Mort & Co Fertiliser Cuts Reliance on Urea, Improves Soil

Why It Matters

By cutting reliance on synthetic urea, the product strengthens supply‑chain resilience and reduces agriculture’s carbon footprint, a critical advantage amid geopolitical disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Replaces one‑third of urea with organic granules.
• Facility built for $10 M USD, 40k t/year capacity.
• Microbe‑driven process customizes N‑P‑K, adds zinc, sulfur.
• Trials show equal nitrogen efficiency, lower greenhouse gases.
• Supports soil health by reactivating native microbes.

Pulse Analysis

The recent turmoil in Middle‑East fertilizer supply chains has accelerated interest in locally sourced, sustainable alternatives. Mort & Co’s Grassdale plant, a $15 million AUD investment (about $10 million USD), represents one of the first large‑scale Australian facilities that converts feedlot manure into market‑ready granules. By processing waste on‑site, the company not only shortens logistics but also creates a domestic buffer against import shocks, positioning Australian growers to maintain input continuity without relying on volatile overseas markets.

At the heart of the product is a carefully curated microbial consortium that accelerates composting while preserving nutrient integrity. The four‑stage treatment—heat, cool, pathogen kill, and nutrient fortification—allows precise adjustment of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and optional micronutrients such as zinc and sulphur. Field trials with Boolah Group confirmed that the organic granules match conventional urea’s nitrogen efficiency while delivering a measurable reduction in greenhouse‑gas emissions, thanks to lower synthetic nitrogen use and enhanced soil carbon sequestration. The technology also creates a hospitable environment for native soil microbes, improving long‑term soil structure and fertility.

Commercially, the facility’s 20 tonnes‑per‑hour throughput and 40,000‑tonne annual capacity give it the scale to serve large grain belts across Queensland and beyond. As Australian agriculture seeks to meet both productivity and sustainability targets, Mort & Co’s model could catalyse broader adoption of bio‑based fertilisers, stimulate rural waste‑to‑value chains, and inspire policy incentives for low‑carbon inputs. If the company expands its microbial library and custom‑blend capabilities, it may set a new benchmark for resilient, climate‑smart farming in the region.