Commercial production has begun of Crystal Green a slow-release, renewable and environmentally safe fertilizer with a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium (5-28-0 +10Mg).
Crystal Green has been proven in industry and university trials to have commercial benefits for applications in turf, nursery, and specialty agriculture industries. The product was developed by Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. and is being marketed through national and regional distributors in North America.
Jim Zablocki, vice president of nutrient operations for Ostara, said Crystal Green is the only renewable fertilizer that can be used in the same manner as widely-used monoammonium phosphate or coated products, with the added benefit of high levels of slow release magnesium.
There is no need to change equipment or application methods – Crystal Green can be substituted for any existing phosphorous source. “Its crystalline structure allows us to form a completely new chemistry for our industry. Yet unlike slow release products, it is far more predictable as it is not affected by excessive moisture, bacteria and temperature changes. And its longevity is as reliable as coated products. Your plants will see the difference, and the environment will thank you for both what it’s made from, and how it releases. We just made your phosphorous fertilizer a lot more dependable with extra benefits to the environment,” said Zablocki.
Phillip Abrary, President and CEO of Ostara, said the environmental advantages of Crystal Green result from its production process and from its zero impact on the water table.
“Unlike fertilizers mined or derived from hydrocarbon sources, Crystal Green is produced from a recycled and renewable product that is safe to use on plant material,” said Abrary. “In addition, the product’s slow release characteristics provide a source of phosphorus that will not leach into the water table.
“Compared to conventional fertilizer manufacturing, the production of Crystal Green is highly energy-efficient and is produced without adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere,” said Abrary. “No other commercially available fertilizer has renewable and environmental safety attributes comparable to Crystal Green.”
The benefits of Crystal Green include slow release with proven full-season benefits and ease of handling.
Zablocki said the prill is a hard crystalline material (virtually dust-free) suitable for broadcasting, top dressing or incorporation. “Crystal Green does not require any additional coating chemicals and is consistent in size and shape. And, advanced technology allows Crystal Green to be manufactured in a size that suits a client’s needs.”
Since Crystal Green is crystalline, blenders and mixers will not affect the integrity of the prill — unlike coated products. The fertilizer can be pre-incorporated into a soil mix without the possibility of premature release due to the heat of the mix, as Crystal Green is not affected by excessive temperatures. Crystal Green is available in various prill sizes from 70 SGN (0.7 millimetres) up to 240 SGN. Extensive independent lab testing has shown no pathogens or heavy metals present.
Water is the primary release agent but, unlike IBDU (isobutylidene diurea) and other slowrelease fertilizers, release of Crystal Green is consistent regardless of the amount of moisture applied due to its crystalline nature.
Extensive third-party testing has shown longevity of up to eight months, making Crystal Green a cost effective choice that lasts the full season.
Dr. Jim Owen, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Oregon State University’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center, has conducted field trials on Crystal Green and believes the product shows promise as a local and sustainable phosphorus source for containerized crop production.
“Crystal Green is a unique, new, and locally produced fertilizer product that may have significant environmental implications” said Owen. “Crystal Green is an innovative new fertilizer product that is generated from local waste water treatment facilities to produce needed nutrients for regional agricultural sectors”
Crystal Green is a 99.9 percent pure compound, a slow release form of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium. It has been tested for purity by British Columbia’s Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, which is responsible for the management, protection and enhancement of the province’s environment. Crystal Green is actually cleaner than commercially available phosphates that are derived from mined phosphorous.
For further information about Crystal Green, please visit the website at www.crystalgreen.com