Global demand for controlled-release fertilizers growing

The global market demand for controlled- and slow-release specialty fertilizers is growing significantly. Global demand for these specialty fertilizers (called CRFs or SRFs) is expected to grow to at a rate of nearly six percent during the period of 2017 to 2022, according to the IHS Markit Chemical Economics Handbook: Controlled- and Slow-Release Fertilizers Report. They are more environmentally friendly than conventional commercial fertilizers because they release nutrients to the plants more slowly over time. As a result, less fertilizer is required over time. In addition to increasing crop yields, the use of these CRFs and SRFs also improve plant health and viability, including the reduction of nutrient losses that occur between application and uptake by the plant, the reduction of toxicity (reduced salt index), particularly to seedlings. Read more