Safer Fertilisers, One Drop at a Time
RELEASAFE aims to develop a new generation of controlled-release fertilisers made from natural, biodegradable materials. Unlike today's plastic-coated fertilisers, these break down safely in the environment — protecting soil health and keeping water and farmers safe, without affecting crop performance.
Every drop COUNTS
Discover the figures behind a smarter release…
The RELEASAFE Journey
From fabrication, to downselection and real-world validation
SOWING INNOVATION
Lignin, reclaimed potato starch and wood residues are transformed into bio-based materials. Combined with urea and novel hydrolytic enzymes, they result in 10 controlled-release fertiliser prototypes.
CULTIVATING PERFORMANCE
The 10 prototypes are assessed for nutrient-release performance, biodegradability, soil compatibility, safety and sustainability. Based on the results, three formulations are selected for scale-up and further development.
HARVESTING EVIDENCE
The three selected formulations are first produced at pilot-scale, tested in greenhouses and then trialled in the field on maize and tomato. The tests examine how well these formulations release nutrients, support crop growth and perform in soil.
The RELEASAFE Consortium
RELEASAFE brings together expert organisations across the full innovation pathway , from biotechnology and materials science to field testing, sustainability and commercial deployment.