Field-Scale Production of Nanoparticle Phosphorus Fertilizers: Advancing to Multi-Acre Trials

Overview: We propose the development and kg-scale manufacturing of commercially viable nanoparticle-based phosphorus fertilizers, with subsequent testing of these nanofertilizers on soybean production at the multi-acre scale. Nanofertilizers, composed of nutrient particles <100 nm in diameter, have been shown to possess exceptional nutrient uptake efficiency, surpassing the performance of conventional ionic, chelated, and organic fertilizers, allowing farmers to realize increased yields at drastically reduced dosages. The profit margin of growing soybeans has been close to zero for the past few years, a fact verified in interviews with farmers and checkoff organizations. With this technology, we aim to demonstrate a 50% reduction in P fertilizer input (by mass) while generating statistically significant yield increases of over 5%. This outcome would increase the economic returns for soybean farmers while decreasing overall phosphorus consumption. By demonstrating yield and efficiency, we aim to attract interest from commercial partners in positioning our P nanofertilizer within the agricultural sales network. Innovativeness: We have developed and patented a cost-effective manufacturing platform that leverages bio-derived fatty acids as a key reagent for nanofertilizer synthesis. This platform overcomes critical issues restricting nanofertilizer production, namely high production costs and a reliance on toxic reagents. As others have not been able to carry out cost-effective scaled production, nanofertilizers have not been validated in large-scale field tests, and only one nanoparticle-based adjuvant exists in the US market. Technical Feasibility: We have developed a bench-scale prototype system and validated it to synthesize micronutrient nanofertilizers. Over a decade of peer-reviewed research has established the capabilities and reliability of nanofertilizers, but only on sub-acre scale test plots. Performance vs. Current Technologies: Studies show that nanofertilizers can achieve equivalent or improved (10-30%) yields at a fraction of the dosage of on-market fertilizers. Commercial Potential: Our customer interviews (National NSF I-Corps) and market research data suggest that about half of farmers are interested in nanofertilizers and other agrochemical innovations to boost yields if these increases can be demonstrated reliably and provided cost competitively. Our product is compatible with standard application modes, and industry contacts at large agribusinesses (e.g., Bayer, Mosaic) have shared that these companies are actively monitoring nanotechnological developments. Environmental Impact: Nanoengineered phosphorus fertilizers have been shown to more than double phosphorus use efficiency. Replacing only 40% of conventional fertilizer and accounting for P nanofertilizer manufacturing would equate to an estimated 20% reduction in P-fertilizer use, supply chain-related emissions, and runoff externalities.