ICL: The basics of coated fertilizer technology

Date:05-23-2024

In an era where sustainable farming practices are more crucial than ever, growers and agronomists struggle with the dual objective of maximizing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) can play a key role in achieving this challenge, as they offer a more efficient and sustainable way to nourish crops.

What are controlled-release fertilizers?

Controlled-release fertilizers are fertilizers with a semi-permeable fertilizer coating material that slowly release nutrients into the rooting zone. Nutrients slowly become available to plants as they continue to grow. This is more appropriate given plants’ nutrient needs throughout their growing period. 

The amount of nutrients distributed is affected by soil temperature, as is the growth rate of plants. This means with increasing soil temperature, plant growth increases along with the amount of nutrients from these controlled-release fertilizers. 

CRFs are different from slow-release fertilizers (SLFs) because SLFs are influenced by temperature, water, soil pH, and microbial activity, as compared to CRFs whose nutrient release is influenced primarily by temperature. 

These polymer-coated fertilizers increase the efficiency of nutrient management and nutrient release. CRFs can eliminate the need for multiple split applications throughout the season. Rather than side-dressing multiple times, growers can make a single application that lasts all season long. 

Fertilizer Coating Technology

ICL is deeply committed to innovation and sustainability, and this is reflected in ICL's focused R&D team’s work on Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRFs). ICL team is setting industry benchmarks, constantly striving to develop products that not only boost the efficiency of growers in the field but also safeguard the surrounding environmental systems.

Different formulations of polymer or resin coatings can be used for controlled-release fertilizers. These formulations will determine the release rate and how the fertilizer will interact in the cropping system. With this versatility, growers can tailor their nutrient management strategies to suit their crop type and nutritional needs. 

The semi-permeable E-Max coating, responsive to temperature and moisture, allows nutrients to dissolve gradually and be released through microscopic pores. 

This technology represents a significant step forward. It not only reduces the frequency and rates of fertilizer application but also boosts nutrient use efficiency. It’s a solution that benefits growers and the environment alike, showcasing ICL's resolve to advance sustainable agriculture.

E-Max Technology in Action: Agrocote, Agromaster, and Agroblen

This innovative technology is used across a broad portfolio of nutritional products to meet the needs of growers around the world. Brand lines such as Agrocote, Agromaster, and the most recent, Agroblen all are formulated with a unique fertilizer coating material. 

Agrocote was created for single nutrient applications in various row crops. This unique line helps growers adjust their nutrient management plans to meet any specific deficiencies that may occur in their fields. With polymer-coated fertilizers, nutrient loss through leaching, volatilization, denitrification, and P-fixation are all extremely limited. 

The Agromaster line was developed for a single application at the time of planting. This line has a blend of coated and non-coated nutrients, supporting both the immediate and future nutritional needs of the crop. This line helps reduce nutrient applications in the field, saving growers money in both labor and diesel costs. 

Agroblen is formulated for use in planting holes for permanent crop development such as plantations or orchards. This line is one of the safest nutritional products for young root systems. It was developed to help meet the demands of developing permanent crops to achieve optimum growth during key development stages.  

The E-Max Release Technology is flexible, with the fertilizer coating material working well in many different environments. The duration of the release can be matched based on crop needs by selecting the right product from ICL’s portfolio.

The development and application of CRFs continue to evolve to meet the dual needs of efficiency and environmental sustainability. Building on this progress, ICL has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of eqo.x – first-of-its-kind CRF technology that embodies these principles to an even greater extent.

ICL’s State-Of-The-Art CRF with Biodegradable Coating: eqo.x

ICL has marked a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture with the introduction of eqo.x, a pioneering controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) technology launched on September 15 last year. This first-of-its-kind biodegradable coating for CRFs, specifically designed for open-field agriculture, represents a major leap in reducing environmental impact. It boasts an impressive nutrient use efficiency (NUE) increase of up to 80%, greatly minimizing nutrient loss. 

Notably, eqo.x aligns with the impending European fertilizer standards set for 2026 and supports the EU’s Farm to Fork and Soil Strategy for 2030 goals by promising to halve nutrient loss by 2030. Applied to ICL’s Agromaster and Agrocote brands, this innovative technology not only enhances crop yield and reduces nitrogen applications but also safeguards soil and groundwater quality.

ICL is dedicated to advancing sustainability through innovation. ICL's innovative fertilizer coating technology truly sets ICL's coated fertilizers apart, offering a cost-effective solution that puts sustainability at its core. This pioneering biodegradable fertilizer coating effectively underscores ICL's resolve to provide products that are not only efficient and beneficial for growers but also gentle on our planet. 

ICL’s CRF Timer

ICL has developed the CRF Timer, a state-of-the-art solution to assist with the timing of fertilizer and crop protection applications. The CRF Timer integrates data from over 400 weather stations across 48 countries and 7 regions. 

This app allows growers to track nutrient release from ICL’s CRF, tailored to local weather conditions. It not only provides real-time monitoring but also aids in selecting the appropriate ICL product for specific environmental and crop requirements. The CRF Timer is designed only for ICL’s CRFs coated by E-Max Release Technology.

With the CRF Timer, growers can select their product, and day of application, and see nutrient release based on the closest weather station. This gives them an indication as to how much has been released and how much is left to be released. 

The CRF Timer not only assists in-season but can also be used as a planning tool to determine what ICL product is best for local conditions and crop needs. This helps growers select the best tool for their environment. 

Read the full article on ICL's website.