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A forester holding a pine seedling with its root plug
Rooted in science

Know how to grow

Optimal growth starts with optimal understanding. The more you know about soil, species, nutrient demand and field performance, the better you can support growth, from tree to plantation. Growth isn’t magic. It is something you can design, test and continuously improve.

Two Forest3 specialists inspecting young trees
Forest3 team explaining results to growers at a nursery
Connecting knowledge

Bundled expertise

Naturally, performance is a team effort. Forest3 combines deep fertilizer expertise from Triferto with advanced forestry nutrition knowledge and first-hand understanding of how nutrition performs under real conditions. From formulation to nutrient uptake and practical application, we understand the science behind growth.

Forest3 specialists listening during a field visit
Advisor next to a young pine seedling in a plantation

Building on specialist knowledge, science and real field data, Forest3 opens a new chapter in forestry nutrition. Beyond the conventional, static application, we develop nutrition solutions that serve the dynamic needs of both growing trees and plantations. By bundling the right expertise, we deliver beyond the standard.

Timed to tree demand

Controlled release. Built‑in advantage

Controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) controls nutrient availability over time. As the tree grows and nutrient demand changes, the coating gradually breaks down, releasing the right nutrients at the right time directly into the rootzone.

Animation of green, orange and white nutrient spheres floating in a ring
Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement

What works today can be improved tomorrow

We don’t believe in formulas that work everywhere. Every tree species is different, and climate and soil conditions vary from plantation to plantation. That is why our thinking never stops. We continuously test, measure, evaluate and adapt, guided by real performance data and a constant drive to explore more.

Continuous improvement means staying involved. We partner with our clients and their development teams to test, validate and refine our nutrition solutions and strengthen our strategy. What we find adds to what we know. With every result and each cycle, we see an opportunity to do better. Relentlessly committed, we raise the baseline with every solution.

Aerial view of rows of young trees in a plantation

120%

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Currently growing...

Results expected Q3 2027

New trial results

Future Potential
Future Potential

Tropical

Southeast Asia

Q3 2027

Proof in practice
Proof in practice

Growing science in the field

Rooted in science, we don’t hang on to theory. Building on scientific research, we put knowledge to work with real-world data. Through extensive soil analysis, field trials, and clear measurement methods, we learn how our nutrition solutions perform under real conditions. And more importantly, what we can do to improve performance.

The combination of nutrition science with real field data creates a continuous feedback loop. Trial outcomes, field results, methodology, publications and collaborations all add to what we know and reinforce our promise. Backed by science and with boots on the ground, we deliver optimal growth.

Establishment: Eucalyptus camaldulensis x pellita

+7%

Higher mean tree height vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus camaldulensis x pellita

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Tropical

Phong, Laos

2025

Establishment: Eucalyptus camaldulensis x pellita

+28%

Higher mean tree height vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus camaldulensis x pellita

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Tropical

Na-Gnen, Laos

2025

Establishment: Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla

+17%

Higher mean tree height vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Subtropical

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2025

Establishment: Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla

+20%

Higher mean tree height vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Subtropical

Salpine, South Africa

2025

Establishment: Eucalyptus pellita

9.3x

Nitrogen-use efficiency vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus pellita

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Tropical

Sarawak, Malaysia

2024

Establishment: Eucalyptus pellita

+5%

Higher survival vs. standard fertilization

Currently growing...

Tempor dapibus semper bibendum tincidunt. Non id nibh pellentesque massa malesuada arcu.

01/01/2027

Establishment: Eucalyptus pellita

Commercial validation trial
Commercial validation trial

Eucalyptus

Tropical

East Sabah, Malaysia

2024

Advisory Board
Advisory Board

Sharp minds see more

Forest3 grows through continuous learning, questioning and challenging our thinking. We don’t hold all the wisdom. That’s why our Advisory Board brings together expertise and experience from forestry, science, nutrition and business to strengthen our work.

Informed feedback and expert advice from different perspectives help us make better decisions. For our clients and partners, this adds another layer of confidence. Driven by ambition and entrepreneurship, our approach remains firmly grounded in science, tested against real forestry practice and shaped with long-term value in mind.

Charl Marais

Charl Marais

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist
Charl Marais

Charl Marais

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist

Their story

With a background in analytical chemistry and diagnostic agronomy, Charl brings extensive experience in identifying nutrient deficiencies and soil limitations. His expertise in tailored fertilizer formulations and carbon-based technologies helps Forest3 refine nutrition strategies for different soil and climate conditions. He understands that no two sites are exactly alike, particularly when growing trees on marginal soils, where getting the nutrition right is critical to successful establishment and growth.

Quote

"Two sites rarely need exactly the same fertilizer."

Education

  • Certificate of Competence in Analytical Chemistry, Witwatersrand Technicon

Previous experience

  • Senior Analytical Chemist, Anglo American Corporation, South Africa (1989–1998). Responsible for laboratory operational efficiency and analytical accuracy.
  • Founder & Diagnostic Agronomy Consultant, OptiFert CC (1999). Established an agricultural consultancy focused on diagnostic agronomy and plant nutrition.
  • Founder, Cyflo (Pty) Ltd (2007). Developed agricultural carrier technology, with a focus on liposome-based delivery and activated-carbon granules and pellets.

Key Achievements

  • Developed FertPro software to interpret soil reports in a “Chemical-Mathematical” manner, processing over 60 variables in less than 0.01 seconds using thousands of algorithms and hundreds of chemical-mathematical conflict formulas.
  • Not only does it give advanced warning of potential nutrient “lockup” or “excessive release” of nutrients in a particular soil, it formulates a custom fertilizer combination of up to 14 nutrients, in the required ratio, specifically for the crop identified to be grown on the field in question. The software was developed over a 16 year period and is regularly updated.
Dr. Colin Smith

Dr. Colin Smith

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor
Dr. Colin Smith

Dr. Colin Smith

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor

Their story

Dr. Colin Smith brings a wealth of experience in commercial plantation forestry and silviculture. He is helping Triferto develop a research program that optimizes tree nutrition based on the supply and demand dynamics of different tree species under varying climatic and soil conditions. The emphasis is on welding practical solutions to sound scientific principles.

Quote

"Good field trials are worth their weight in gold."

Education

  • University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, England (1979–82): BSc (hons) Soil Science
  • Institute of Soils and Water, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel (1982–1985): MPhil, awarded by the University of Reading, England 1985
  • University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (part-time 1992–1996): PhD

Relevant previous positions

  • Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Program Manager: Technical Services (1994–1998)
  • Program Manager: Silviculture & Forest Productivity (1999–2009)

Awards/positions

  • President of the Southern African Institute of Forestry (2003–2006)
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist (C3)

Relevant publications

  • Smith, C.W., and du Toit, B., (2005). The effect of harvesting operations, slash management and fertilisation on the growth of a Eucalyptus clonal hybrid on a sandy soil. Southern African Forestry Journal, 203: 15–26.
  • B du Toit, CW Smith, KM Little, G Boreham and RN Pallett (2010). Intensive, site-specific silviculture: Manipulating resource availability at establishment for improved stand productivity. A review of South African research. Forest Ecology and Management 259: 1836–1845.
  • Saint Andre L, Laclau J-P, Deleporte P, Gava JL, Goncalves JLM, Mendham D, Nzila JD, Smith CW, du Toit B, Xu DP, Marien J-N, Nouvellon Y, Boulliet J-P and Ranger J. (2008). Site management and productivity in tropical plantation forests (Nambiar EKS. Ed). Proceedings of Workshops in Piracicaba (Brazil) 22–26 November 2004 and Bogor (Indonesia) 6–9 November 2006. Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor, Indonesia. p. 173–189.
Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur
Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur

Their story

Kai combines knowledge of the fertilizer industry and Triferto’s network with extensive experience in building new concepts and businesses across a wide range of sectors. Within Forest3, Kai brings a business perspective to the team’s specialist expertise, challenging people to think beyond established patterns and turn knowledge into opportunity. He believes lasting success comes from strong client relationships built on trust, knowledge sharing and the combined strengths of dedicated professionals with different disciplines and perspectives.

Quote

"Working together helps opportunities flourish and challenges fall away."

Education

  • Van Hall Instituut, Animal Husbandry (2007)
  • Fenedex, Exportmanager (2010)
  • Vistage Chair Academy (2023)

Milestones

  • Acquisition and integration of Pillaert (2021)
  • Purchase and distribution partnership with Agrifirm (2022)
  • Purchase Alliance with RWZ (2022)
  • Pre-launch of the Forest3 brand (2025)

Previous experience

  • CEO Triferto (2019–present)
  • Board member Meststoffen Nederland (2019–present)
  • Executive board member Royal Brokking Groep (2025–present)
  • Vistage Chair (2023–present)
  • Managing Director Duynie B.V., a Royal Cosun company (2015–2019)
Paul Warburton

Paul Warburton

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor
Paul Warburton

Paul Warburton

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor

Their story

Paul brings extensive knowledge of tree breeding, seedling development and nursery systems, including eucalyptus hybrid development and clone testing. Drawing on his scientific and operational background, he helps Forest3 align nutrition programs with the biological needs of trees and the realities of commercial plantations. He understands from experience what supports strong establishment, healthy growth and long-term productivity.

Quote

"The importance of principle-based testing is to establish a framework for improving our understanding of plant needs and how products can be improved to address those needs."

Education

  • BSc (Hons) Plant Sciences, James Cook University (1999)

Awards

  • Sir Joseph Banks Medal for Botany (James Cook University)
  • William R. Birch Prize in Plant Ecology & Systematics (James Cook University)

Relevant previous positions

  • Stream Leader & Subject Matter Expert, Genics Pty Ltd (2025–present). Coordinates biodiesel research, project partners, trials and milestones.
  • Director, NurSeed Forestry Research Support Services Pty Ltd (2018–present). Leads forestry R&D strategy, tree improvement and nursery development.
  • R&D Technical Manager, Borneo Forestry Cooperative (2018–present). Coordinates research in tree improvement, silviculture, nursery systems and plantation health.
  • Senior Extension Officer & Research Nursery Project Leader, Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, Indonesia (2014–2017). Improved nursery productivity, plant quality, propagation and biosecurity.
  • Consultant, Boden and Associates (2008–2014). Supported tree breeding programs, field trials and nursery improvements in Malaysian Borneo.
  • Research Projects Officer, CSIRO Plant Industry, Australia (2001–2014). Led eucalyptus hybridisation, propagation research and international forestry capacity-building projects.

Publications & Conferences

  • Scientific journal articles and international conference papers
  • Plenary speaker at International Plant Breeding Conference, Malaysia (2024)
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Let’s grow together

Whether you’re looking for premium forestry growth solutions or a custom strategy to improve plantation performance, we’d love to explore what’s possible together.