Nutrient management is the foundation of sustainable and successful agricultural practices. Plants require nutrients to grow and complete their life cycle. Although nutrients are initially present in the soil, they become depleted over time. Fertilizers are essential to replenish the nutrients plants need for optimal growth. Growers and agronomists must balance the dual objectives of maximizing crop yields and minimizing environmental impact. Responsible fertilizer use leads to healthier crops and higher yields, and contributes to environmental protection.
Slow-release fertilizers (CRFs) play a key role in achieving this balance by nourishing crops in a more efficient and sustainable way. They enable farmers to pinpoint the nutrients required at different growth stages and increase crop yield, health and quality while minimizing unnecessary applications and reducing the risks of nutrient leaching, runoff, mineralization, etc. In this context, CRFs have emerged as an essential tool for efficient nutrient management.
Why is CRF important in modern agriculture?
Nutrient management may seem simple, but execution requires complex calculations. For example, simply applying nitrogen doesn’t guarantee that the nitrogen is available when the plant needs it, because plants absorb nutrients gradually over time. To address these challenges, farmers often schedule fertilization to match crop requirements, including split applications throughout the season.
Techniques such as fertigation can help, but are not suitable for all cropping systems. Fertilizer nutrients can be lost through leaching, erosion and other means, resulting in economic losses and environmental risks. It is essential that farmers use fertilizers wisely to sustain their crops. CRF offers a sustainable solution as it targets different growth stages of the plant and releases nutrients in a controlled manner.
What is a slow release fertilizer?
Slow-release fertilizers have a semi-permeable coating that slowly releases nutrients to the root zone. As the plant develops, nutrients are gradually delivered to the plant to meet its nutritional needs throughout the growing season. The amount of nutrients distributed is affected by soil temperature and adjusts to the plant’s growth rate. As soil temperatures increase, plant growth and the release of nutrients from the slow-release fertilizer increases accordingly.
In case you missed it: Natural farming for sustainable livestock management
CRFs differ from slow-release fertilizers (SLFs) in that they are affected by multiple factors, including temperature, water, soil pH, and microbial activity. CRF nutrient release is primarily affected by temperature, making CRFs more predictable. Slow-release fertilizers (CRFs) increase the efficiency of nutrient management, eliminating the need for multiple applications throughout the season and allowing growers to apply a single application that lasts all season.
History of slow release fertilizers
In 1842, Sir John Bennett Rhodes made a groundbreaking contribution to agriculture when he patented a process for converting phosphate rock into superphosphate, which marked the birth of the artificial fertilizer industry. This innovation laid the foundation for the first controlled release fertilizer (CRF), Osmocote.®1967. Osmocote® It has revolutionized the fertilizer market by slowly releasing nutrients, allowing for increased crop yields and more efficient land use.
Since then, the controlled release fertilizer market has expanded significantly and is valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2023. This growth reflects the significant impact controlled release fertilizers have had on global food production.
Fertilizer Coating Technology
Different formulations of polymer or resin coatings determine the release rate and interactions of CRF within the crop system. This versatility allows growers to tailor nutrient management strategies to specific crop types and nutritional needs.
In case you missed it: How to make flowers bloom faster: naturally, overnight, at home, with fertilizer in water
Monitoring and evaluation of nutrient release
- Determine the nutrient needs of each crop.
- Understand nutrient removal rates based on yield and field conditions.
- Soil and water testing to understand existing nutrient levels.
- In-season analysis through leaf and sap testing provides real-time insights.
- Leverage technologies such as NDVI, NDRE and Red Edge sensors to detect crop stress early.
- Use of planning and management tools for time-efficient fertilizer and crop protection application.
ICL’s cutting edge biodegradable coating CRF: eqo.x
ICL Groupa leading global specialty minerals company, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture. echoThis pioneering Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) technology has a biodegradable coating specifically designed for open-field agriculture. Launched on September 15 last year, this innovative product increases Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) by up to 80% and significantly reduces nutrient losses.
eqo.x is compliant with European fertiliser standards set for 2026 and supports the EU’s Farm to Fork and Soil Strategy to 2030 by committing to halving nutrient losses by 2030. Applied across ICL’s Agromaster and Agrocote brands, the technology enhances crop yields, reduces nitrogen use and protects soil and groundwater quality.
Conclusion
Nutrient management is essential for sustainable agriculture. Controlled-release fertilizers with advanced coating technology represent a major advancement in plant nutrition. Controlled-release fertilizers offer a cost-effective solution that increases nutrient utilization efficiency, reduces labor and fuel costs, and promotes environmental sustainability.
In case you missed it: Fertilizer application rates per acre: Consider fertilizer application rates for different crops
With a growing population, controlled-release fertilizer is one example of how farmers can do more with less, focusing on sustainable practices that conserve resources and the environment. We continue to innovate in fertilizer technology and our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices ensure a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.
