Fertiliser Costs Are Rising — Farmers Need Soil Systems That Improve Efficiency, Silicon Cycling and Yield Stability

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SOIL SYSTEMS THAT IMPROVE FERTILISER EFFICIENCY AND SILICON CYCLING

Australian agriculture is under increasing pressure from rising fertiliser costs, supply chain volatility, and declining nutrient efficiency across many soil types.

This is accelerating demand for soil system-based solutions that improve fertiliser efficiency, silicon cycling, and crop resilience.

The most effective pathway is not higher fertiliser input rates, but improved soil system performance that enhances how soils retain nutrients, cycle silicon, and manage water availability.

Hudson Diatomaceous Earth

Hudson diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of silica (SiO₂), typically 80–95% depending on deposit purity and geology. The silica is predominantly present as amorphous (biogenic) silica, formed from fossilised diatom structures over time.

This amorphous silica structure underpins its role in soil systems, supporting long-term silicon cycling and improved soil structural function.

Soil and silica performance systems using diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay improve fertiliser efficiency, silicon cycling, soil structure, and crop resilience by enhancing the soil functions that control nutrient availability.

THE PRACTICAL SOIL SYSTEM SOLUTION FOR FARMERS

Farmers can improve fertiliser efficiency and soil performance through natural mineral inputs based on:

• diatomaceous earth (amorphous silica for silicon cycling and long-term plant available silicon formation)

• attapulgite clay (high surface-area mineral for moisture retention and nutrient efficiency)

These minerals work at the soil level to improve:

• fertiliser retention in the root zone

• silicon availability through natural soil cycling

• soil moisture stability and drought resilience

• nutrient uptake efficiency across crop systems

RAW MINERAL FOUNDATION (HUDSON RESOURCES)

Hudson Resources supplies raw industrial and agricultural mineral ores used in soil performance and fertiliser efficiency systems.

Diatomaceous Earth (Amorphous Silica Source)

• naturally occurring silicon-rich mineral

• supports long-term silicon cycling in soil systems

• contributes to plant available silicon formation through soil processes

• used in soil amendment and fertiliser efficiency applications

Attapulgite Clay (High Surface-Area Soil Mineral)

• naturally porous clay mineral with high adsorption capacity

• improves soil moisture retention and water efficiency

• enhances nutrient holding capacity in low-organic soils

• supports fertiliser efficiency in agricultural systems

These minerals form the upstream foundation for soil performance systems used in agriculture.

SOIL PERFORMANCE SYSTEM APPROACH VS SILICON FERTILISER INPUTS

Silicon fertiliser input model

• focuses on soluble silicon delivery

• provides short-term plant availability

• limited soil interaction and retention

• variable performance under field stress conditions

Soil performance system model

• improves long-term silicon cycling in soil

• enhances plant available silicon formation through soil processes

• increases fertiliser efficiency and nutrient retention

• stabilises soil moisture and root-zone function

• improves crop resilience under stress

HOW SILICON IMPROVES CROP PERFORMANCE

Silicon is increasingly recognised in agronomy as a key functional element for crop resilience, particularly under Australian growing conditions.

Plants absorb silicon as monosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄), which supports:

• improved drought tolerance

• increased heat stress resistance

• stronger plant structure and stem integrity

• improved nutrient uptake efficiency

• improved water use efficiency

SOIL SYSTEM MECHANISM FOR SILICON CYCLING

Silicon availability is controlled primarily by soil function rather than fertiliser input alone.

Key soil drivers include:

• moisture retention in the root zone

• mineral surface interaction and adsorption

• soil biological activity and microbial cycling

• soil pH and chemical conditions

System function:

• diatomaceous earth acts as a long-term silicon reservoir

• attapulgite clay regulates moisture and nutrient exchange

• soil biology facilitates conversion into plant available silicon forms

FERTILISER EFFICIENCY IN AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE

Fertiliser inefficiency is increasing due to:

• nutrient leaching in high rainfall and irrigated systems

• volatilisation losses under heat stress conditions

• poor nutrient retention in sandy soils

• declining organic matter levels across production systems

Soil performance systems improve:

• fertiliser retention in the root zone

• nutrient uptake efficiency

• crop response consistency across seasons

• fertiliser return on investment per hectare

AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS ACROSS AUSTRALIA

Broadacre cropping (WA, SA, NSW)

• improved fertiliser efficiency in sandy and low-organic soils

• improved drought resilience and nutrient retention

Sugarcane and horticulture (QLD)

• strong silicon response in crop systems

• improved structural strength and yield stability

Horticulture and turf (VIC, TAS)

• precision soil conditioning approaches

• improved water efficiency and crop consistency

MARKET SHIFT: SILICON FERTILISER ALTERNATIVES AND SOIL SYSTEMS

The agricultural market is shifting from single-nutrient fertiliser inputs to soil system-based performance solutions.

Growing demand is emerging for:

• silicon fertiliser alternatives

• plant available silicon systems

• soil conditioners for fertiliser efficiency

• mineral-based soil improvement products

• soil performance systems for crop resilience

Hudson Resources supplies the core mineral inputs used in these system-based agricultural applications.

COMMERCIAL SUPPLY AND BULK AVAILABILITY

Hudson Resources supplies raw ore diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay in bulk for:

• fertiliser manufacturers

• soil conditioner blenders

• agricultural distributors

• industrial mineral applications

These materials support the development of advanced soil performance and fertiliser efficiency systems across Australia.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FARMERS

Farmers are shifting toward soil-first productivity systems.

Instead of increasing fertiliser inputs to chase yield, the focus is now on improving soil performance so inputs work more efficiently.

Key farm outcomes:

• improved yield stability across seasons

• reduced fertiliser waste and inefficiency

• improved drought resilience

• improved seasonal consistency and crop reliability

FINAL AGRONOMIC INSIGHT

Fertiliser efficiency is no longer determined by input rate alone.

It is determined by the soil system that controls nutrient retention, silicon cycling, and water availability in the root zone.

Improving soil function is now the most direct pathway to improving agricultural productivity and fertiliser return on investment.

Contact:

E: hudsonresources@hpgl.com.au P: 02 9251 7177

Hudson Diatomaceous Earth

Hudson diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral resource composed primarily of silica (SiO₂), typically ranging from 80–95% depending on deposit purity and geological conditions. The silica fraction is predominantly present as amorphous (biogenic) silica, formed from fossilised diatom structures over geological time.

This amorphous silica structure gives diatomaceous earth its functional role in soil systems, where it contributes to long-term silicon cycling behaviour and soil structural performance.

Silicon Cycling and Soil Function

In agricultural soils, diatomaceous earth does not act as a fast-release fertiliser. Instead, it functions as a long-term silicon reservoir, gradually participating in natural soil processes that can contribute to the formation of plant available silicon (monosilicic acid).

This makes it a key mineral input in soil performance systems designed to improve fertiliser efficiency, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.

Key Properties

Hudson diatomaceous earth provides:

• high amorphous silica content (biogenic origin)

• porous microstructure with high surface area

• long-term stability in soil environments

• slow-release silicon cycling potential

• compatibility with blended soil conditioning systems

Agricultural Applications

Hudson diatomaceous earth is used across Australian agriculture in:

• soil performance and conditioning systems

• fertiliser efficiency improvement programs

• silicon cycling soil strategies

• broadacre cropping systems

• horticulture and high-value crop production

• soil structure and moisture management applications

Role in Soil Performance Systems

When used in combination with high surface-area clays such as attapulgite, diatomaceous earth contributes to a dual-function soil system:

• diatomaceous earth provides silicon cycling capacity

• attapulgite clay improves moisture retention and nutrient exchange

• soil biology supports nutrient transformation processes

Together, these interactions improve overall soil function and fertiliser efficiency in agricultural systems.

Contact: hudsonresources@hpgl.com.au

Ph: 02 9251 7177

For further reading:

Rising Fertiliser Costs Are Changing Farming: Why Soil Performance Systems Are Now Essential – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Optimising Fertiliser Application with Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE) and Attapulgite Clay in Australia – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Improving Fertiliser Efficiency in Australia: How Mineral Enhancers Are Helping Farmers Do More with Less – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Your fertiliser is running out. Australia has an answer- attapulgite clay & diatomaecous earth – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Is Your Fertiliser Supply Chain One Disruption Away From Crisis? – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Australia as a Strategic Secondary Source for European and American Agrochemical Companies Targeting Asia Pacific – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Australian Mineral Solutions for Asia-Pacific: Safe, Natural, and Reliable Alternatives for Agriculture, Fertiliser, and Pet Care – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Impact of Rising Oil Prices, Geopolitical Uncertainty, and Freight Advantages or Hudson industrial minerals adsorbent / absorbent Products – attapulgite clay & diatomaceous earth – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier

Find Fertiliser & Soil Conditioning Products with Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE) in Australia – AUS Diatomaceous Earth & Attapulgite Clay Supplier