Cost effective slow release fertilizer granules

ICL Innovation, a technology incubator for the ICL group, is seeking a cost effective additive to affect slow release of plant nutrients over weeks or months (<2) from partially/wholly spherical fertilizer granules.

Background

In the face of resource scarcity and environmental concerns, accurate fertilization is a clear direction to head for a leading fertilizers company as ICL. One of the ways to achieve that is by slowing down  the release rate of nutrients for longer availability in the rhizosphere. We are seeking to apply this on standard fertilizer granules, 1.4-4.5mm in diameter. These can either be spherical or pseudo-spherical. As the required cost is extremely low, we are willing to consider a lax release profile, where the majority of the release will happen over weeks or months (<2), but some may be before, and some after this period. It is important to prevent the accumulation of salt over a certain level in the rhizosphere at any given time as this stresses the plant. For the same purpose of allowing a low cost product we are seeking to integrate the new material in existing processes which is the reason for the requirement to apply the additive by spraying. In addition to spraying over already granulated fertilizers, we are open to adding the suggested material during the compaction process.

Information on ICL Fertilizers can be found in the ICL 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. 

Our criteria

• Cost of material below 20 $/ton of fertilizer
• Liquid in application by spraying (e.g. melting point <50°C, coagulation point 40-50°C)
• High adhesion to spherical and non spherical 1.4-4.5mm fertilizer granules
• Minimal separation from granules when subject to vibrations
• Thermally stable up to 80°C
• Biodegradable where the decomposition products are non-harmful to the environment
• Non toxic

Alternative solutions may be considered if feasibility is proven.

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
• A business unit within ICL Fertilizers as an industrial commercialization partner

IP  Collaboration

• Funded research
• Exclusive IP licensing
• Joint development