AUSTRALIAN FERTILISER SUPPLY CRISIS – Domestic alternatives, Soil strategies and Supply security

Sowing season is here — but diesel costs, global fertiliser shortages and geopolitical supply disruptions are squeezing Australian farmers. Discover how attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth from Western Australia can help.

As winter crop sowing gets underway across Australia’s grain belts, farmers are contending with elevated diesel costs, volatile imported fertiliser prices, and the growing risk of global supply chain disruption. This article explores how two Western Australian minerals — attapulgite clay (AgriFix 102 & 103) and diatomaceous earth — can reduce import dependency and support crop production through soil conditioning, fertiliser enhancement, agrochemical carrier applications, and natural grain storage protection.

Is Your Fertiliser Supply Chain One Disruption Away From Crisis?

Global fertiliser supply chain disruption freight cost volatility Australian agri-input businesses

Australian fertiliser manufacturers and grain storage operators are exposed to real import risk. Australian attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth fixes that. Australia’s fertiliser manufacturers, distributors, soil amendment producers and grain storage operators remain heavily exposed to imported carrier minerals, granulation binders, anti-caking agents and grain protectants. This article maps that exposure across the key players in the Australian agri-input sector and makes the practical case for switching to locally sourced Australian attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth — before the next supply disruption, not during it.

Fire Ant Control in Australia: Natural Mineral Solutions for Sustainable Pest Management using diatomaceous earth

Australia’s fight against invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) faces challenges from chemical pesticides. Hudson G2 attapulgite clay and Western Australian diatomaceous earth (DE) offer a natural, low-impact, and sustainable alternative. Contact hudson@hpgl.com.au to trial in sample or bulk for environmentally safe fire ant management.

Australia’s invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) present a growing threat to agriculture, livestock, and the environment. While chemical pesticides like fipronil and IGRs carry environmental risks, natural minerals such as Hudson G2 attapulgite clay and Western Australian diatomaceous earth (DE) offer a complementary, low-impact solution. Hudson Resources supports research, trials, and bulk or sample supply to promote sustainable, environmentally safe fire ant management.

Australian Diatomaceous Earth: The Natural Solution for Animal Cleaning and Odour Control

Natural pest control using diatomaceous earth in poultry bedding and crop fields, reducing chemical pesticide use

Western Australia produces high-quality diatomaceous earth (DE) with natural, non-toxic properties, ideal for agriculture, horticulture, and pest control. Extracted, processed, and supplied directly from Australian mines, DE offers a sustainable, safe alternative to chemical pesticides and odour control powders. Its versatile applications support eco-friendly farming, organic horticulture, and commercial industries while maintaining human and environmental safety.

Unlock the Potential of Australian Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE) for Processing and Export

Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) in raw and processed forms, highlighting local WA mining and processing for mid- and high-purity applications for horticulture, agriculture, livestock, industrial use, and export market

“Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) is a naturally occurring, high-quality mineral sourced from Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia, offering exceptional opportunities for local processors and end users. With silica content of 80–90% and natural organics, Australian DE is ideal for low-spec applications including horticulture, agriculture, pot plants, broadacre crop soil improvement, livestock feed, poultry dusting, eco-friendly pet litter, and industrial moisture and spill control. For Australian processors, domestic DE provides a reliable, cost-effective feedstock for calcination, micronisation, refining, and blending, enabling the production of mid- or high-purity DE suitable for filtration, industrial absorbents, chemical fillers, and export-grade markets. Switching to locally sourced Australian DE maximises value, supports sustainable and traceable supply chains, reduces dependence on imported DE, and strengthens the domestic mineral processing industry while meeting global demand for eco-friendly, high-performance diatomaceous earth

BUY AUS DE – OptimisE Your Operations with Australian Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE)

Domestic Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) and imported DE, showing benefits of domestic DE for horticulture, agriculture, livestock feed, pot plants, pet litter, and low-spec industrial uses, emphasising cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and suitability for local applications. Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) for low-spec industrial applications, spill absorption, and bulk soil conditioning. Locally sourced, unprocessed, and eco-friendly, this DE provides natural moisture control and pest management, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to imported diatomaceous earth for industrial, horticulture, and agricultural industries.

Discover why switching to Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) makes sense for growers, farmers, nurseries, livestock operators, and processors. Locally sourced DE offers cost-effective, sustainable solutions for horticulture, agriculture, livestock feed, pest control, and low-spec industrial uses, while providing Australian processors the opportunity to refine and export mid- or high-purity products.

From Lakebed to Product: The Story of Badgingarra Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE)

20,000 Badgingarra freshwater diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) stockpile in Western Australia, raw ore with natural amorphous silica and organic content, available for bulk supply to industrial, agricultural, and filtration applications.

Badgingarra freshwater 20,000 tonne diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) stockpile in Western Australia, raw ore with natural amorphous silica and organic content, available for bulk supply to industrial, agricultural, and filtration applications.
Unprocessed freshwater diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) from Badgingarra, WA, ready for custom processing, blending, and research applications

The Science of Diatomaceous Earth

Hudson Diatomaceous Earth mined in Badgingarra, WA, with fine freshwater silica particles for agricultural and pet care use." "Close-up of natural diatomaceous earth from Badgingarra showing its microstructure and applications in gardening and livestock hygiene." "Freshwater-sourced diatomaceous earth from Hudson Mine, Badgingarra, ideal for eco-friendly pest control and soil enrichment." "Powdered Hudson Diatomaceous Earth from Badgingarra with applications in pet cleanup, agriculture, and sustainable gardening." "High-quality freshwater diatomaceous earth from Badgingarra, Western Australia, used for odour control and soil health." "Natural silica-rich diatomaceous earth from Hudson Mine, showing fine texture for gardening, farming, and pet care solutions." "Hudson Diatomaceous Earth, freshly mined from Badgingarra, highlighting eco-friendly applications in agriculture and hygiene." "Close-up texture of Badgingarra freshwater diatomaceous earth used for pest control, chicken coop bedding, and gardening." "Freshwater diatomaceous earth from Hudson Mine in Badgingarra with multiple applications in pet care, agriculture, and soil improvement." "Mined Hudson Diatomaceous Earth from Badgingarra, WA, natural powder for eco-friendly cleanup, pest deterrent, and agricultural use.

Why the Badgingarra Deposit Matters Diatomaceous earth (DE, or diatomite) is a highly porous, siliceous sedimentary rock composed of the fossilized frustules (silica shells) of diatoms. Its unique microstructure — very high internal surface area with interconnected microporosity — gives DE exceptional absorptive, filtration, and adsorptive properties that are widely used in agriculture, industry, and […]

Comparing Australian Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth with Other Country-Sourced Alternatives

When it comes to diatomaceous earth, not all sources are created equal. While countries like China, the United States, and others mine and export diatomaceous earth, there’s a growing preference among health-conscious consumers, pet owners, and agricultural professionals for Australian freshwater diatomaceous earth — and with good reason. Let’s explore the key differences between Australian-sourced […]

What is Diatomaceous Earth used for in Agriculture 

Bulk diatomaceous earth supply for agricultural use in Australia, sourced from Western Australia

The Power of Diatomaceous Earth in Agriculture: A Natural Solution for Sustainable Farming Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring substance that has been gaining popularity in agriculture for its remarkable versatility. Composed of the fossilized remains of microscopic algae known as diatoms, DE is rich in silica and has a wide range of applications […]

Using Diatomaceous earth as potting mix and pest control

Diatomaceous Earth is growing in popularity world-wide. As more of its beneficial uses covering multiple industries is discovered, from Silica products to pest management, Diatomaceous Earth continues to grow in demand. A highly beneficial note of Diatomaceous Earth is its environmentally friendly nature. DE is inert, non-toxic, natural and recyclable. For example, when used as […]

How can diatomaceous earth be used for multiple purposes

Diatomaceous Earth in its raw form is suitable for many purposes. Before we continue it is important to note, not all Diatomaceous Earth is the same. Factors such as location of deposit, age of deposit, the naturally occurring form of Silicon Dioxide (amorphous or crystalline) which is a component of Silica and the Diatom make […]

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS TECHNICAL REPORT QUICK SUMMARY

Western Australian supplier of diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay for agriculture, livestock health, soil improvement and pest control applications

HOLMES RESERVES LTD 1997 Diatomite occurrences in the Perth basin adjacent to the Darling escarpment, form a chain of numerous small freshwater bog deposits between Perth and Geraldton. The Diatomites occupy stabilised Sand dune depressions, occur within 65km of the Australian Western Coast and represent Pleistocene and/or recent deposition. Generally, the deposits are thin saucer […]

Protecting grain: ensure clean augers, field bins and silos against insects

A big part of what we do here at Aus Diatomaceous Earth is increasing awareness of the latest developments and activities done which help lead to environmentally friendly practices in the agriculture industry.    The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in 2023 released their Pest Facts Newsletter breaking down the importance of protecting […]

INERT DUST OFFERS SAFE INSECT CONTROL OPTION

CSIRO stored grain researcher laboratory researcher Sylvia Allen explains the benefits of inert dusts for insect control on stored grain and how these products can be used as a successful and safe alternative to insecticides. Refined inert dust offers grain growers a successful chemical free and long term protection option for controlling insect infestations  in […]

What is Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is mined from deposits around the world and ever increasing in popularity thanks to its applications in industry and agriculture and its environmentally sustainable nature The applications Diatomaceous Earth is often used for is in industries such as: It is often given other names including Diatomite and Organic Shell Powder due to […]

Why use Diatomaceous Earth As a everyday pest control in your home & Garden

Diatomaceous Earth, also known as Diatomite has a strong array of applications. But why and how do you integrate its use for your home and garden? Diatomaceous Earth DE is a chalky rock like powder that is easily applied, effective, non-toxic and 100% natural and organic. Just dust some onto bugs and unwanted insects to […]