Slow-release formulations provide better stability and longer retention of fertilizers in the soil. The prolonged effect allows plants to utilize a higher proportion of fertilizer than conventional formulations. With slow-release formulations, agrochemicals gain extra efficiency thanks to gradual release over time.

Every slow-release formulation is formed from an agrochemical itself and a carrier, typically a polymer that encapsulates the agrochemical and controls its migration into the soil. Very often these polymers are oil-based and hardly biodegradable. That contributes to microplastics pollution in the agricultural soils. Using fully biodegradable Hydal PHA as a polymer carrier, we can prevent primary microplastics usage in agriculture.

Lowering the agrochemicals mobility in the soil allows their higher efficiency and consequently lower total consumption. This brings secondary benefits: lower costs, lower mechanization and energy demand, lower toxicity, lower health risk, lower risk for resistance development, and lower phytotoxicity.

Smart fertilizers are one piece in the sustainable agriculture puzzle, which should lead to better soil quality, biodiversity, safety, and famine defeat.

Not only fertilizers but also pesticides can be encapsulated into a polymer matrix providing increased effectiveness and lower toxicity.