Support for plant, crop health

Wimmera and Mallee farmers can access better support for plant health and crop rotation in time for the 2020 season.

International chemical giant BASF, who owns a facility at Longerenong, has invested $1.6-million to expand its Biotech Solutions site in Somersby, New South Wales, and start production of market-leading inoculant ‘Nodulator’.

The granular inoculant promotes the growth of nodules on crop roots to increase growth and yield of host plants, as well as leave residual nitrogen in the soil to feed the following crop.

Pulse Australia chief executive Nick Goddard, who was among guests to receive a tour of BASF’S wider production facility in Somersby, said the site’s expansion was an exciting development for the Australian Pulse Industry and the country’s farmers.

“Pulses play a critical role in the crop rotation for Australian farmers and one of the main reasons for that is their ability to help reduce nitrogen requirements for subsequent crops,” he said.

“Inoculants are critical in this process to ensure the pulses are given every opportunity to grow the nodule that will capture and lock nitrogen in the soil.

“The new facility is very impressive and to see this kind of investment in the pulse industry is very welcome.

“I’ve learnt a lot more about inoculants from visiting the site and seeing the commitment, knowledge and passion displayed by the whole team.

“The fact that we have global companies prepared to invest in Australia, in the agricultural sector, in the pulse sector, and within the inoculant sector, is very good for the future of the pulse industry in Australia.”

The Australian Inoculants Research Group, AIRG, will soon test Nodulator under a National Code of Practice.

Once approved, Nodulator will be the only granular product in the Australian market to receive an AIRG green tick.

BASF Somersby site manager Kathleen Johns said BASF’S investment into providing customers with a ‘reliable local supply’ of the inoculant demonstrated the company’s dedication to production and biological growth in the Australian agriculture market.

“We’re very proud to be able to deliver this capability right in time for the 2020 pulse season,” she said.