NEW REACTIVE MINERAL LAYER COATING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOBASED ENHANCED EFFICIENCY FERTILIZERS

Having demonstrated the feasibility of the technology in Phase I, GT will continue its research on, and development of, the coating method to manufacture enhanced efficiency biosolids and manure-based fertilizer products for commercialization in agriculture-related markets. Phase II Technical Objectives are identified specifically to overcome key technical challenges that must be addressed to move the product to commercialization. Objectives include, 1. Develop commercial pilot manufacturing. Phase II will carry out the research needed to adapt the batch processes demonstrated in Phase I to a Pilot scale continuous production process of five targeted coated biosolids fertilizer products. 2. Demonstrate safety and quantify the physical characteristics of the new fertilizer compositions. Phase II will quantify and document self-heating characteristics of the coated fertilizer products and compare results to uncoated bio-based organic fertilizers. Phase II will also measure and document the physical characteristics of the coated fertilizers, including hardness, bulk density, and product uniformity. 3. Conduct field studies of the new coated organic fertilizers. Field studies will target entry markets of turfgrass and citrus to demonstrate the efficacy of the new product line. 4. Adapt the patented coating process to other biobased sources, in particular, manure-based fertilizers.