Innovations
Mosaic introduces Susterra bio-based phosphate fertilizer
The Mosaic Company is introducing Susterra, which it says shows its commitment to support healthier soils. Susterra is Mosaic’s first bio-based phosphate fertilizer, which will be available this fall through local retailers.
“Today’s growers make fertilizer decisions to benefit the crop, but they’re also committed to the long-term health of their soil to ensure the legacy of their land for generations to come,” said Tom Fry, Director of Performance Products at The Mosaic Company, quoted in a company news release. “To help growers balance these objectives, we’re working harder than ever to develop products that support yield while creating healthier soils. Susterra is indicative of that mission to help growers manage this paradox.”
The supply chain is seeking more sustainably produced food sources, according to the release from Mosaic. This has placed an increased emphasis on building healthy soils through various practices: tillage, organic matter application, biological function, water management and optimal fertility.
A recent survey by Mosaic found that 86% of growers say they’re actively looking for ways to do more to improve the health of their soil.
“We’ve seen that growers are increasingly interested in ways to maximize productivity and profitability, given finite resources available to them,” said Fry. “Beyond the pursuit of higher yields and balanced crop nutrition, there are many other factors to consider, such as soil replenishment, improving nutrient efficiency and using more sustainable practices.”
Susterra (14-24-0-10S + up to 15% organic matter) is a bio-based phosphate fertilizer with sulfur that uses recycled organic matter to deliver nutrients. Some of the key benefits from Susterra cited by Mosaic include:
• Improved nutrient efficiency: Susterra is optimized for the efficient delivery of nutrients — with immediate nitrogen availability for early season growth and slow-release nitrogen for late season needs.
• Boosts and balances soil microbiomes: Built with up to 15% recycled organic matter, Susterra promotes microbial activity in the soil, supporting a more balanced microbiome that the company says is proven to improve overall soil health.
• Innovative, Sustainable Fertilizer: Unlike other phosphate fertilizers, Susterra uses bio-based technology to deliver recycled organic matter and nutrients for more sustainable production.
• Easy blending and application: A high-quality, homogeneous, dry-granular product, Susterra provides uniform nutrient distribution, blends easily with other fertilizers, and is well-suited for use with existing application equipment.
“Susterra not only enhances our current product portfolio but will also enhance efficacy of nutrients while replenishing soils,” said Fry. “Helping growers achieve healthy soils, higher yields and better environmental stewardship through products like Susterra will pave the way for innovative progress in soil health and crop nutrition.”
Susterra will be manufactured by Anuvia Plant Nutrients in Mosaic’s Plant City, Florida site and marketed in the U.S. exclusively by The Mosaic Company under a new commercial agreement.
For more information about Susterra, visit SusterraFertilizer.com or speak with a Mosaic representative.