Trials & Results
Data first. Claims second.
Australian growers are facing the worst fertiliser supply crisis in a generation. Urea past A$1,200/t. Gulf shipping shut down. Domestic production at 15% of demand. In this environment, every input decision needs to be backed by evidence — not hope. This page collects the trial summaries, published research, and technical documentation behind The Black Stuff. The data is here. The season will not wait.
Published Research
What the peer-reviewed evidence suggests
A 2024 meta-analysis by Ma et al., published in Agronomy, synthesised findings from humic substance trials conducted worldwide. The figures below are averages observed across multiple studies, crops, and soil types.
+12%
Average Crop Yield Increase
Observed across diverse crop types and growing conditions in the meta-analysis. Individual results varied by soil and climate.
+27%
Nitrogen Use Efficiency
More crop output per unit of nitrogen applied. With urea past A$1,200/t and supply constrained, this is the number that matters most right now.
+17%
Nitrogen Uptake
Measured improvement in plant absorption of available nitrogen, supporting stronger root-zone performance and output.
Important context: These are averages from a global meta-analysis. Benefits were most pronounced in soils with lower existing organic matter and moderate pH. Effects may be reduced in highly alkaline soils or soils already high in nitrogen. Your results will depend on your soil, climate, and management. Source: Ma et al. (2024), Agronomy.
Field Trials
North Queensland trial summaries — tested in the conditions your crops face
Regional trial data from tropical and subtropical Australian conditions. These summaries reflect observed outcomes under specific site conditions. Full trial reports available on request. With supply failing, growers need evidence they can act on now.
North Queensland Sugarcane Trial
Results availableLocation
Wet Tropics region
Crop
Sugarcane
Focus Area
Nutrient retention, runoff reduction
Observed Outcome
Treated plots showed measurable improvement in nutrient retention. Nitrogen levels in runoff water were observed to be lower than untreated controls.
(Full trial summary available on request)
Banana Production Trial
Results availableLocation
Far North Queensland
Crop
Bananas
Focus Area
Soil biology, nutrient efficiency
Observed Outcome
Soil biological activity indicators improved in treated blocks. Fertiliser uptake efficiency was observed to increase relative to untreated areas.
(Full trial summary available on request)
Horticultural Crop Assessment
Results availableLocation
Atherton Tablelands
Crop
Mixed horticulture
Focus Area
Water retention, soil structure
Observed Outcome
Treated soils showed increased moisture holding capacity. Aggregate stability was measured to be higher than in untreated control plots.
(Full trial summary available on request)
Tropical Race 4 Observations
Field observationsLocation
North Queensland
Crop
Bananas
Focus Area
Soil health observations
Observed Outcome
Preliminary field observations recorded improved general soil health metrics in treated areas. These are early-stage observations only.
These are preliminary field observations. They should not be interpreted as disease prevention, treatment, or control claims.
(Full trial summary available on request)
Technical Resources
Documentation for the detail-minded
Technical documentation for agronomists, consultants, and growers who want to see what is behind the product before making a recommendation.
Product Technical Analysis
Composition breakdown including humic and fulvic acid concentrations, mineral profile, and laboratory analysis of The Black Stuff.
View DocumentApplication Guidelines
Recommended rates, timing, and methods by crop type and soil condition. Rates may vary — discuss with your agronomist.
Available on request
Composition Data
Full laboratory analysis covering humate composition, trace elements, pH, and organic matter content.
Available on request
A note on these results: All data presented on this page comes from specific trial sites, published research, or qualified field observations. Outcomes vary by soil type, climate, existing organic matter, and management practices. The Black Stuff is a soil conditioner. It is not a registered pesticide or fertiliser. We present what was measured. Your conditions will differ.
The season is closing in. Get the data now.
Winter cropping starts in weeks. Fertiliser supply is not recovering. If you are evaluating whether The Black Stuff can help your operation hold more of what you can still get, the time to see the evidence is now — not after planting.