Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Field-Scale Production of Nanoparticle Phosphorus Fertilizers: Advancing to Multi-Acre Trials

EPA Contract Number: 68HERC25C0031
Title: Field-Scale Production of Nanoparticle Phosphorus Fertilizers: Advancing to Multi-Acre Trials
Investigators: Backhaus, Andreas J
Small Business: Prospect Growth, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: December 16, 2024 through June 15, 2025
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2025) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

This EPA SBIR Phase I project aimed to develop an enhanced-efficiency phosphorus fertilizer using phosphorus-containing nanomaterials synthesized through a proprietary, low-cost, and green chemistry process. Conventional phosphorus fertilizers struggle with high rates of soil fixation and leaching, which limit plant uptake and impose unnecessary costs on farmers. In contrast, nanomaterial-based fertilizers, thanks to their high surface area and unique reactivity, have demonstrated the potential to improve nutrient availability, uptake efficiency, and reduce losses.

Despite years of promising research, commercialization of these “nanofertilizer” technologies has been hindered by the absence of scalable, affordable synthesis methods capable of supporting field-level volumes. This project sought to overcome that barrier by advancing a novel synthesis method for nano-phosphorus materials, enabling production exceeding the kilogram-scale and thus suitable for agronomic trials.

The primary objectives were to:

1. Develop a scalable formulation of phosphorus-based nanomaterials using our proprietary synthesis process, and
2. Demonstrate production at sufficient scale to support acre-level field testing, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial-scale testing.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Summary of Findings:

• Developed a scalable, green synthesis method for producing phosphorus nanofertilizer using bio-derived process reagents
• Validated material quality and consistency using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering
• Scaled production from 1 ml to over 100 liters (100,000x scaleup), demonstrating commercial potential of the material and providing ample product for field testing
• Observed significant biomass gains (>30%) in nanomaterial-treated corn grown under phosphorus-limiting conditions in greenhouse trials
• Deployed the material at the acre with a state research partner to evaluate agronomic impact and nutrient use efficiency
• Soil studies showed significantly lower phosphate leaching rates compared to conventional soluble, ionic phosphate sources

This nanofertilizer technology targets a segment of the $60B global fertilizer market that is increasingly seeking high-efficiency products. The approach is especially well-suited for phosphorus-limited soils and crops like corn and soybeans, where efficient phosphorus use is critical to profitable farm economics. The technology offers compatibility with existing farm equipment and application practices. Initial conversations with regional commodity boards, input distributors, and agricultural corporations indicate early interest.

Conclusions:

The project’s outcomes significantly exceeded initial Phase I objectives. Production was scaled more than five-fold beyond initial targets, and field trial scope increased 100-fold, allowing for material study at a virtually unheard-of scale. Data demonstrated that the phosphorus nanofertilizer produced with Prospect Growth’s process can increase crop growth under phosphorus-limiting conditions while reducing phosphorus loss to the environment. These initial results suggest this approach presents a technically and commercially viable solution to one of agriculture’s most persistent nutrient management challenges. These results support a clear path to future development work, which will focus on optimizing formulation chemistry, expanding to multi-location field trials, and progressing toward commercial-scale production.