Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are designed to deliver plant nutrients over time. However, they differ from controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) in several ways, altogether making their performance less predictable and not as reliable as CRFs.
The table below compares between Haifa's Multicote™ technology and the three main technologies used in slow-release fertilizers.
Follow the table below to learn about the main differences, by comparing Haifa's Multicote™ technology with the three main technologies used by slow release fertilizers:
| Multicote™ | SCU, Poly-SCU | IBDU | Methylene Urea, Ureaform | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Polymer coating | Sulfur-based coating | Urea reaction product | Urea reaction product |
| Release mechanism | Diffusion | Rapture of coating | Hydrolysis | Microbial degradation |
| Longevity | 2-16 months, depends on the coating thickness | 2-2.5 months | Depends on particle size | MU: 12 weeks UF: 12 months |
| Release controlling factors | Temperature | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature | Soil moisture, temperature | Microbial activity, moisture, temperature, pH, organic matter |
| Controlled-release N (% of total N)* | 100% | 40-50% | 85% | MU: 50% UF: 20% |
| Additional nutrients in a controlled-release form | Controlled-release NPK formulae |
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Slow release fertilizer: less control over nutrient release
As shown in the table, only one factor – soil temperature – affects the nutrients release of controlled release fertilizers. As for slow release fertilizers, there are multiple factors affecting the release (soil moisture, temperate, pH, etc.). Thus, using controlled release fertilizers the nutrient release is much more predictable.
Haifa's slow controlled release fertilizers
Haifa's controlled release fertilizers offer continuous release of nutrients throughout the growth season, optimized nutrition in a single easy application, reduced application rates and many other benefits.
Controlled release fertilizers - how does it work? watch the video:
Learn more about our Multicote™ products