Pursell biodegradable coating paves the way for sustainable fertilizer innovation

Pursell has filed a non-provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect intellectual property related to its biodegradable coating composition and application process. The company is currently in late-stage research and development of a novel coating technology that will enable the commercialization of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) products that meet European Union (EU) biodegradability standards.

Pursell's patented cryogenic coating process enables optimal incorporation and survival of biostimulants and microorganisms. This unique capability enables Pursell to offer biodegradable CRF products with nutrient uptake capabilities as well as biostimulant packages tailored to the specific needs of the crop.

"Our current coating technology uses extremely thin films, which has reduced the amount of polyurethane used in the process. This biodegradable technology, coupled with the addition of biostimulants, has the potential to be a real game changer for Pursell and the entire fertilizer industry. " said Joe Brady, CFO and head of sustainability initiatives at Pursell. "Once launched, our biofortified, biodegradable CRF products will provide the broad benefits of our existing products without any of the potential impacts of non-biodegradable coatings. "

Applying Pursell's biofortified, biodegradable CRF products will not require growers to change their standard growing practices and will help them achieve: Improve plant and soil health; Higher yields and crop quality; Delivers huge sustainability benefits by minimizing nutrient leaching into waterways, greenhouse gas emissions and volatilization.

"Ultimately, nature provides the key to unlocking the possibility of biodegradable controlled-release fertilizers," Brady said. “Our coating technology will allow us to launch an easy-to-use, single-source product that delivers meaningful benefits to farmers and the public.”

“Our research shows that the use of controlled-release fertilizers is an effective way to increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental pollutants,” said Dr. Upendra Singh, IFDC Vice President for Research. “We are currently conducting degradation testing of Pursell’s biodegradable coating technology and are excited about the additional soil health benefits it may provide.”

Initial field trials of biodegradable products targeting corn production are underway this spring at university and industrial grower trials across the Midwest, Southeast and Canada.