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Copy link Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) include a special coating technology that helps releasing small amounts of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements) over a longer period, matching the plant’s nutritional needs during its growth cycle.
Over 50 years ago, the first CRF ICL’s Osmocote® changed the industry, marking the start of a whole new principle of fertilizer application. Today, CRFs are used all over the world in ornamental horticulture.
Osmocote’s CRF technology is used in several ICL’s leading brands, the latest being Osmocote 5. For a long time, nursery stock growers have been relying on products from the Osmocote Exact Standard range, featuring different longevities and analyses for specific crop conditions.
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An organic resin coating covers each granule and acts as a sort of membrane that regulates the daily release of nutrients to the plant. |
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Each granule contains NPK, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn. |
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Water penetrates the coating and dissolves the nutrients inside the granule. |
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Nutrient release starts as soon as a part of the nutrients has dissolved. |
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Osmotic pressure releases the dissolved nutrients through the granule coating. |
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When all nutrients have been released, the resin coating breaks down gradually. |
Watch our video to learn more about the Osmocote controlled release fertilizer working principles.
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Highest nutrient use efficiency
CRFs are considered the fertilizer technology with the highest nutrient use efficiency thanks to the consistent controlled release of nutrients over time. In comparison, conventional fertilizers dissolve in the soil immediately after application, only providing nutrition for a short period of time. Multiple fertilizer applications are necessary to ensure that the plant gets the nutrition it needs.
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CRF: a sustainable choice
CRFs are an enhanced fertilizer technology that contributes to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way of fertilization. The consistent, controlled release of small amounts of nutrients over a longer period:
– lowers fertilizer input and applications
– improves plant health, resilience, and color
– minimizes leaching to the environment
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Matching the plant’s needs
Salinity, soil pH and microbe activity, water quality and rain do not influence the release of nutrients of a CRF. Only temperature affects the nutrient release and therefore also the longevity of the CRF. Granules work in temperatures above freezing, with the membrane regulating the daily release of nutrients. The pre-defined product longevities are applicable at an average daily temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures speed up the nutrient release and thus shorten the longevity. Lower temperatures slow down the release of nutrients, thus extending the longevity. This way, CRFs can match the plant’s need perfectly during its life cycle.
14 Brands found
60 Products found
Ficote Total 12-14M is an outstanding base feed for your ornamental crops, with longevity of 12 to 14 months.
Ficote Total 3-4M is a second-generation coated fertilizer designed for base-dressing application, with longevity of three to four months.
Ficote Total 5-6M is a 100% coated NPK fertilizer with a full trace-element package, with longevity of five to six months.
Ficote Total 8-9M can often be used with a water-soluble fertilizer; longevity is eight to nine months.
Controlled-release, fully coated iron sulphate fertilizer for your growing medium, to increase your plants’ iron intake both efficiently and with ease.
Osmocote Topdress is a coated fertilizer featuring our new E-max technology plus a high nitrogen, magnesium, and iron content for immediate greening.
Osmocote Topdress is a coated fertilizer featuring our new E-max technology plus a high nitrogen, magnesium, and iron content for immediate greening.
Cater to your plants’ every short-term nutrient need with Osmocote® 13-13-13 fertilizer. Promote all-round growth for a full range of situations!
Give your plants all the nutrients they need with Osmocote® 14-14-14 fertilizer. Perfect to promote all-round growth for a wide range of situations!
Osmocote® 5 12-14M gives your crops the nourishment they need for at least a year after your early spring or winter potting, thanks to the latest controlled-release technology.
Osmocote® 3-4M is a short-term fertilizer providing a controlled release of NPK nutrients at 14% each over 2 to 3 months.
Take complete control of your late spring potting with Osmocote® 5’s controlled-release technology. This 5th generation programmed release fertilizer technology provides your plants with sustained, safe, and efficient nutrition over a 5-6 month longevity period. Achieve the best possible plant color, health, and growth by optimizing the availability and uptake of trace elements with the OTEA-system.
Osmocote® 5 8-9M harnesses 5th-generation programmed-release fertilizer technology to help your plants achieve sustained, safe, and efficient nutrition over an 8–9-month longevity period.
Give your potassium-thirsty pot plants, bedding plants, and perennials all the support they need with Osmocote® 0-0-41. Use it for low phosphorus-demanding cultures.
Treat your container nursery stock, potted plants, bedding plants, and annuals to the perfect balance of nutrients with Osmocote® 6-13-25 fertilizer. Perfect for a broad range of applications!
There is one product in this range – Osmocote Bloom – its mid-sized granules are perfect for mixing into smaller pots and packs. Longevity is between two and three months.
Osmocote® CalMag gives plants plenty of calcium and magnesium, plus some extra nitrogen for the first few months. Suitable for potted or bedding plants, perennials, and container nursery stock.
Osmocote® Exact Hi.End 12-14M is suitable for pottings in January and March. Terrific if you’re planting in the winter.
Keep your late spring and early summer pot plants one step ahead with Osmocote® Exact Hi.End 3-4M. After only a few months, your potted conifers, evergreen shrubs, and other container nursery stock will feel the benefits of this product’s low EC value. Take them all the way into summer, with its postponed release technology keeping nutrients flowing throughout the entire season.
Osmocote Exact HI.End 5-6M has been specifically developed for pottings from May to June. Great for early summer planting.
