NEM reshapes Australian agriculture with science that listens

July 18, 2025 | 5 Min read
Australian farmers face unprecedented challenges: climate variability, soil degradation, and rising input costs. In this evolving landscape, many are turning their attention underground – to the living systems which sustain healthy, resilient crops.

Australian farmers face unprecedented challenges: climate variability, soil degradation, and rising input costs. In this evolving landscape, many are turning their attention underground – to the living systems which sustain healthy, resilient crops.

For more than 20 years, New Edge Microbials (NEM) has been at the forefront of this biological revolution, developing and manufacturing high-quality, tailored biological solutions specifically for Australian soils and farming systems.

The company says its mission is clear: to unlock productivity below the surface by harnessing beneficial microbes, fungi, and natural compounds to improve soil health, enhance nutrient uptake and stimulate plant growth.

Built by listening, designed for growers

At NEM, everything begins with listening.

NEM chief executive Cornelius Van Dyk says the business partners with growers to understand their on-farm challenges and realities, then back those insights with rigorous science and innovation.

He says a key part of this approach is collaboration with global microbial leader Lallemand Plant Care, whose century-plus of expertise complements NEM’s deep local knowledge.

He says while Lallemand brings world-class research capabilities, the development of our products always starts in the field – with direct grower feedback, soil microbiome studies, crop stress profiling, and real-world farming practices shaping every formulation.

“This ensures our products deliver reliable, practical benefits where it matters most,” Cornelius says.

Soil First: The foundation of resilient farming

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of productive agriculture, yet decades of intensive cropping and synthetic inputs have impacted the microbial life which drives nutrient cycling and root health.

NEM’s biological products — including inoculants made with live microbes — work to restore and enhance this vital ecosystem by:
• Increasing microbial diversity and activity around roots
• Improving soil structure and moisture retention
• Unlocking nutrients such as phosphorus and zinc
• Enhancing root development and nutrient efficiency
• Helping crops tolerate heat, drought, and transplant stress

NEM’s head of product development, Simon Speirs explains biologicals don’t replace traditional agronomy, they complement it.

“They act on the soil environment and nutrient availability to improve crop resilience and yield,” he says.

Combined use of Lalrise Max Lalrise Start improves nutrient use efficiency, promotes vigorous early growth, and enhances plant resilience to abiotic stress, supporting stronger tree architecture. In a two-year apple trial, trees treated with Lalrise Start (for promoting early-stage nutrient uptake and growth in young plants) and Lalrise Max (for sustained mycorrhizal root colonisation and improved nutrient and water uptake) and showed increased vegetative growth: leader shoot diameter increased by 24 percent and 20 per cent, and leader shoot length by 52 per cent and 32 per cent, compared to untreated controls across two growing seasons. (Which means what for the future?

Flagship biological solutions

Biostimulants: Our foliar spray Lalstim Osmo contains 97 per cent natural glycine betaine, helping plants stabilise enzymes and membranes under stress. Australian growers have seen improved fruit set, better crop uniformity, and faster recovery after drought, heat, or salinity stress in key horticultural crops like tomatoes, berries, grapes, and leafy greens.

Biofertilisers: Products such as Lalrise Start and Lalrise Max supply beneficial bacteria and fungi that unlock nutrients and extend root reach. Lalrise Start contains phosphate-solubilising bacteria for early root and shoot growth, while Lalrise Max uses endomycorrhizal fungi to increase uptake of phosphorus, zinc, and copper – supporting long-term soil fertility.

Legume inoculants: Rhizobia-based inoculants are vital for sustainable nitrogen fixation. The NEM range includes EasyRhiz (an exclusive formulation in a freeze-dried vial), NoduleN (peat-based inoculant), designed to boost nodulation in challenging soils, improves plant performance and yield gains.

Collaborating with Lallemand: Science that listens

“Our partnership with Lallemand Plant Care strengthens NEM’s commitment to science-driven solutions built from grower insights,” Cornelius adds.

“Lallemand’s extensive research expertise complements our local focus – helping us develop products which respond to Australian grower needs with credibility and performance.

“Together, we bring to market biologicals that are not only scientifically validated but designed for real-world results.

“From field trials to feedback loops, our collaboration ensures continuous innovation guided by what works on Australian farms.”

Supporting Australian growers with practical solutions

All NEM products are tailored to suit local soils, climates, and cropping systems.

They are compatible with most commonly used chemicals when tank mixed, crop safe, and shelf stable, making them practical and reliable for on-farm use.

Cornelius says NEM provides expert technical guidance to help maximise grower success.

“NEM delivers proven biological solutions which support Australian growers with science backed, sustainable, and practical tools,” he adds.

“Our goal goes beyond supplying microbes – we want to help growers unlock the full potential of biologicals for their farms.”

The biological advantage: Sustainable and profitable farming

Biologicals are a vital tool in meeting today’s farming challenges.

They improve soil health, optimise nutrient use, and enhance crop resilience – helping growers achieve better yields sustainably and profitably.

At NEM, the best solutions come from listening to growers first, then delivering science-backed products that work beneath the surface, where it counts.

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