ICL Drives Global EEF Research Standards

ICL is a founding member of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC), collaborating with industry partners, governments, and non-profit organizations. This group first convened in January 2024 to discuss a standardized framework for evaluating enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) to promote greater confidence and adoption among farmers.

We are proud to announce that a scientific paper was developed to communicate recommended field trial guidelines for evaluating EEFs: “Collaborative Research to Advance the Efficiency of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs)” and has been published in the prestigious Soil Science Society of America Journal (Field trial guidelines for evaluating enhanced efficiency fertilizers – Lyons – Soil Science Society of America Journal – Wiley Online Library).

This paper, developed through the joint efforts of ICL and other EFC participants, outlines recommended field trial guidelines for EEFs.

The guidelines are composed of experimental design and core metadata, crop and soil analyses, environmental loss measurements, and data stewardship, and include both recommended and required components to allow for flexibility and adaptability depending on the trial location, objectives, infrastructure capacity, product type, and depth of understanding of the potential EEF efficacy. This approach will ensure consistency and compatibility in experimental design and data collection to support data integration, analysis, and reuse leading to large-scale impact and end-user confidence.

Dr. Jason Haegele, Marketing & Innovation Manager at ICL North America, highlights the importance of these standards: “ICL is committed to advancing scientific research in enhanced efficiency fertilizers. The EFC paper aims to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impact through rigorous research standards that reflect real-world conditions.”

As a member of the EFC, ICL is driving sustainable fertilizer practices, working towards solutions that protect the planet while meeting the food needs of a growing global population.