Most nitrogen fertilizers are not used efficiently by crops. Plants typically absorb only 30–35% of the nitrogen applied, while the rest is lost to the air, soil, and water. These losses increase greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to water pollution, and reduce the value growers receive from their fertilizer investment. Existing solutions, such as plastic-coated fertilizers and chemical additives, can create other environmental problems, including microplastic pollution and risks to non-target organisms.
The Lucent Biosciences Genomics Project will develop and test Agreos Nitrogen, a biodegradable controlled-release fertilizer coating made from natural biopolymers produced from surplus starch generated by Western Canada’s agricultural industry. The coating is designed to release nitrogen more gradually, matching the nutrient needs of crops and reducing waste while maintaining strong crop performance. The project will also develop an oil-based version of the coating that can be used with existing commercial fertilizer coating equipment.
The project includes four main activities. First, researchers will optimize the biodegradable coating to achieve consistent nitrogen release. Second, greenhouse studies will test how well the fertilizer improves nitrogen use efficiency and crop growth in corn, soybean, wheat, canola, and lettuce. Third, field trials across Western Canada will evaluate crop yield and fertilizer performance under real farming conditions. Finally, the project will assess the environmental benefits of the product, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional fertilizers.
The project aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency by at least 5%, maintain or increase crop yields, and confirm that the coating leaves no microplastic residue in the environment.
Completion of the project will support commercial the launch of Agreos Nitrogen. Successfully developed, Agreos Nitrogen will offer Canada’s agricultural sector a more effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilizers while helping meet emerging regulations related to microplastic use.
