Puraloop: Revolutionizing Phosphorus Fertilization with Recycled Resources
Dr. Patricia Imas – ICL Agronomy Content Manager & Commodities Specialist patricia.imas@icl-group.com
To promote sustainable agriculture, ICL has introduced Puraloop, an innovative phosphorus fertilizer created from recycled materials. This innovative product not only addresses the critical need for efficient phosphorus use in crop production but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy by transforming waste into a valuable agricultural resource.
The Need for Sustainable Phosphorus Solutions
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, playing a pivotal role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and nutrient transport in the plant. Traditional phosphorus fertilizers are typically produced from phosphate rock, a non-renewable resource that requires significant energy to process. With global phosphate reserves depleting and environmental concerns rising, the agricultural industry faces the urgent challenge of finding sustainable alternatives.
Introducing Puraloop: A Circular Economy Approach
Puraloop represents ICL’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. This new fertilizer is produced using phosphorus extracted from organic residue streams (sewage sludge ashes). By recycling phosphorus from waste materials, Puraloop not only reduces the reliance on mined phosphate rock but also helps mitigate waste disposal issues.
The production process of Puraloop embodies the circular economy concept, where waste is repurposed into valuable resources. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional fertilizer production.
Double-Action Phosphorus for Enhanced Efficiency
The phosphorus in Puraloop is in phosphate form which is the form that plants take up from the soil. One of the standout features of Puraloop is its double-action phosphorus formulation. This ensures that half of the phosphorus content is immediately available to plants, providing an initial nutrient supply. The remaining phosphorus is root-activated, offering prolonged availability, and reducing soil phosphorus fixation. This dual mechanism enhances phosphorus use efficiency, ensuring that plants can access the nutrient over an extended period, thereby supporting sustained growth and productivity.
In addition to phosphorus, Puraloop also contains other essential nutrients such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S), along with small amounts of micronutrients, providing a comprehensive nutrient profile to support overall plant growth.
The granular, dust-free formulation of Puraloop ensures uniform application and ease of use in the field. It is an efficient P source for all crops and soils, making it a versatile solution for diverse agricultural systems.
Safe for Agriculture
Puraloop is 100% compliant with European regulations for the use of waste streams in P
fertilizer production including REACH registration of the product with ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Puraloop is a safe product, with heavy metal contents below EU limits, ensuring it meets stringent safety standards for agricultural use.
Proven Performance in Agronomic Trials
ICL has conducted rigorous agronomic trials to validate the performance of Puraloop. The agronomic efficiency of Puraloop has been evaluated versus common (traditional) P fertilizers, in pot and field trials in Israel and in Europe. These trials have consistently demonstrated that Puraloop performs on par with traditional phosphorus fertilizers like TSP, in terms of P availability, and response in growth and yield of different crops.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The environmental benefits of Puraloop are significant. By utilizing recycled phosphorus, Puraloop helps reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production. This approach not only conserves natural phosphate reserves but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining and processing phosphate rock. Additionally, the use of recycled materials helps divert waste from landfills, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.
From an economic perspective, Puraloop offers farmers a cost-effective alternative to traditional phosphorus fertilizers. The efficient use of recycled phosphorus can help stabilize fertilizer prices and reduce the dependency on fluctuating phosphate rock markets. This economic stability is crucial for farmers seeking reliable and affordable nutrient solutions.
Conclusion
ICL’s introduction of Puraloop is a significant step towards supporting the circular economy in agriculture. By closing the loop on phosphorus use, Puraloop exemplifies how waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. This innovative approach aligns with global efforts to create more sustainable agricultural systems and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices.
Its proven performance, ease of use, and alignment with the circular economy make it an ideal choice for farmers looking to enhance crop yield and quality while contributing to a more sustainable future.
