Sustane

What Sustane does

Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc. is a privately held specialty fertilizer manufacturer founded in 1988 and headquartered in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The company produces organic and natural base slow-release nitrogen fertilizers derived from a proprietary aerobic composting process applied to turkey litter, feather meal, bone meal, and sulfate of potash. Its product portfolio spans seven verticals: Agriculture, Turfgrass & Sports Turf, Landscape & Ornamental, Nursery & Greenhouse, Erosion Control & Environmental Remediation, Retail Lawn & Garden, and Cannabis & Hemp Cultivation. The portfolio includes core granular fertilizers (e.g., 8-2-4, 4-6-4, 5-2-4) in multiple NPK formulations and granule sizes, specialty biostimulants under the Bolster sub-brand, water-dispersible concentrate powders (Flourish, Hi-N), controlled-release coated products (90-, 120-, 180-day), and erosion control media (FOUNDATION). Suståne products are OMRI-listed, USDA BioPreferred certified, and registered with WSDA and CDFA, qualifying them for certified organic crop production.

Suståne operates a direct enterprise field sales organization with regional managers covering Western U.S./Canada, Central U.S./Canada, Southeast U.S., Eastern U.S./Canada, Europe & Middle East (UK-based), and Asia (Malaysia-based). Distribution combines direct enterprise sales, a wholesale distributor network for professional turf and agriculture supply, independent garden centers for consumer retail, and international export to over 60 countries. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales rather than subscriptions or licensing, with pricing conducted on a quote basis through sales representatives and distributors.

The company claims the position of "world's leading manufacturer-exporter" in organic slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, supported by 35+ years of continuous operation and over 800 independent research studies from universities including Cornell, Virginia Tech, and UC Davis. Certifications (OMRI, USDA BioPreferred, WSDA, CDFA, state Approved Products Lists) and trade association memberships (GCSAA, OTA, CCOF, MNLA, AGIF) underpin regulatory access and professional market credibility. Named end users include municipal golf courses (Torrey Pines, Hong Kong Golf Club), government agencies (Caltrans), nurseries (Bailey Nurseries), and conservation organizations (Seed Savers Exchange, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy).

Name

Sustane

Legal name

Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc.

Website

https://sustane.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Suståne is a privately held Minnesota-based manufacturer of organic and natural base slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, serving agriculture, turfgrass, landscape, nursery, erosion control, retail, and cannabis markets across more than 60 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Organic Fertilizer Manufacturing

NAICS

Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (3253), Fertilizer (Mixing Only) Manufacturing (325314)

SIC

Agricultural Chemicals (2870)

akta.pro primary industry

NPK & Compound/Blended Fertilizers (IMAEAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Controlled-Release & Stabilized Fertilizers (Inhibitors/Coatings) (IMAEAEAN), Water-Soluble Fertilizers (WSF) & Fully Soluble NPK Blends (AFABACAB)

Keywords

• Organic fertilizer manufacturing
• Slow release nitrogen
• Turfgrass fertilizer products
• Soil amendment products
• Compost based fertilizer

Headquarters

HQ city

Cannon Falls

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Organic Fertilizer Product Sales: One-time product sales of organic and natural base slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. Products sold in various NPK formulations (8-2-4, 4-6-4, 5-2-4, 5-2-10, 16-4-8, etc.) in multiple granule sizes and packaging options (50 lb bags, 1-ton totes, 22.7 kg bags). Primary revenue stream from commercial/institutional customers (golf courses, agriculture, landscaping) and retail consumers.
2. Specialty Biostimulant and Amendment Sales: Sales of Bolster product line (biostimulants, mycorrhizae inoculants, compost tea products) and soil amendments (Soil ReGen). Higher-margin specialty products for professional growers.
3. International Export Revenue: Products exported to over 60 countries worldwide. International sales through regional distributors and direct accounts managed by regional sales managers in UK and Malaysia.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Suståne manufactures and exports organic and natural base slow-release nitrogen fertilizers derived from aerobic concentrated compost. Products are sold in multiple NPK formulations, granule sizes, and packaging formats (50 lb bags, 1-ton totes, 22.7 kg bags) across agriculture, turfgrass, landscape, nursery/greenhouse, lawn & garden, cannabis, and erosion control market segments. The portfolio also includes BOLSTER biostimulants, Mycorrhizae inoculants, FOUNDATION Biotic Soil Media, Compost Tea Bags, and water-dispersible fertilizer concentrates.

Product overview

Suståne is a manufacturer-exporter of organic and natural base slow-release nitrogen fertilizers derived from aerobic, concentrated compost. The product portfolio is organized into market segments: Agriculture (4-6-4, 8-2-4, 8-4-4, Hi-N WDF), Lawn & Garden (4-6-4 Plant Food, 8-2-4 Plant Food, Concentrated Compost, Compost Tea Bags, 4-Step Lawn Care Program), Turfgrass (5-2-4, 5-2-10+Fe, 6-2-4 Turf Revival, 7-2-20, 10-1-4, 10-2-10+Fe, 15-3-9+UMAXX, 18-1-8, 9-0-0, 9-0-2, 8-0-4, Soil ReGen), Nursery & Greenhouse (12-12-12 90-day, 16-4-8 120-day, 16-4-8 180-day, 8-2-4, 8-4-4, Flourish WDF, Hi-N WDF, Root Zone Feeder Packs), Cannabis (4-6-4, 8-2-4, 16-4-8 120-day, 16-4-8 180-day, Flourish 8-2-4 WDF, Hi-N 12-0-1 WDF, Compost Tea Bags, Mycorrhizae, Bolster MycoBio), and Erosion Control (FOUNDATION Biotic Soil Media). Specialty products include BOLSTER Granular (4-4-4+3Fe), BOLSTER Liquid Biostimulant, BOLSTER MycoBio, and Mycorrhizae inoculant.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bolster: Plant biostimulant and soil amendment product line including Bolster Granular 4-4-4, Bolster Liquid Biostimulant, and Bolster MycoBio microbial inoculant
• Mycorrhizae
• FOUNDATION
• Soil ReGen
• Flourish
• Hi-N

Products and services

• Suståne 4-6-4 Organic Plant Starter and Soil Builder All-purpose organic slow-release starter fertilizer and soil builder with balanced nutrients, humates, and compost-derived microbiology for in-furrow applications on agronomic crops and general feeding of vegetables, roots, herbs, fruits, and flowers.
• Suståne 8-2-4 Natural Organic Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Universally effective organic fertilizer providing accelerated growth, improved disease suppression, and increased drought tolerance across agriculture, turfgrass, landscape, and cannabis applications.
• Suståne 5-2-4 Professional Turfgrass and Landscape Fertilizer High organic nitrogen fertilizer for long-lasting nutrition in turfgrass and landscape applications; available in fine and medium grades with and without iron.
• Suståne 5-2-10 + Fe Granulated Professional Turf Fertilizer Ideal 1:2 N to K organic-based fertilizer for summer and early autumn feeding of turfgrass and landscape areas.
• Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival Turf recovery fertilizer designed to assist stressed areas in recovery from maintenance, post-aerification, and seasonal changes.
• Suståne 7-2-20 Premium Homogeneous Turf Fertilizer for Seashore Paspalum Premium homogeneous turf fertilizer formulated specifically for seashore paspalum turfgrass.
• Suståne 10-1-4 Spring Starter Greens Grade Turf Fertilizer Natural-based spring starter greens grade turf fertilizer for golf greens and fine turf establishment.
• Suståne 10-2-10 with Iron Greens Grade Natural Based Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Greens grade natural-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with iron for golf greens and sports turf applications.
• Suståne 12-12-12 90 Day Natural Organic + Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Combination time-released nutrient package blended with 50% Suståne premium organic base for nursery and greenhouse production with 90-day release profile.
• Suståne 16-4-8 120 Day Natural Base + Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Combination time-released nutrient package for production of perennials and woody ornamentals, with 50% Suståne premium organic base and 120-day release profile.
• Suståne 16-4-8 180 Day Natural Organic + Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Extended-release fertilizer providing 180 days of coated controlled release nitrogen for cannabis, nursery, and greenhouse applications.
• Suståne 15-3-9 + UMAXX Premium Homogeneous Turf Fertilizer Homogeneous fertilizer combining Suståne organic compost base with UMAXX stabilized nitrogen for low-mowed golf course fairways and sports pitches.
• Suståne 18-1-8 Professional Fairway and Landscape Fertilizer Long-lasting, high nitrogen formulation with Suståne organic compost plus four-way release of nitrogen using Methylene Urea and PCSCU.
• Suståne 9-0-0 Corn Gluten Pre-Emergent Weed Control Corn gluten meal blend providing natural broad-leaf pre-emergent weed control with slow release nitrogen for spring lawn applications.
• Suståne 9-0-2 Early Summer Turf Booster Combines slow release nitrogen with quickly available natural Chilean nitrate for fast turf response in cool soils, plus two types of high-quality compost.
• Suståne 8-0-4 Fall Winterizer Fall fertilizer providing plant nutrients and carbohydrates for winter preparation, with slow release nitrogen and extra potassium sulfate for cold tolerance.
• Suståne 4-Step Lawn Care Program Complete seasonal lawn care program including Early Spring Weed and Feed (9-0-0), Early Summer Turf Booster (9-0-2), Late Summer Turf Starter (4-6-4), and Fall Winterizer (8-0-4) for year-round organic lawn maintenance.
• BOLSTER Granular 4-4-4 + 3Fe Plant Establishment & Soil Builder Synergistic blend of Suståne organic compost, mycorrhizae inoculum, biostimulants, and 3% chelated iron for rapid plant establishment and root development.
• BOLSTER Liquid Biostimulant Plant biostimulant and growth supplement including seaweed extract and humic acid for enhanced plant health and stress tolerance.
• BOLSTER MycoBio Mycorrhizal Biostimulant & Bacterial Inoculant Blend of endo-mycorrhizae and beneficial bacteria with humic acid and compost for enhanced root growth, nutrient use efficiency, and rapid plant establishment.
• Suståne Flourish 8-2-4 WDF Water Dispersible Fertilizer Complete water-dispersible fertilizer concentrate powder for fertigation, foliar feeding, and hydroponic applications.
• Suståne Hi-N 12-0-1 WDF High Analysis Water Dispersible Nitrogen Fertilizer High analysis water-dispersible nitrogen fertilizer formulated to promote rapid and durable greening, plant growth, and works in hydroponics and greenhouse fertigation programs.
• Suståne Concentrated Compost 2-2-2 OMRI-listed concentrated compost for general soil building and enrichment in lawn and garden applications.
• Suståne Compost Tea Bags Pre-packaged permeable fertilizer packs containing 4-6-4 compost-based fertilizer for brewing compost tea, providing humic substances and beneficial microorganisms.
• Suståne Mycorrhizae Concentrated Inoculant Concentrated Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi inoculant featuring 4 different species for optimal plant colonization and improved nutrient uptake.
• Suståne 1-1-1 Soil ReGen Structural Soil Conditioner Soil conditioner that reduces compaction and increases water and air infiltration of soils.
• Suståne FOUNDATION Biotic Soil Media Biologically active, hydraulically applied seed growth media for erosion control and vegetation establishment, validated by ASTM D7322.
• Suståne Root Zone Feeder Packs Single dose applications of 4-6-4 or 16-4-8 fertilizers in biodegradable paper filter packs for container and nursery applications.
• Suståne 4-6-4 Plant Food (Retail) Organic slow release nitrogen fertilizer for seeding, transplants, fruits, and flowers in consumer lawn and garden applications.
• Suståne 8-2-4 Plant Food (Retail) All-purpose organic fertilizer in 5 lb and 20 lb retail packaging for home garden and lawn applications.
• Suståne 8-4-4 All Natural Organic 45 Day Slow Release Fertilizer OMRI certified container media grade granular fertilizer for nursery and greenhouse applications with 45-day release profile.

Quantifiable outcome

• Yields three times greater with Sustane compared to other organic fertilizers
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Seed Savers ExchangeminorOthersSuståne provides organic 4-6-4 fertilizer used in potting blends and during transplant of seed varieties propagated by Seed Savers Exchange. Seed Savers Exchange stewards America's culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy.
• Minnesota State Horticultural Society Garden-In-A-Box ProgramminorOthersSuståne provides Compost Tea Bags for students to use during transplanting of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs in raised garden beds across Minnesota. GIAB teaches vegetable gardening to kids to eat more fresh produce.
• GCSAA FoundationminorOthersSuståne has donated various turfgrass fertility products and soil amendments to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Silent Auction at the Double Eagle Donor level for many years, raising thousands of dollars for GCSAA Foundation programs.
• Minnesota Nursery & Landscape AssociationminorOthersSuståne donates turfgrass, agricultural fertility, and soil amendment products to support MNLA's annual Silent Auction which contributes to fundraising efforts of the green-trade group's programs.
• CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)minorOthersSuståne maintains membership in CCOF, a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. CCOF was instrumental in advocating for federal organic legislation.
• OTA (Organic Trade Association)minorOthersSuståne maintains membership in OTA, the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states.
• GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America)minorOthersSuståne is a member and supporter of GCSAA, the leading association for golf course management professionals. Products are used and recommended by golf course superintendents worldwide.
• AGIF (Asia Golf Industry Federation)minorOthersSuståne is one of the founding charter members of the AGIF, formed in 2010 as a not-for-profit industry federation with members involved in all facets of the golf industry throughout Asia.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Espoma Organic: Espoma is a U.S. manufacturer of organic and natural-based fertilizers and soils serving lawn, garden, and professional channels. Closely comparable to Suståne in product positioning (organic slow-release fertilizers) and customer base (independent garden centers, professional growers).
• Dr. Earth: Dr. Earth produces organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and biological products for lawn, garden, and edible crops. Comparable to Suståne through its OMRI-listed organic fertilizer line and overlapping retail/professional channels.
• Neptune's Harvest: Neptune's Harvest manufactures organic fertilizers from marine and animal by-products (fish, kelp, composted manure). Directly comparable to Suståne in using natural/animal-derived composted inputs and serving organic agriculture and turf customers.
• Lebanon Seaboard Corporation: Lebanon Seaboard produces professional turf and landscape fertilizers, including organic and controlled-release lines. Comparable to Suståne in turfgrass end market, controlled-release product technology, and professional channel coverage.
• FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company: FoxFarm produces organic-based soils and fertilizers popular with cannabis, garden, and hobbyist growers. Comparable to Suståne in organic inputs and the cannabis cultivation segment where both companies have dedicated product lines.
• Down To Earth Fertilizer: Down To Earth formulates organic fertilizers and soil amendments using natural inputs, selling through garden centers and professional growers. Comparable to Suståne in organic certification profile and multi-segment crop focus (agriculture, turf, garden).

Others

• Helena Agri-Enterprises: Helena distributes agricultural inputs including specialty fertilizers and biostimulants through a national dealer network. Comparable to Suståne as an adjacent distributor/channel partner reaching professional agriculture and turf customers with organic and conventional fertility products.

Emerging players

• Safer Brand / Woodstream: Safer Brand sells OMRI-listed organic lawn and garden fertilizers and pest control products through retail and online channels. Comparable to Suståne's retail lawn & garden segment with overlapping OMRI-organic positioning.
• Medina Agriculture Products: Medina produces organic-based fertilizers, biostimulants, and soil conditioners using composted poultry litter as a core feedstock. Highly comparable to Suståne in feedstock profile (poultry litter), organic positioning, and Texas-based regional ag/turf focus.

Broad incumbents

• Scotts Miracle-Gro: Scotts Miracle-Gro is the largest U.S. consumer lawn and garden fertilizer company, with growing exposure to organic inputs. Comparable as an overlapping competitor in retail lawn/garden and professional turf, though far broader in scale and synthetic-fertilizer oriented.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Sustane_NF

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustane