Author: Nicole Drew – IPF Manager Product Stewardship

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) has long been a trusted name in Australian agriculture, manufacturing and importing quality fertilisers. Among IPF’s many well-known products is SuPerfect® – a single superphosphate (SSP) that has been manufactured domestically at Geelong since 1927.

With the closure of the Geelong manufacturing site in October this year, customers can be assured that IPF is working closely with our global supplier network to ensure SuPerfect continues to meet the same high standards of quality, that growers have come to expect.

For growers and agronomists, the key point is that our imported SSP will match the physical and agronomic characteristics of the Australian-manufactured product. Granule size, granule strength, blend compatibility and nutrient analysis all fall within our existing SuPerfect specifications. As a result, storage, handling and spreading practices remain unchanged.

Supporting pasture performance through summer

SuPerfect contains two essential plant nutrients – phosphorus (8.8%) and sulphur (11%) – and is an important pasture topdressing fertiliser, particularly for grass–legume systems. It can be applied on its own or blended with other products, typically muriate of potash (potassium chloride), and can also be fortified with molybdenum where required for legumes.

With the summer season ahead, SuPerfect plays a key role in supporting vigorous legume growth, maintaining balanced nutrition, and building pasture resilience ahead of autumn rainfall.

Our approach to sourcing and quality assurance

IPF imports fertilisers from our global network, sourcing SSP from suppliers who are leaders in quality, sustainability and stewardship, and are members of the International Fertiliser Association (IFA). IPF has established long-standing relationships with many of these suppliers, resulting in a high level of trust and cooperation to ensure that every product meets our strict standards.

Before any contract is signed, potential suppliers are assessed across a range of criteria. For SSP, several suppliers were evaluated, and product samples were rigorously tested to identify the best fit for Australian conditions.

What the move to imported SSP for SuPerfect means on farm

For agronomists and growers, the essential message is clear: Incitec Pivot Imported SSP delivers the same physical and agronomic performance as the domestically produced product.

  • Nutrient analysis remains within the current SuPerfect specification (9% P, 11% S).
  • Granule size and hardness meet the same standards, ensuring comparable durability in handling, transport and blending.
  • Dust levels and impurity thresholds are tightly controlled through supplier selection and independent verification.
  • Storage and conditioning behaviour match the Australian-made product, meaning no changes to on-farm storage requirements.
  • Spreader and airseeder performance remain equivalent, ensuring consistent flow, minimal breakage and even distribution patterns.
  • Blend compatibility with muriate of potash (KCl) and other fertilisers is unchanged.

In short, no changes to on-farm practices are required – SuPerfect can be stored, blended and applied exactly as before.

How we ensure quality across the supply chain

IPF’s commitment to quality begins with our suppliers. We have robust processes in place to ensure that every company and product we use is fit for purpose. This includes assessing supplier policies, sustainability credentials, and risk factors such as shipping and biosecurity.

Once a supplier is approved, product requirements are defined in a detailed contract specifying the agreed nutritional and physical properties.

Each shipment follows strict quality protocols:

  • Independent shipping surveyors oversee loading and prepare a detailed report for IPF’s quality records.
  • Representative samples are taken and analysed by an independent laboratory.
  • If any issues are identified, corrective actions are taken upon arrival and shared with the supplier for resolution and continuous improvement.

Figure 1: Layers of IPF Quality Management. Source: Incitec Pivot Fertilisers.

Fertiliser sampling and testing

On arrival at the distribution centre, an Out-Turn Report is completed to visually confirm product quality, assessing granule size, contamination, lumps or excessive dust.

IPF’s in-house NATA-accredited laboratory (ISO17025) then conducts further testing to ensure each batch meets our internal specifications, which are regularly updated in line with Australian Fertiliser Regulations and Codes of Practice.

If any issues are identified, IPF takes immediate action, with close communication between Procurement, Shipping, Sales and Operations to resolve them.

The move to imported SSP has followed our full Quality Management and Management of Change processes, ensuring a smooth and transparent transition for customers.

Key takeaways

  • IPF is working closely with our global supplier network to ensure imported SSP continues to meet the same high standards and deliver consistent results.
  • SuPerfect provides a reliable source of phosphorus and sulphur and remains an important pasture topdressing fertiliser for grass–legume systems.
  • It includes a similar level of water soluble Phosphorous, meaning that farmers can expect the same efficacy of the product on their pastures.
  • It can be applied alone, blended with muriate of potash, or fortified with molybdenum to meet specific nutrient needs.
  • No changes are required to current handling, storage or spreading practices.

What to do next

Talk to your local IPF Agronomist or Regional Business Manager about product quality and your SuPerfect requirements. Now is the time to plan your pasture nutrition strategy and organise your SuPerfect ahead of the coming season.

Further Information

For more information about SuPerfect, contact your local IPF Agronomist or Regional Business Manager, or visit: SuPerfect | Incitec Pivot Fertilisers