ICL Innovation, a technology incubator for ICL, is seeking innovative technologies that increase the availability of phosphates to plants. Products resultant from the development of the technologies can be used either as standalone, or as additives to commercial phosphates based fertilizers, such as granular Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), granular NPK and Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). The objective is to significantly increase phosphate availability to plant roots when applied to acidic (pH 4-5), and alkaline (pH 7.5-8.5) soils. Products can be in the form of plant extracts, microorganisms and chemical entities.
Enhanced nutrients use efficiency has clear advantages, both environmentally and economically. This is a clear direction to head for ICL as a leading fertilizers company. Phosphate containing fertilizers are in wide use in the industry, but much of this phosphate is unavailable to the plant for various reasons. This fact is exacerbated in acidic and alkaline soils. To mitigate this problem, we are seeking to increase the availability of phosphate in the fertilizer granules we are already selling. The solution can be in the form of either standalone material or a material added to current fertilizer production processes. Only a marginal increase in cost can be accepted due to market acceptance of such a solution. If solved, this solution could translate to significant environmental benefit, as less fertilizer will be lost to the environment.
As standalone:
As an additive:
Information on ICL's current product line for slow release and controlled release fertilizers can be found in the ICL Specialty Fertilizers web page.
As a technology incubator, ICL Innovation is looking only for innovative technologies that may be further developed and commercialized through a business unit in ICL.