Why Slow-Release Fertilizers Exist
Durable Inputs™ vs. Slow-Release Fertilizer
Real Protection, Not Just Slower Chemistry
Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) were created to extend nutrient availability by altering the chemistry of the nutrient itself—often using stabilized nitrogen forms, ammonium compounds, or mineral-bound nutrients that release more slowly than conventional fertilizer.
The goal? Fewer applications, better nutrient efficiency, and less loss.
But the result? Still inconsistent.
Compare your current blend to the performance of a PED-coated one.
The Limitations of SRFs
| Limitation | Real-World Effect |
|---|---|
| Relies on nutrient form—not deliver | Release rate is affected by temperature, microbes, and moisture |
| Fixed formulation | Can’t be tuned to specific crops or environments |
| Still vulnerable to loss | Nutrients can still leach or volatilize if conditions shift |
| No surface protection | No barrier to keep material in place after application |
| Limited nutrient flexibility | Often focused only on nitrogen or a narrow set of materials |
Slow isn’t always smart—especially when field conditions shift faster than release patterns.
Explore how PED stacks up across all fertilizer coating options.
Durable Inputs™ don’t rely on slow chemistry.
Durable Inputs™ don’t rely on slow chemistry. They rely on smart delivery.
We apply a bio-based, water-stable coating to standard fertilizers—giving them CRF-like performance without plastic, premium price, or unpredictable breakdown.
| Feature | Slow-Release Fertilizers | Durable Inputs™ |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stabilized or modified chemistry | Physical coating barrier |
| Coating or binder | None or mineral-based | Bio-based, polymer-free coating |
| Plastic-free | ✅ Usually | ✅ Yes |
| Tunable release behavior | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – responds to moisture & temp |
| Loss prevention (leaching, runoff) | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ High |
| Application flexibility | ⚠️ Requires specific blends | ✅ Works with dry or liquid inputs |
Let’s match a PED coating to your blend and delivery method.
Why It Matters
Durable Inputs™ protect nutrients from leaching, volatilization, and fixation
No need for custom SRF SKUs
Compatible with existing fertilizer and standard equipment
One-pass applications with longer nutrient activity
No microplastics, no synthetic residues
What It Means in the Field
| Situation | What Durable Inputs™ Deliver |
|---|---|
| Unpredictable rain after application | Coating keeps nutrients in place, not washed away |
| Hot soils and fast breakdown conditions | Coating slows early nutrient loss |
| Complex blend with micros or trace | Coating holds across multiple nutrient types |
| Organic or regenerative system needs | Organicote™ version offers plastic-free protection |
Revisit the platform behind the coating.
Bottom Line
Slow-Release = Built into the Nutrient
Durable Inputs™ = Built Around the Nutrient
Slow-release fertilizers try to slow how nutrients act.
Durable Inputs™ slow how nutrients get lost.