Advancing Dissolvable Fertilizer

Dissolvable Fertilizers are an agricultural innovation with slow and controlled fertilizer release. This technology is posed to reduce application costs and lead to optimized nutrient uptake by plants. Furthermore, it promises to reduce the agricultural, carbon footprint, as the frequency and amount of fertilizer applied is decreased resulting in less environmental pollution from nutrient loss. Excess nitrates and phosphates is leading national governments calling for the reduction in fertilizer use by 20 to 30%. However, the growing global population demands increased food production that is made possible through fertilizers. This project supports the development of dissolvable or glass fertilizer products. Sample compositions and plant growth on canola and/or select cereal crops will be assessed. The results will advance further development and customization of fertilize for improved nutrient ratios and dissolution rates for various crops and climates. The goal of the research outcome is to become commercially available to replace current, competitive fertilizers that do not solve greenhouse gas emissions, that are expensive, that tend to burn seedlings and that perform poorly in colder climates.

Faculty Supervisor:

Denise Stilling

Student:

Partner:

Genics;Genics

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining; Utilities

University:

University of Regina

Program: