June 14, 2025 | 16:00 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Tuesday- 13:51, 06/09/2022

ICL launches groundbreaking biodegradable coated fertilizer technology

(VAN)ICL expects to have the new coating ready for farmers in the EU by 2023 in order to meet expected market demand, is investing $20 million in a new production line for eqo.x release technology.

ICL, a leading global specialty minerals company, launched eqo.x, a rapidly biodegradable release technology designed for open-field agriculture on Sunday.

This innovative solution is achieved through a coating that will reduce nutrient loss and by increasing nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by up to 80% will help farmers maximize agricultural crop performance while also limiting environmental impact.

The release technology also allows for increased or similar yields with reduced fertilizer rates, can help reduce the number and amount of nitrogen applications, and provide consistent and predictable nutrient release.

“ICL is proud to introduce our most advanced CRF coating, eqo.x rapidly biodegrading release technology, which will both help regulate the release of nutrients on a daily basis – by responding to each crop’s specific needs – and result in higher nutrient use efficiency,” said Elad Aharonson, president of Innovative Ag Solutions for ICL.

“Our innovative, sustainable, new technology will provide precision nutrition through a coating, which biodegrades more rapidly, and helps improve yield, reduce nutrient loss and simplify fertilizer application. Not only will this benefit farmers, but it will also help the environment, as it will greatly reduce the leaching of nutrients into both the soil and groundwater when compared to conventional fertilizers,” Aharonson added.

The new technology is the first to provide a controlled release fertilizer (CRF) coating for urea, which biodegrades more rapidly, and was specifically designed to meet future European fertilizer standards which are set to go into effect in 2026.

How will controlled release fertilizer assist nutrient loss reduction?

The controlled release fertilizer will be applied to ICL’s CRF products for agricultural crops, including its Agromaster and Agrocote brands, and will help achieve a reduction in nutrient losses. Nutrient loss reduction is a key tool of both the European Farm to Fork strategy and the EU Soil Strategy, which aims to reduce nutrient loss by at least 50% by 2030.

ICL expects to have the new coating ready for farmers in the European Union by 2023 and, in order to meet expected market demand, is investing $20 million in a new production line for eqo.x release technology at its Heerlen facility in the Netherlands.

“ICL is proud to introduce our most advanced CRF coating, eqo.x rapidly biodegrading release technology, which will both help regulate the release of nutrients on a daily basis – by responding to each crop’s specific needs – and result in higher nutrient use efficiency.”

Elad Aharonson

Tr.D

(Jpost)

China demands sensitive information for rare earth exports, companies warn

China demands sensitive information for rare earth exports, companies warn

(VAN) Extensive licensing requirements raise concerns about intellectual property theft.

Salmonella outbreak linked to California egg distributor sickens 79 people

Salmonella outbreak linked to California egg distributor sickens 79 people

(VAN) As of Friday, a salmonella outbreak linked to a California egg producer had sickened at least 79 people. Of the infected people, 21 hospitalizations were reported, U.S. health officials said.

Ukraine: Rural communities need immediate support to plant and produce food amid ongoing war

Ukraine: Rural communities need immediate support to plant and produce food amid ongoing war

(VAN) With the war ongoing, many Ukrainian farmers and rural farming families face limited access to their land due to mines and lack the financial resources to purchase needed agricultural inputs.

How the fertiliser king of WA grew a $5b fortune with no one noticing

How the fertiliser king of WA grew a $5b fortune with no one noticing

(VAN) Vikas Rambal has quietly built a $5 billion business empire in manufacturing, property and solar, and catapulted onto the Rich List.

Gaza’s agricultural infrastructure continues to deteriorate at alarming rate

Gaza’s agricultural infrastructure continues to deteriorate at alarming rate

(VAN) Available cropland now at less than five percent, according to latest geospatial assessment from FAO and UNOSAT.

Alt Carbon scores $12M seed to scale carbon removal in India

Alt Carbon scores $12M seed to scale carbon removal in India

(VAN) Alt Carbon has raised $12 million in a seed round as it plans to scale its carbon dioxide removal work in the South Asian nation.

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom

(VAN) Attempts to bring down the price of the Japanese staple have had little effect amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Read more