Upgrading fertilisers

Upgraded fertilisers represent a step forward in sustainable agriculture, addressing the need for increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved crop performance. They embody an integration of advanced technologies and materials science into traditional fertiliser production and application methods.
Here are some key aspects and methods involved in upgraded fertilisers:

Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEFs):
EEFs are designed to increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants, reducing the amount of nutrients that are lost to the environment. This is typically achieved through controlled-release and slow-release formulations, or through stabilizers that prevent nutrient loss.

• Controlled-Release Fertilisers (CRFs):
  These are coated or encapsulated fertilisers that release nutrients over a specific period, usually in response to factors like soil temperature and moisture. This controlled release aligns nutrient availability with the nutrient uptake pattern of plants, minimizing wastage and environmental runoff.
• Slow-Release Fertilisers:
  Slow-release fertilisers release nutrients gradually over time, without a specific control mechanism. This slow release is often inherent to the chemical nature of the fertilizer material. It reduces the need for frequent applications and lowers the risk of nutrient leaching or runoff.
• Stabilised Fertilisers:
  These fertilisers include additives or are chemically altered to reduce the loss of nutrients, especially nitrogen, through volatilization, leaching, or denitrification. For example, nitrification inhibitors slow down the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, reducing nitrate leaching and denitrification losses.
• Customized or Precision Fertilisers:
  These are tailor-made fertilisers formulated based on specific soil conditions, crop types, and nutrient requirements. Precision agriculture techniques can be used to assess these factors and formulate a fertiliser that precisely meets the needs of the crop, reducing wastage and environmental impact.
• Organic and Bio-based Fertilisers:
  Organic fertilisers, such as compost, manure, or bone meal, are naturally occurring fertilisers that are often considered upgraded due to their contribution to soil organic matter and overall soil health. Bio-based fertilisers include microbial or plant-based products that enhance nutrient availability or plant nutrient uptake.

Environmental Benefits:
Upgraded fertilisers aim to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural practices by minimizing nutrient runoff into water bodies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

Economic Advantages:
While the initial cost of upgraded fertilisers might be higher than traditional fertilisers, their increased efficiency can lead to reduced application rates, lower labour costs, and potentially higher crop yields, offering economic benefits in the long run.