Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: SMARTP Fertilizer - The Environment-Friendly Phosphate Alternative

EPA Contract Number: 68HERC25C0034
Title: SMARTP Fertilizer - The Environment-Friendly Phosphate Alternative
Investigators: Varadachari, Chandrika
Small Business: Agtec Innovations 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 focused on the development of SmartP, a next-generation phosphate fertilizer that is root-activated, non-polluting, and cost-effective. Designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional products like DAP and MAP, SmartP tackles two major limitations:

• Low phosphate use efficiency (only ~30% is utilized by plants)
• Severe environmental consequences from nutrient runoff and leaching, including water pollution and eutrophication

SmartP Innovation Highlights:

• Root-Activated Release: SmartP remains water-insoluble until triggered by root exudates, preventing leaching and runoff.
• Crystal Matrix Structure: A proprietary calcium polyphosphate network (with phosphate, calcium, and nitrogen), ensuring nutrient availability without microplastic residues.
• Eco-Safe Profile: Near-zero water solubility but 99% solubility in organic acids that are used as an index of nutrient availability (citric, DTPA, EDTA, Mehlich-3).

Proposed Key Objectives & Targeted Success Criteria:

1. Reduce phosphate pollution
   • Water solubility <5% of total phosphate
   • Leaching and runoff reduced to <0.01 mg/L phosphate as P
2. Improve yields at lower dosages
   • 5% yield increase at 30% reduced application rate of P₂O₅
   • >90% of total P solubile in citric, DTPA, EDTA, to demonstrate plant nutrient availablity
3. Demonstrate ROI & commercial feasibility
   • Per acre cost no more than 3% of DAP / MAP
   • Higher ROI over DAP by 150%.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Results Achieved- Lab & Field Results Summary:

• Water solubility: Generally, around 1.5-2% of total P. Even in acidic conditions (pH 4) solubility is about 2.5% whereas DAP / MAP show 90-100% solubility.
• Leaching: No detectable increase in P in subsurface water samples. In laboratory leaching 0.1-1% loss of P- this equals <0.002 mg/L which is 1/10th the concentration that contributes to eutrophication. In comparison leaching of P from DAP / MAP was around 11% to 54%.
• Runoff: Less than 0.5% of total P resulting in in 0.001 mg/L P in the water; in comparison, runoff for MAP was nearly 10%
• Yield (Swiss chard, radish, potato):
  • SmartP produced 17–24% more yield vs. MAP at 50% dosage
  • Better crop quality
  • SmartP performed best when used with fine-to-medium granules (better root access)

Cost & profitability:

• Application rate: Significantly less than DAP / MAP by 50%.
• Cost per acre: Less than DAP (by about 0.7 c/acre).
• ROI & Profitability: ROI around 700-1500% over DAP and profitability about $40-$80 per acre over DAP.

Manufacturing & Scalability:

• Raw Materials: Phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate/lime – abundant, low-cost inputs
• Process: Clean production with no gaseous or liquid effluent
• Granules: Non-hygroscopic, compatible with urea, micronutrients and existing fertilizer equipment
• Cost Efficiency:
  • Per acre cost parity with DAP ensures competitive pricing
  • Higher profitability to farmer

Use Case & Market Fit:

• Applicable across diverse agro-climatic zones
• Compatible with DAP, urea, and micronutrient blends
• Initial Markets: Greenhouse and high-value vegetables
• Scalability Targets: Corn, soybean, rice, cotton, and turfgrass
• Regulatory Fit: Ideal for states with phosphorus restrictions (e.g., Lake Erie Basin, Florida)

 

Conclusions:

Conclusion & Commercial Outlook:
SmartP has demonstrated clear proof of concept with strong performance in:

• Environmental safety
• Yield enhancement
• Economic feasibility

The technology meets the urgent demand for Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) and can address critical policy-driven restrictions on phosphate use. Our business model—licensing to established fertilizer manufacturers—will accelerate market penetration while minimizing risk. SmartP offers a rare triple benefit:

1. Higher yield
2. Lower cost per acre
3. Near-zero phosphate pollution