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Controlled-Release Fertilizers: Get Superior Results with Fewer Applications

Posted on April 24, 2025

Young potted citrus crops in a greenhouse

By Nelson Gonzalez

Growers are constantly being asked to do more with less. That’s why it’s critical to make every input count, especially when it comes to fertilization. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) were engineered to meet this challenge head-on. CRFs release nutrients efficiently over time with fewer applications.

How do controlled-release fertilizers work?

With CRFs, it’s easy to make a big impact. Unlike traditional fertilizers, a CRF’s coating provides a consistent release of nutrition. In most instances, each prill has a polymer coating that releases key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients slowly into the media.

CRFs vs. traditional fertilizers

When choosing between a traditional fertilizer or CRF, growers choose CRFs because of benefits such as:

  • Fewer applications needed: Instead of weekly or biweekly liquid feeds, a single CRF application can support an entire crop cycle. This saves time, reduces or even eliminates tank mixing and leads to less labor overall.
  • Less nutrient waste: Because CRFs are specially coated, they don’t break down all at once. With traditional fertilizers nutrients are lost because they release the nutrients all at once, which typically can’t all be taken up by the plant. CRFs provide the right amount of nutrients when the plant needs them. When controlled-release fertilizers are applied directly to the media, there are fewer losses due to runoff, which is especially important in container-grown crops and water-sensitive areas.
  • Consistent nutrient delivery: CRFs offer a smooth, sustained release. There is a predictable release curve that supports healthy root development and uniform growth. Growers can expect dependable performance from every single prill.
  • Smarter spending: CRFs are the more cost-effective option when considering the different options available to provide nutrition to your plants. Although CRFs may have a higher upfront cost per bag, they can reduce labor, lower application frequency, reduce equipment maintenance and decrease nutrient losses, thus improving long-term return on investment (ROI). One application can last for an entire crop cycle.

Choosing the Right Controlled-Release Fertilizer (CRF)

For more than 40 years, growers have depended on Florikan® products across a wide range of crops. Florikan’s technologically advanced controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) feed plants through a specialized coating compound, ensuring consistent nutrition.  

With multiple formulations to suit different types of plants, Florikan CRFs — such as Nutricote® and GAL- XeONE® — aren’t just about convenience; they’re about smarter plant nutrition.

Whether you’re managing thousands of containers or a small specialty operation, these advanced fertilizers offer precision, reliability and long-term value.

Application tips: Choosing the right method for your operation

CRFs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There’s flexibility in how they’re applied depending on your operation.

 Top-dress

  • Easy and quick. Can be applied to the surface of the media.
  • Great for re-applications.
  • Can increase weed pressure and fertilizer can fall out of the container if the plant falls over.

 Dibble

  • Place the fertilizer in a hole in the media, then place the plug on top in the hole.
  • Not to be used on sensitive crops and should be thoroughly trialed prior to implementation.

 Subdress

  • Fertilizer is placed just under the surface level of the media for increased performance.
  • Keeps nutrients near the root zone while minimizing weed growth.

 Incorporation

  • CRF is mixed into the media before potting.
  • Cost-effective and offers even distribution.

Not sure where to start?

As you plan your next fertility program, consider this: What if one application could take your crop from start to finish? With CRFs, that’s possible.

Contact our team to help you learn more about Florikan CRFs and find the right CRF for your operation.

PROFILE PRODUCTS IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY POTENTIAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM CULTURAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
Products may be covered by one or more patents, trademarks, design registrations. Please visit www.profileproducts.com/intellectualproperty.
GAL-XeONE® is used under license from JR Simplot Company. Nutricote® is used under license from Sojitz America, Inc