Making biology work
in the real world of farming
Biological inputs have incredible potential and we're working to make them deliver. Designing better ways to store, prepare and apply biostimulants and biofertilisers so more of their value reaches the crop.
We are listening to the growers, advisers, researchers and agricultural businesses who know where today's biological products deliver, and where they fall short.
Biology delivers in the lab.
The field is harder.
Biofertilisers and biostimulants have the potential to support crop productivity, plant health and more sustainable agricultural practices.
However, performance can vary considerably between products, crops and growing environments. Product condition, storage, application methods, timing and local biological conditions all influence what ultimately happens in the field.
We’re investigating how biological inputs could be delivered and applied more effectively, reliably and practically within real growing systems.
More consistent
Reducing the variability growers experience when using biological products.
More effective
Helping more of the intended biological value reach the crop at the right time and in the right condition.
More practical
Designing around real farm workflows, equipment and labour constraints.
Starting with the realities of the farm
We’re currently conducting research with growers and other agricultural professionals to understand how biological products are selected, stored, prepared and applied today. Right now we're focused on:
Current use of biofertilisers, biostimulants and biological crop-protection products
The results growers expect and the results they actually get
Practical challenges with storage, preparation and application
Existing on-farm biological practices, including composts and compost teas
Where growers believe current products or processes could be improved
We want to hear from you
We’re particularly interested in speaking with growers, farm managers, agronomists, crop advisers and agricultural input specialists.
Experience with biological products is helpful but not essential. We also want to understand why some growers have chosen not to use them.
We would especially like to hear from people involved in:
Protected vegetables and fruit
Greenhouses and polytunnels
Irrigated horticulture
Nurseries and ornamental crops
Regenerative or organic growing systems
Compost, compost-extract or compost-tea applications
Help shape our research
Our short survey asks about your current growing practices and your experience of biological agricultural inputs. It should take approximately five minutes, and your answers will help us focus on problems that matter in practice.
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Supported by Carbon13
This initiative is being developed through the Carbon13 venture builder