SMARTGRO®
Let’s learn more about SMARTGRO® and see what’s the different between SMARTGRO® controlled-release fertilizer vs slow-release fertilizer!
What is SMARTGRO®?
SMARTGRO® is comprised of a water-soluble fertilizer encapsulated in a unique polymer coating. The coating allows moisture to penetrate and dissolve the nutrients inside the shell. Dissolved nutrients are slowly released at a constant rate depending on the soil temperature.
Controlled Release Fertilizer – SMARTGRO®
Controlled ReleaseFertilizer vs Slow Release Fertilizer
A common misconception is that Slow Release Fertilizers (SRF) and Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) are the same. Both deliver nutrients over a duration but are completely different products. Controlled release fertilizers are only affected by one factor – soil temperature and therefore releases nutrient at a more predictable rate. Controlled release fertilizers only come in a granular form where the coating regulates the nutrient release.
Slow-release fertilizers, on the other hand, is affected by soil temperature, moisture, and pH. Slow-release fertilizers come in granular, nugget or packet/sachet forms where the release mechanism varies widely.
The table below compares the different types of controlled release fertilizer vs slow-release fertilizer on the market.
Comparison of controlled vs slow-release fertilizer
| SmartGro | SCU | IBDU/MU/UF | Nugget | Inhibitors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Polymer Coating | Sulfur Coating | Urea reaction product | Compression | Nitrification/Urease inhibitors |
| Release Mechanism | Diffusion | Rupture of coating | IBDU: Hydrolisis MU/UF: Microbial activity | Smaller surface area | Inhibition of enzymes |
| Longevity | 2-16 months | 2-3 months | IBDU: Hydrolisis MU:12 weeks UF:12 months | 2-4 months | Depends on soil moisture and bacteria |
| Release Controlling Factor | Temperature | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature, pH, organic matter | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature, pH | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature, pH |
| Controlled Release | 100% | 40-50% | 20-85% | 30-50% | 0% |
| CRF or SRF | CRF | CRF | SRF | SRF | - |