Welcome to Suståne and thank you for visiting our web site.

Sustainability is the message for our times. Since 1988 Suståne Natural Fertilizer is proud to be a part of this message and the global movement toward building a more sustainable world. Better land management, protection of our waters, saving and rebuilding soils, improving crop health and yields, helping professional growers and communities alike – all through the utilization of recycled, renewable natural resources – that’s Suståne. Suståne is the world’s leading manufacturer of granulated, organic and natural base slow release nitrogen fertilizers. Suståne products are manufactured in Minnesota (U.S.A.), are used locally, regionally and internationally. Suståne Natural Fertilizers are exported to over 60 different countries worldwide, used by professional turf and landscape managers, farmers, gardeners, growers and horticulturists.

Suståne is so much more than a product line. Suståne is about producing only the best – the highest quality possible organic and natural based fertilizers. Suståne is about healthy growth through healthy soils. Suståne is a natural, biological recycling process made from renewable, agricultural resources that in the end optimizes new plant growth with the least possible inputs, the most savings in labor, time and money and the most favorable impact on the environment. Safe, slow, uniform, predictable release of nutrients when the plant requires. Organic based, long-lasting soil and plant fertility – that’s Suståne. Passion. The people at Suståne are passionate about giving you the best fertilizers to produce what you are passionate about: Healthy plants and healthy soils. There are many reasons why Suståne is the only organic fertilizer exported worldwide and used by professional growers in over 60 different nations. Passion to make the best is key.

The Suståne web site is designed to allow you to navigate easily, find what you are looking for and then decide what is next. But for those who need more information about Suståne, there is more. We have provided the most complete information and detail about Suståne: how it is made, how it was developed, what is the research base, how it used, where it can be found, who you can call with questions and much more. Let us know what you think; we like to hear from you. We invite you to learn more. And whatever we can do for you, please just ask. And thank you for your interest in Suståne… Naturally.

Sincerely,
Craig Holden, President


P.S. The photographs on this website are taken by customers and employees showing actual results from using Suståne products.

What is Suståne?  

Suståne is the world’s leading manufacturer-exporter of organic and natural base slow release fertilizers for all green industries. Sustane is made from aerobically composted turkey litter combined with plant nutrients and soil amending ingredients in a homogeneous granule fertilizer.

Research Based Fertilizers and Soil Builders

  • Suståne is the most thoroughly researched organic fertilizer product available. Suståne products are backed by over 30 years of independent applied research on diverse crops and ecosystems.
  • Suståne products are safe and effective to use, USDA Biobased Certified and listed as Allowable for use in the production of Certified Organic Farming by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI).
  • Suståne is manufactured in the U.S.A. and is used locally, regionally and internationally. Exported to over 60 different countries. Suståne Natural Fertilizers are used by professional turf and landscape managers, farmers, growers and horticulturists worldwide.

How Suståne is Made  

Made in Minnesota from Aerobically Composted Turkey Litter

CompostingConvertsTurkeyLitterinNutrientDenseHumus

 

Suståne is located in the agriculturally rich Midwestern region of the United States and is central to some of the highest number of turkey farms in the world. Turkey litter provides the base for most of Suståne’s Natural Fertilizers. Turkey litter consists of manure and the softwood shavings that is used as bedding. When the barns are cleaned the turkey litter collected is transported to The Suståne Compost Facility.

Suståne Aerobic Compost 

Suståne Compost Facility

The Suståne site is constructed on an impermeable, compacted clay liner and engineered to capture 100% of all precipitation that may come in contact with the compost. Collected runoff is recycled back into the composting windrows as needed or it is agronomically applied to surrounding crop land managed by the facility and area farmers as a low nutrient fertilizer. The compost facility also maintains subsurface monitoring wells both up gradient and down gradient that are sampled and tested three times annually to assure the safety and purity of the region’s groundwater. This facility has served as a model site for recycling agricultural materials.

aerobic compost facility

Like No Other Organic 

Research Driven Results

Suståne Natural Fertilizer separates from all other organic fertilizers. Since 1980 Suståne has compiled over 500 independent research studies to create the most effective and user friendly fertilizers available. Suståne consistently demonstrates superior results through growth studies conducted by scientists at many universities and independent research facilities around the world.

Suståne Quality Control 

Suståne staff are passionate about the job we do and the products we offer. The goal is simple: To produce the best organic on planet. With that, Suståne is one of the few organic fertilizer companies that is basic in its manufacturing. This means that Suståne controls the raw materials, the composting process and manufacturing process from start to finish.

Unlike many of the other “organic fertilizer” companies Suståne is not simply a marketing company that purchases finished product from toll manufacturers, wraps it in fancy packaging and hypes it with generalized platitudes about how good it is. Suståne operates its own full time, in-house analytical chemistry lab. Every product is tested to assure that it meets the labeled guarantee, uniformity and safety. Periodically samples of finished product are sent out to independent certified analytical labs to assure that the Suståne methods and equipment are producing accurate test results. Suståne retains product samples from every lot manufactured for up to two years after shipment. If there is ever a question about the integrity of the Suståne product used in the field, the customer can call to ask for a sample or or retest of the same production run.

The composting process destroys any potential pathogens such as salmonella and e-coli. The absence of pathogens are verified by routinely testing the finished fertilizer to ensure the health and safety of the product. Suståne fertilizers are also tested for heavy metal concentrations to ensure that the application of Suståne fertilizers do not contribute to the accumulation of metals in the soil. It is because of this attention to quality assurance and product safety that:

  • The composting process destroys any potential pathogens such as salmonella and e-coli. The absence of pathogens are verified by routinely testing the finished fertilizer to ensure the health and safety of the product.
  • Suståne fertilizers are also tested for heavy metal concentrations to ensure that the application of Suståne fertilizers do not contribute to the accumulation of metals in the soil. It is because of this attention to quality assurance and product safety that:
  • Suståne is the only organic fertilizer allowed for export worldwide.

Suståne maintains product registrations in many countries all around the world. These export registrations would not be possible without extensive testing and strict processing controls to ensure and verify the safety of our products.

During the Suståne composting process internal windrow temperatures are routinely monitored and recorded to assure that 100% of the organic material has been subjected to thermophilic temperatures in excess of 135°F for a minimum of five consecutive days. At the end of the active composting and curing phase, the organic material is homogenous (uniform) and dark brown in appearance and has no odor including septic or ammonia gases. The parent materials are indistinguishable as the compost has an earthy, rich texture of humus.

We measure compost maturity or compost stability, in addition to continuous on-site temperature monitoring and record keeping Suståne routinely performs two analytical tests that provide objective measurements of compost maturity. The Solvita Compost Stability Analysis and the Dewar Self-Heating Flask Test.

The Solvita® test gives the Maturity Index for a sample of compost by measuring carbon dioxide respiration and ammonia content. Compost is placed inside a jar with two separate color-indicator “paddles” (one measuring carbon dioxide and one measuring ammonia). After four hours, the gel color is read by comparing the color to the provided color charts. Values are referenced on the tables provided and maturity is determined. Maturity is defined by resistant to further decomposition and free of compounds such as ammonia and organic acids, which can be toxic to plant growth. Test on Suståne compost rated a CO2 result of 6 and an NH3 result of 5 for a result of Mature.

The composting process destroys any potential pathogens such as salmonella and e-coli. The absence of pathogens are verified by routinely testing the finished fertilizer to ensure the health and safety of the product. Suståne fertilizers are also tested for heavy metal concentrations to ensure that the application of Suståne fertilizers do not contribute to the accumulation of metals in the soil. It is because of this attention to quality assurance and product safety that:

Suståne is the only organic fertilizer allowed for export worldwide. 

Suståne maintains product registrations in many countries all around the world. These export registrations would not be possible without extensive testing and strict processing controls to ensure and verify the safety of our products.

 

Suståne also maintains a variety of independent product certifications and registrations. Suståne products are registered for sale in all 50 US states and over 60 countries worldwide.
 
Many of Suståne’s organic products are registered with the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) and are listed as allowable for organic productions. OMRI supports organic integrity by providing organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. Suståne products are also listed with the Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Input Materials List as well as the California Organic Input Material Program. Many products claim to be organic; Suståne products are independently verified for organic and sustainable integrity.

   

Suståne’s basic products are also certified by the USDA as 100% Bio-Based products under the USDA BioPreferred program. BioPreferred is a registered trademark and term used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA to characterize minimum levels of biocontent required in commercial or industrial products for purchases made by all federal agencies and their contractors. Under the BioPreferred Program, products are tested to assure the consumer that the product contains a verified amount of renewable biological ingredients (referred to as biobased content).

Testimonials 

  • Jenny Wu, Taichung, Taiwan

    "About middle December of last year, I planted a flower tree (Tibouchina semidecanda Cogn) in my front yard. I applied Sustane 4-6-4 from the local distributor here in Taichung to nurse my tree. In

    ...
  • English Garden, South Gloucestershire

    "I deal with a country retreat in South Gloucestershire and we have had some great results. I have attached photos for you to see. It has produced some really strong colours in the flowers. In the

    ...
  • Sunbelt Greenhouses, tomato trial

    A photo of our tomato trial last fall is attached – I’m sure you can guess which ones were planted with Sustane.
    Our customers reported that they could tell a difference in our Organiks production this

    ...
  • Sam Bauer, Hong Kong Golf Club

    “The Olympic event was a huge success, everyone was extremely pleased…I used quite a bit of the 5-2-10 and Bolster (the Bolster liquid was awesome on my Paspalum). Also for some new Zoysia jump

    ...
  • Brian Swan, Organic Farm, Bermuda

    "I have been growing using the Sustane 8-2-4. Since I've been using it the quality of my crops has improved and every week customers compliment me on how beautiful the produce looks and tastes. I

    ...
  • Aerification Recovery, San Diego

    “We have been putting down Suståne 5-2-10 on all of our city's 5 golf course's greens during aerification. They all recovered remarkably. It was the best aerification they had ever had. I love that

    ...
  • Marc Haring, Cumberwell Park Golf Club

    “Suståne is the one fertilizer that once tried, you won’t change. I know of many superintendents that are using it regularly with excellent and predictable results. Suståne is organic in origin and

    ...
  • Poinsettia Health, New York

    “This past fall we had a crop of poinsettias that were in extreme decline. We were considering terminating the crop when as a final effort we decided to make an application with BOLSTER. I would

    ...
  • Bath Golf Club, Bath, United Kingdom

    “Suståne is excellent…The benefits to the soil and microorganisms have been fantastic on Poa greens for treating fusarium just one time per year.”

  • Implicitly Trusted

    “I have been using your product for many years and have found it to be the best I have ever used and I trust it implicitly.”

    Don D.Ellsworth, Course Superintendent
    Mountain View Golf Club, Bandung,

    ...
  • Soil Biomass Improvement

    “We had a wonderful response this year with our greens and tees on the Suståne program. There is something about your material that really improved the soil biomass and sustained our bentgrass with

    ...

Suståne supports many organizations, charities and non-profits in Agriculture, Erosion Control, Turfgrass, Landscape, Nurseries, and Greenhouses. Below is a list of several of the organizations that we support through memberships and contributions:

Agriculture

CCOF
https://www.ccof.org/

About CCOF: California Certified Organic Farmers

CCOF is a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. We envision a world where organic is the norm. As one of the first organic certification agencies, CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) has strong roots in the history of the organic movement. Although our beginnings were humble, CCOF was instrumental in advocating for federal organic legislation; our organic certification standards were used as a foundation for the USDA National Organic Program, finally making “certified organic” a federally regulated claim. After more than 30 years of fighting for organic integrity, we continue to certify, educate, advocate, and promote organic.


Marbleseed


Formerly know as the Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)

Marbleseed was established in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting farmers in their transition toward sustainable, organic farming systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just.


OTA – Organic Trade Association


About OTA

We are your connected community of organic innovators and pioneers. Our path forward is organic.

As the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America, we are the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Our Board of Directors is democratically elected by our members.


HIA – Hemp Industries Association


About HIA

In 1994, a group of hemp business and activist leaders came together with the shared goals of setting standards for hemp products and legalizing hemp in the U.S. To focus their efforts, they formed the HIA, a volunteer-led, mission-driven, and democratically governed trade association. HIA MISSION: To advance the hemp economy and educate the market for the benefit of our members, the public, and the planet.


MOA – Montana Organic Association

About Montana Organic Association

The Montana Organic Association (MOA) brings together people, businesses, organizations, and agencies working to develop Montana's organic sector and building its community. MOA is proud of its legacy that has led Montana to be a national leader in organic production. But MOA is more than organic production; it also serves to educate about organic products including food, fiber, and non-food items like cosmetics and household supplies and provides strategies to limit the use of chemicals in everyday life. MOA advocates for policies that protect the environment, promote healthy living, and support individuals, farms, and businesses that are actively engaged in developing sustainable businesses and communities. MOA accomplishes this through hosting events, serving as an educational resource, providing networking opportunities, and through its communications channels.


Soil & Crop Science Society of America

About Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the vision to improve the world through crop science. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1956, CSSA is the professional home for 4,000+ members dedicated to discover and apply plant science solutions to improve the human condition and protect the planet. Crop science is highly integrative and employs the disciplines of conventional plant breeding, transgenic crop improvements, plant physiology, and cropping system sciences to develop and improve varieties of agronomic, turfgrass, and forage crops to produce feed, fiber, food, and fuel.


Seed Savers Exchange

About Seed Savers Exchange (SSE)

Seed Savers Exchange stewards Americaʼs culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.

Philanthropy and Charitable Giving by Sustane

Suståne reinvests in growers and growing for a healthier, more sustainable planet.



Screen Shot 2021 09 22 at 10.53.31 AM

Seed Savers Exchange

Seed Savers Exchange stewards Americaʼs culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.

Suståne provides its organic 4-6-4 which is used in potting blends and during transplant of many of the seed varieties SSE propagates annually.

Learn More: https://www.seedsavers.org/mission


MSHS Reversed Online logo e1585423002779Minnesota State Horticultural Society Garden-In-A-Box Program

MSHS launched Garden-in-a-Box (GIAB) in 2008 to teach vegetable gardening to kids so they could eat more fresh produce. Today, GIAB provides vegetable gardening kits for hundreds of community groups.

GIAB helps underserved children and families experience the benefits (and joys!) of gardening: affordable healthy food, outdoor activity, education, and community building. This program gives childcare providers, community program coordinators, and teachers the chance to incorporate hands-on learning experiences into their programs.

Partnering organizations can be nonprofit and community organizations, childcare centers, community centers, schools, and in some cases, family homes. This year, MSHS partnered with organizations in the Twin Cities metro area along with organizations in Northern, Central, and Southeastern Minnesota.

Suståne provides Compost Tea Bags which students find simple to use during the transplanting of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs in the raised garden beds the GIAB program plants across the state.

Learn More: Minnesota State Horticultural Society Garden-in-a-Box


 

GCSAAThe GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.

The GCSAA Foundation secures funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Founded in 1955 as the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Foundation serves as the association’s philanthropic organization. The Foundation relies upon the support of many individuals and organizations to fund programs to advance its mission.

The results from these activities, conducted by GCSAA, are used to position golf courses as properly managed landscapes that contribute to the greater good of their communities. Supporters of the Foundation know that they are fostering programs and initiatives that will benefit the game, its environment, and communities for years to come.

Suståne has donated various turfgrass fertility products and soil amendments to the Conference and Trade Show Silent Auction at the Double Eagle Donor level for many years, raising thousands of dollars for GCSAA Foundation’s various programs.

Learn More: https://www.gcsaa.org/foundation/about-the-gcsaa-foundation 



The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association logoThe Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association
The MNLA is the state's oldest and largest green industry trade organization. Starting in 1925 as the Minnesota Nurserymen's Association, today MNLA represents and serves nursery and greenhouse growers, garden centers, irrigation contractors, industry suppliers, and a wide range of landscape professionals. The association aims to help these members operate their businesses more successfully by providing education, networking, legislative and regulatory representation, public relations, and financial benefits through group purchasing and other member services.

Suståne donates turfgrass, agricultural fertility, and soil amendment products to the MNLA, supporting the annual Silent Auction which contributes to the fundraising efforts of the green-trade group's programs.

Learn More: https://www.mnla.biz/page/about