Trials & Results
Data first. Claims second.
The Black Stuff competes on verified analysis, field observations, and independent trial work. We would rather show the data than oversell the story.
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. When growers are looking for better efficiency from expensive inputs, this is the number that matters most.
+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
Regional trial data from tropical and subtropical Australian conditions. These summaries reflect observed outcomes under specific site conditions. Full trial reports available on request.
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.
Want the technical material or trial documents?
Request specific trial reports, laboratory analysis, or crop-specific technical documentation. We share everything we have with growers and advisers who are evaluating fit.