Increase the Availability of Phosphates to Plants

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.

Background

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.

Our criteria

As standalone:

1. Yield- not less than 15% yield increase in field tests
2. Shelf Life- not less than one year in ambient conditions
3. Regulation- natural products commercially available products are preferred on new chemical entities
4. IP- patents can be applied for on the preparation process and the field of use

As an additive:

1. Cost- maximum 10% increase compared to current phosphate containing fertilizers
2. pH range: acidic 4-5, alkaline: 7.5-8.5
3. Compatible with current fertilizer production processes

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. 

We Offer

• Full funding for selected technologies
• Analytical laboratories, pilot facilities and high level R&D teams based on ICL's central R&D institute
• ICL Specialty Fertilizers as an industrial commercialization partner

IP  Collaboration

• Funded research
• Exclusive IP licensing
• Joint development