Reduce Fertiliser Use - Case Study
Summary
After introducing DCT products into their system, a market gardening client reported that they were able to significantly reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining — and in some cases improving — crop performance compared with previous seasons.
Over time, this allowed them to reduce fertiliser applications by around half while still achieving comparable results.
“We were able to halve our fertiliser and still achieve the same results — if not better.”
— Market Gardening Client
The Problem
Rising fertiliser costs and diminishing returns are common challenges for intensive vegetable growers.
In many systems, nutrients are applied but not fully utilised due to factors such as:
Poor soil structure limiting root growth
Reduced biological activity slowing nutrient cycling
Nutrients becoming chemically tied up in the soil
This can result in higher fertiliser inputs without proportional improvements in crop performance.
The System Change
The grower integrated DCT products into their existing fertiliser programme to support soil function and nutrient availability.
Rather than removing fertiliser immediately, they gradually adjusted fertiliser rates while monitoring crop performance and soil response.
The Result
Following the integration of DCT products, the grower observed:
Fertiliser inputs reduced by approximately 50% over time
Crop performance maintained or improved compared with previous seasons
Improved nutrient use efficiency
Lower overall input costs
While results vary depending on soil type, crop, and management practices, this case demonstrated how improving soil function can allow fertiliser inputs to be reduced without compromising productivity.
How DCT Products Support Nutrient Efficiency
✔ Improved nutrient availability
DCT products help keep nutrients in plant-available forms, reducing losses through fixation or leaching.
✔ Enhanced soil biology
Active microbial communities cycle nutrients more effectively, helping release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements in line with plant demand.
✔ Better root growth and soil structure
Improved soil aggregation and root development allow plants to explore a larger soil volume and access nutrients already present in the soil.
Why This Matters
Improving nutrient efficiency can result in:
Lower fertiliser costs per hectare
Better return on fertiliser investment
Reduced nutrient losses
More resilient soil systems over time
Conclusion
This case study highlights how improving soil function can influence nutrient efficiency in a farming system. By supporting nutrient availability and plant uptake, DCT products helped this grower reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining productivity.
