a granulated solution aimed at enhancing plant growth and reducing environmental impact.

SeaPhos is designed to address multiple aspects of soil health and plant nutrition. By integrating AgriSea NZ’s seaweed-derived minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins and growth promotants with Fertco’s essential soil nutrients – phosphorus, sulphur and calcium – the product promises a holistic approach to fertilization. The granulated form of SeaPhos allows for precise and safe application, reducing dust and environmental loss associated with traditional fertilizers.

One of SeaPhos’s key features is its ability to counteract soil acidity through its liming effect, which improves soil pH and enhances nutrient availability. The product’s formulation includes dicalcic phosphate, which provides a controlled nutrient release and mitigates the risks of environmental runoff.

Clare Bradley, chief executive officer with AgriSea NZ, highlighted the strategic partnership with Fertco Ltd., emphasizing the alignment of their values. “AgriSea has been a pioneer in the biostimulant sector for nearly three decades,” Bradley told New AG International. “In our pursuit of innovation, we sought a partner that shares our commitment to sustainable practices. Fertco’s ethos of efficient nutrient use and their advanced granulation technology made them an ideal collaborator.”

Chris Lees, commercial manager with Fertco, echoed these sentiments, noting the synergy between the two companies. “The collaboration brings together AgriSea’s expertise in biostimulants with our background in sustainable fertilizers,” he noted in an interview with New AG International. “The granulation technology we acquired has enabled us to produce a uniform, low-dust product that is easier to apply and more environmentally friendly.”

The incorporation of biostimulants into a granular fertilizer represents a novel approach in New Zealand agriculture. “This combination of chemistry and biology in a single granule is unprecedented in our market,” Bradley explained. “It offers farmers a bridge between traditional fertilizers and biostimulants, making it easier to transition to more sustainable practices.”

The SeaPhos product is poised to benefit a range of agricultural operations, from dairy and beef farms to challenging hill country terrains. Its ability to stimulate root growth and soil microbial activity could lead to improved plant health and productivity.

Both AgriSea and Fertco view this collaboration as a potential precursor to further innovations. “This initial product serves as a testing ground for our partnership,” Bradley remarked. “While we’re not fully committed yet, the success of SeaPhos could pave the way for more joint ventures in the future.”

The new SeaPhos granules are available in both bulk and bagged formats, catering to different application needs. With a production capacity of up to 25,000 tonnes annually, Fertco’s granulation plant is well-equipped to meet the demand for this innovative product.