Nutrient Technologies: Applying the Right Fertiliser at the Right Time
Modern fertilisers are no longer defined solely by nutrient analysis. Today’s nutrient technologies are designed to influence how nutrients are released, retained, protected, and utilised by the plant and soil system. When used strategically, these technologies improve efficiency, reduce losses, and deliver more predictable turf performance.
Biologically controlled nutrient release technologies
EcoAdvance® is a proprietary technology incorporating a microbial inoculum coating composed of beneficial soil microbes, nutrients, and phytohormones integrated during the granulation process.
These microbes are designed to dissolve fine rock minerals within the granule into biologically available forms, supporting nutrient availability as required by the plant.
The coating acts as a starter for soil biology, helping beneficial microbes establish and multiply around plant roots. These microbes form a partnership with the roots, improving the plant’s access to nutrients and water. They break down soil minerals, making nutrients such as phosphorus more available.
Special fungi in the coating extend the reach of plant roots, further enhancing nutrient and water uptake.
EcoAdvance® Premium Biology makes all nutrients bioavailable to plants by promoting vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) colonisation of root cells.
VAM colonization in turf roots increases nutrient access for turf
Controlled release nitrogen technologies
These technologies gradually breakdown urea chains through microbial and moisture activity. Different chain lengths of reacted urea control the rate of nutrient release, with shorter chains providing earlier availability and longer chains extending feeding and improving longevity.
Our fertilisers, incorporating the various technologies detailed below, deliver nutrients progressively rather than in a single flush, are not compromised by mechanical damage and provide consistent nutrient supply over time. This improves uniformity of growth and colour while reducing the risk of excessive surges.
MESA® is a unique technology that combines slow release methylene urea and quick release ammonium sulphate within a single homogeneous granule.
MESA brings two forms of nitrogen in three different ways: quick green up, slow steady growth and more nitrogen retained. It delivers deep green colour without surge growth, as the ammonium sulphate component reduces excessive growth and lowers burn potential.
MESA® also minimises volatilisation losses and promotes nitrogen storage in the turf crown, delivering more consistent top growth by avoiding excessive nitrogen distribution to the leaf blades. As a result, less mowing and reduce the amount of overall nitrogen being spent in the clippings.
Another unique feature of this technology is, it doesn’t lose its properties when cracked, chipped, crushed or broken.
MESA XP is uniquely formulated to provide controlled release nitrogen and potassium.
By incorporating potassium sulphate into the granule, MESA-XP releases both nutrients at the same controlled rate, ensuring uniform nutrient distribution, improved plant uptake, and significantly reduced leaching loss. This ensures that potassium availability aligns with nitrogen throughout its entire longevity.
MESA XP has a special niche on sand based profiles that easily leach potassium.
The distinct indigo colour of the MESA XP granules are visible both in the air as the product is being spread and while it’s on the ground
MESA XP structure: Blue dots represent ammonium sulphate granules and the purple triangles represent the potassium sulphate trapped in the polymer mesh of methylene urea.
Over 85% of the nitrogen from Methydure technology relies on microbial activity which is controlled by soil temperature and moisture.
Methydure methylene urea comprises chains of molecules of different lengths, providing consistent slow release for sustained feeding and long lasting performance for up to 16 weeks.
Nitrogen released from Methydure® is delivered relative to soil temperature, in unison with plant demand, making it a highly efficient technology for application during the warmer parts of the growing season.
Products incorporating this technology include:
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Isodure™ releases nitrogen through dissolution and hydrolysis and is independent of microbial activity and soil temperature, allowing nutrient availability across a wide temperature range.
While Isodure can release nutrient all year, it is ideal for cool season turf in Winter and Spring.
Each molecule of Isodure™ contains two urea molecules and one isobutyraldehyde carrier, forming isobutylidenediurea. Isodure™ has extremely low solubility and is broken down slowly by water through hydrolysis over a period of 8–12 weeks. Particle size also influences release rates, with larger prills taking longer to release. This process ensures minimal nutrient release during drought conditions or when temperatures are below 8 °C.
Duration® contains a higher proportion of longer‑chain reacted urea, providing a broader spread of nutrient availability over approximately two months. Its steady release is achieved through a micro‑thin polymer membrane that completely coats the nutrient.
Its long release pattern makes it ideal for sports field and fairway use.
Water passes through the membrane and dissolves the nutrients inside, creating pressure that releases nutrients at a controlled rate. Temperature is the primary factor influencing the release rate, ensuring a measured and predictable supply.
How it works: Temperature-Controlled Diffusion
Stabilised Nitrogen Technologies
UMAXX® urea technology is formulated with urease and nitrification inhibitors and provides extended nutrient availability for up to 16 weeks. The urease and nitrification inhibitors reduce nitrogen loss due to volatilisation, leaching and denitrification. This allows nutrients to remain in plant available forms for longer, improving overall input efficiency and consistent performance.
UFLEXX® delivers a more cost effective, rapid response followed by sustained nutrient availability for up to 8 weeks.
Importantly UMAXX® is soluble and can be applied via boom application without compromising its controlled release.
Using Nutrient Technologies Together
Well‑designed fertiliser programs often combine multiple technologies to match changing turf demand across the year. By layering nutrient technologies with different release and protection mechanisms, turf managers can improve efficiency, consistency, and confidence in their nutrient inputs.
The Living Turf granular fertiliser range comprises products that incorporate blends of these technologies to maximise nutrient input efficiency and uptake. Effective nutrition is not just about how much is applied, but how and when nutrients are delivered. Modern nutrient technologies allow fertiliser programs to be aligned more closely with plant demand, soil conditions, and management objectives, delivering better results with fewer inputs.