E-Max Release Technology

E‑Max Release Technology is ICL’s advanced polymer coating, engineered to deliver nutrients in a controlled and efficient way. This semi-permeable coating surrounds each granule, allowing for a gradual release of nutrients based on soil temperature. Nutrients are released more slowly in cooler conditions and more rapidly as the soil warms, closely aligning nutrient availability with plant uptake throughout the growing cycle.

How E-Max Release Technology Works

Why Choose E‑Max Technology?

E‑Max Technology enhances the performance of ICL’s controlled-release fertilizers by addressing the key challenges of nutrient timing, efficiency, and loss:

• Enhanced nutrient use efficiency: Precision release improves nutrient use efficiency and minimizes nutrient losses via leaching, volatilization, and denitrification.
• Reduced inputs: Accurate nutrient delivery enables reduced application rates without compromising yield.
• Reliable, responsive release: The temperature-responsive coating adjusts nutrient release in step with changing crop demands.
• Ease of use: The durable coating ensures stability during blending, storage, handling, and application, ensuring consistent application in the field.

ICL Brands Featuring E‑Max

Agrocote®

Agrocote® sets the standard in efficient, precision, controlled-release fertilization for agriculture. Each granule of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium is individually coated with E‑Max, delivering a steady nutrient supply, reducing losses, and supporting stronger crop performance.

Agromaster®

Agromaster® combines E‑Max technology with carefully selected conventional granules. This combination enables season-long nutrition tailored to your crop and climate conditions, offering predictable longevity and outstanding results even in challenging environments.

How E-Max Technology Works

E‑Max coating technology is an advanced controlled-release polymer coating designed to improve nutrient use efficiency. This semi-permeable coating surrounds the nutrient core in selected Agromaster and Agrocote products. Here’s how it works:

1. Placement: E‑Max coated fertilizers are applied via broadcast, banding, row application, or spot placement.
2. Water infiltration: Soil moisture enters through the coating and begins dissolving the nutrient core.
3. Temperature response: As the soil warms, the coating becomes more permeable, accelerating nutrient release. Cooler temperatures slow the process.
4. Nutrient uptake: The result is a steady release of nutrients at a rate that matches the crop’s growth stage and needs.

There are many examples of the effectiveness of our E-Max Agromaster and Agrocote controlled-release fertilizers in our library of trial results. From potatoes in Germany, to onions in Poland, to rice in Spain, results consistently show improved yields, better nutrient use efficiency, and a stronger return on investment compared to conventional fertilization practices.

Benefits Snapshot

Best Practices for E‑Max Use

While controlled-release fertilizers with E‑Max technology are proven to enhance nutrient use efficiency and boost yields, a few simple management practices can help achieve the best possible results in the field.

• Match longevity to crop needs: Choose a product with a release duration (longevity) that fits your crop’s growth cycle and local soil conditions. Stated longevities are based on a constant soil temperature of 21°C. Use ICL’s CRF Timer tool to accurately estimate product performance in your climate.
• Select appropriate placement: Apply via broadcast, banding, or row placement to ensure nutrients are accessible in the root zone.
• Ensure adequate moisture: Although temperature controls the nutrient release rate, sufficient soil moisture is required to initiate and sustain the nutrient diffusion.
• Combine when needed: For high-demand crops or extended seasons, supplement with foliar or water-soluble fertilizers as needed.

Proven in the Field

E‑Max Release Technology offers a practical and efficient approach to fertilization, helping farmers improve nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impact. By aligning nutrient release with plant uptake, E‑Max controlled-release fertilizers ensure that more of the applied nutrients are taken up by the crop, boosting productivity, minimizing waste, and delivering strong agronomic and economic results.