Staged Nutrient Release Fertilizer

Inducted In: 2017, Environmental and Resource Management

NASA Image of Staged Nutrient Release Fertilizer
Induction year:
Inducted individuals:
Ed Rosenthal
Inducted organizations:
NASA Kennedy Space Center
Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program
Florikan E.S.A. LLC

Precise timed released polymer coated fertilizer granules that reduce fertilization applications and environmental damage

Florikan® CEO Ed Rosenthal noticed one of his clients struggle to get fertilizer to mix into a water solution for easier application. This inspired Rosenthal to develop a new method, allowing easier and more accurate fertilizer application.

In 2003, Florikan introduced its first Staged Nutrient Release (SNR) fertilizer. Three polymers were developed to coat three components of the fertilizer. This concept, patented in 2004, proved to be very successful for the growers.

Growers could more accurately apply and use less fertilizer because the staged release kept nutrients in the soil longer. This resulted in increased crop yields and significantly less environmental damage from excess fertilizer leaching into groundwater, a critical problem in the agricultural industry.

The National Society of Professional Engineers selected the technology for its 2004 ‘Most Innovative New Product’ award, which afforded Florikan 40 hours of consulting research and technical advice.  Florikan engaged the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program, or SATOP, designed to help small businesses overcome technological challenges using expertise derived from the U.S. space program.

SATOP engineers analyzed the high production cost issues that limited Florikan’s widespread use, determining Florikan could coat all three fertilizer components with the same material – a single polyurethane material that NASA has used in past projects. Florikan developed a new staged release fertilizer using this single coating, and in 2006 patented the technology ensuring its commercial success.

Throughout the late 2000s Florikan continued to manufacture and market their SNR fertilizer. Use of the company’s product began to spread throughout the eastern United States. In 2012, the J.R. Simplot Company purchased the rights to Florikan’s technology, allowing worldwide distribution, thus providing more growers access to the product and its many benefits.

Florikan’s staged nutrient-release fertilizer has proven beneficial, not only to the astronauts and researchers on the International Space Station, but to the environment and humanity on Earth.

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