Nutrient Leaching & Nutrient Losses – Field Results & Agronomic Interpretation
Keeping Nutrients in the Root Zone Where Plants Can Use Them
Nutrient leaching and losses are a growing concern across farming systems. Even where fertiliser inputs are well managed, nutrients — particularly nitrogen — can move beyond the root zone before plants can utilise them.
This results in lower nutrient efficiency, reduced plant performance, higher input costs, and increased environmental pressure.
Field observations show that supporting soil processes and nutrient efficiency using DCT products helps retain nutrients in the root zone, improve uptake, and reduce visible nutrient losses.
Related problem:
[Nutrient Leaching & Losses] — learn why nutrients are lost and how this impacts productivity.
This approach focuses on improving nutrient use efficiency, not increasing application rates.
Field Observation Summary
Across different soil types and farming systems, treated areas have shown:
More consistent plant colour and growth following fertiliser application
Reduced signs of nitrogen loss after rainfall events
Improved nutrient response at existing fertiliser rates
More stable pasture and crop performance through variable conditions
These outcomes suggest improved nutrient retention and uptake rather than increased nutrient inputs.
Evidence Context
Important context
Observations come from a range of soil textures, rainfall patterns, and management systems. Nutrient loss risk varies significantly depending on soil structure, drainage, and timing of application.
International agronomic research consistently shows that soil structure, biological activity, and root-zone function play a major role in nutrient retention and availability, supporting the field observations seen.
Agronomic Interpretation
Nutrient leaching and losses commonly occur due to:
Poor soil aggregation allowing rapid water movement
Low biological activity reducing nutrient immobilisation and cycling
Restricted root systems limiting nutrient capture
Timing mismatches between nutrient availability and plant demand
These conditions lead to:
Nutrients moving below the active root zone
Reduced fertiliser efficiency
Increased cost per unit of production
Greater environmental risk
Supporting soil biology and root-zone processes helps slow nutrient movement, improve nutrient capture, and align availability with plant demand.
Where This Fits in the Farming System
DCT products are used to support nutrient efficiency and retention, not to replace sound nutrient management.
Field observations show improved nutrient performance without increasing fertiliser rates.
This approach works best alongside:
Good fertiliser timing aligned with plant demand
Soil testing and realistic nutrient targets
Appropriate grazing or harvest management
Drainage and compaction management
The goal is to keep nutrients working in the system, not leaving it.
Products Used in the System
Lazerhume – Supports soil aggregation and biological processes that help retain nutrients in the root zone
Restore – Provides additional biological support in soils prone to nutrient loss
Turbo-N – Improves nitrogen efficiency by supporting uptake and utilisation
Optimise iO – Enhances microbial activity and nutrient cycling, reducing loss pathways
Product choice depends on soil type, rainfall risk, and system intensity.
Agronomy Insight
Agronomy insight
Nutrient losses increase when soils lack biological activity and structural stability. Supporting root-zone processes improves nutrient retention, synchronises nutrient release with plant demand, and reduces losses through leaching or volatilisation.
When This Approach Has Limits
Extremely free-draining soils may still carry higher leaching risk
Very high rainfall events can overwhelm any system
Poor application timing can still result in losses
Even in these cases, improving soil processes increases nutrient capture and reduces overall loss risk.
Key Takeaway
Field observations show that supporting soil biology and nutrient efficiency helps retain nutrients in the root zone, improves plant uptake, and delivers more value from existing fertiliser inputs.