Reduced Fertiliser Use Case Study
Summary.
Following the use of DCT products, a market gardening client reported they were able to halve their fertiliser applications while still achieving the same results, if not better, compared to previous seasons.
“We could 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 growers. In many systems, nutrients are applied but not fully utilised due to poor soil structure, limited biological activity, or nutrients becoming chemically tied up in the soil.
This leads to higher costs without corresponding yield improvements.
The Result.
After integrating DCT products into their system:
Fertiliser inputs were reduced by approximately 50%
Crop performance was maintained or improved
Nutrient efficiency increased
Overall input costs were reduced without sacrificing productivity
How DCT Products Support Reduced Fertiliser Use.
✔ Improved nutrient availability
DCT products chelate key nutrients, keeping them in plant-available forms and reducing losses through fixation or leaching.
✔ Enhanced soil biology
Active microbial populations cycle nutrients efficiently, releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements in line with plant demand.
✔ Better root growth and soil structure
Improved aggregation and root development allow plants to explore a larger soil volume, accessing nutrients that would otherwise remain unavailable.
Why This Matters.
Reducing fertiliser use without yield loss means:
Lower input costs per hectare
Improved return on fertiliser investment
Reduced nutrient losses and environmental impact
Greater system resilience under variable conditions
Conclusion.
This case study shows that improving soil function can significantly reduce reliance on applied fertiliser. By unlocking nutrients already present in the soil and improving plant uptake, DCT products help growers maintain productivity while lowering costs.