The Hidden Cost of Filler: How to Maximize ROI with Zero-Filler Fertilizers

Many granular fertilizer blends contain at least some filler. A filler is any raw material that doesn’t carry any nutrient or soil amending value. In most cases, screened limestone is used as filler due to its relatively low cost. Filler is typically used to keep the unit price of a fertilizer down while also helping to spread low analysis blends more evenly across an application area, however a simple cost-analysis reveals that filler is not your friend when it comes to providing ROI or agronomic value.
If you typically use fertilizers that contain a lot of filler, consider switching to zero filler blends. Why? Zero-filler blends (or full-blends) max out their analysis by using more nutrients, soil amendments, or both. Zero-filler blends ensure that every component in the blend brings value and increased performance to your lawn and landscape applications. It also increases ROI on material cost and labor. If your blends contain filler, try these 3 ingredient alternatives: 1. Increase your nitrogen analysis by adding a higher % of enhanced efficiency fertilizers such as slow or controlled release urea, or stabilized nitrogen products. 2. Consider adding a micro-pack. Micronutrients are a great way to help turf and ornamental plants avoid deficiencies and can help make your plants more vibrant, especially in summer when abiotic stresses can take their toll. 3. Consider swapping out limestone filler for other soil amendments such as gypsum, calcitic lime, humic or biochar. 4. Replace filler with organic material like compost or manures that can often add both a nutrient value and soil amending benefit. In addition, many of these filler alternatives create a 2-in-1 product that can provide a dual revenue source or operational efficiency to the applicator.

Unfortunately, many buyers focus on the cost per bag rather than the overall value of the fertilizer blend. While zero-filler products may carry a slightly higher price tag per bag, they typically contain more nutrients—especially nitrogen—resulting in a lower cost per unit of nutrient applied. This means fewer bags are needed to achieve the same agronomic outcome, reducing total application costs. The same principle applies to liquid fertilizers: low-analysis liquids may seem less expensive, but you’re often paying a premium for water, which acts as the filler in liquid formulations.
To maximize your ROI on material cost and labor, reach out to your Turf Care Supply Sales Representative to learn more about the ZERO filler products available at Turf Care Supply.
For green industry professionals, or others, interested in ordering Turf Care Supply products, please contact our
Customer Service to find a distributor near you.
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