Nutrient Leaching & Losses
Keeping nutrients where plants can actually use them
Nutrient leaching and losses are one of the biggest hidden costs in modern farming. Fertiliser can be applied correctly, at the right rate and time, yet crops and pastures still underperform because nutrients move out of the root zone before plants can access them.
Many growers are seeing improved consistency and better returns by focusing not just on what they apply, but on how well the soil holds and cycles nutrients.
Why nutrient leaching and losses occur
Nutrient loss is rarely caused by a single issue. It usually develops when soil biology, structure, and nutrient holding capacity are under pressure.
Low organic matter and carbon
Soils with limited carbon struggle to bind nutrients, allowing them to move freely through the soil profile.
Poor soil biology
Weak microbial activity reduces nutrient cycling and storage, increasing the risk of nutrients being lost before plants can use them.
Soil structure limitations
Poor aggregation and limited pore space increase runoff and rapid drainage, especially during rainfall or irrigation events.
Timing mismatches
Nutrients applied faster than plant demand are more vulnerable to leaching and volatilisation.
When these factors combine, nutrients behave as short-term inputs rather than sustained nutrition.
Why increasing fertiliser rates doesn’t solve the problem
Applying more fertiliser does not prevent nutrient losses — and in many cases, it increases them.
Without a functioning biological system to bind, buffer, and release nutrients, fertiliser remains exposed to movement below the root zone or loss through runoff.
This often leads to:
Inconsistent crop or pasture response
Rising fertiliser costs with diminishing returns
Reduced nutrient use efficiency
Increased environmental pressure
How to reduce nutrient losses naturally
Rather than forcing more nutrients into the system, many growers are shifting focus toward improving nutrient retention and cycling.
This approach includes:
Supporting soil biology to bind nutrients into organic forms
Increasing carbon inputs to improve nutrient holding capacity
Improving soil structure to slow nutrient movement
Better synchronising nutrient availability with plant demand
When nutrients are cycled through biology, they are far less likely to be lost.
Where our products fit (practical tools growers use)
Our products are used to support nutrient efficiency by strengthening the biological and structural processes that help keep nutrients in the root zone.
Lazerhume
Supports soil biology and organic binding, helping nutrients remain available for plant uptake rather than being lost through leaching.
Optimise iO
Used to support microbial activity and nutrient cycling, particularly in leaching-prone or high rainfall systems.
Restore
Provides additional biological support where soils are under stress or where nutrient losses have been ongoing.
Turbo N
Supports more efficient nitrogen use by improving uptake consistency and reducing nutrient losses over time.
Used alongside existing fertiliser programmes, these products help nutrients work longer and more efficiently.
When this approach won’t help
Extremely sandy or shallow soils may still experience nutrient movement during heavy rainfall
Severe drainage or compaction issues may require additional management
Very low overall fertility can limit visible responses
Even in these situations, supporting soil biology and structure improves nutrient retention over time and strengthens system resilience.
Related growing problems
Nutrient leaching and losses often occur alongside:
Addressing nutrient retention helps improve multiple areas of performance.
Frequently asked questions
Do these products replace fertiliser?
No. They are designed to support fertiliser programmes by improving efficiency and reducing losses.
How quickly can improvements be seen?
Improved nutrient response can often be observed within weeks, with longer-term benefits building over time.
Are these products suitable for high rainfall or irrigated systems?
Yes. These systems often see the greatest benefit due to higher leaching risk.
Key takeaway
Nutrient leaching isn’t about applying the wrong fertiliser, it’s about nutrients leaving the system too quickly. By supporting soil biology, structure, and nutrient cycling, growers can keep nutrients working longer, improve consistency, and reduce unnecessary losses.
Discover solutions to the most common pasture, crop, and soil problems.
Visit our Growing Problems Hub to explore all growing challenges and practical solutions for healthier, more productive pastures, crops & vines.