Sustainable management of soil
The International Union of Soil Science (IUSS) introduced World Soil Day on the 5th of December 2002, with a focus on the value of healthy soil and increasing our knowledge on the sustainable management of soil.
The International Union of Soil Science (IUSS) introduced World Soil Day on the 5th of December 2002, with a focus on the value of healthy soil and increasing our knowledge on the sustainable management of soil.
Using greener, more environmentally friendly processes and ingredients is vital to achieving responsible farming and healthier soil. To better understand how we can protect soil and maintain healthy ecosystems, we spoke to some of our Agrochemical experts to discuss three key topics – seed coatings, fertilisers, and microplastics.
Seed coatings
We sat with Dries Decoutere, Account Manager at IMCD Benelux, to understand the challenges surrounding the seed coating industry and to discuss the sustainable options that are available on the market today.
What are the current issues surrounding the seed coating process?
Dries: Firstly, it's important to know what seed coatings are used for. For our customers, it could be for a variety of reasons. They could want a specific coating colouring, or perhaps they'd like a regular seed shape. This is a common problem as machinery used in farming requires a regular format and size to be more effective in the sowing process. A more defined shape makes it easier to plant.
Another example could be applying coatings to increase weight. This is sometimes done as a very simple increase in the weight of the seed can help sell it at a higher cost because they are sold per kilogram or per gram. Finally, an increasingly common reason for seed coating is the application of different types of micronutrients, fungicides and biopesticides. All are used to protect the seed and to make sure that it will germinate.
Based on all these options, there can be different challenges in creating a seed coating. If we start from the very beginning where we have just the normal binder and you create a formulation, getting the specifics right can be the first challenge. At IMCD, we are able to support our customers with these requirements.
How is IMCD looking into introducing more sustainable alternatives?
Dries: We are constantly looking at finding sustainable solutions. For example, we have binders that are more biobased, and we have anti-foam wetting agents. With a new upcoming regulation, we are also focusing on offering microplastic-free coating solutions.
This new regulation, which is expected in the near future, provides a requirement of the amount of microplastics that can be used in the coating. Hence, it’s vital for every business to find a suitable option.
Currently, the answer to this is to find biobased or biodegradable solutions. Our IMCD Agrochemicals division has been one step ahead, collaborating with AMULIX (Covestro) since last year. Amulix have tested their ready-to-use coating on multiple seeds - from forage crops to different types of vegetable seeds and many more. There has also been research on the different type of colours available; everything to ensure the coating works and is effective. As this regulation forms a new challenge in the market, every farmer, and every customer needs to switch to a new type of seed coating, which is where IMCD can help.
Alongside this collaboration, we are also looking at ready-to-use and formulation-specific alternatives to make sure we continue to stay ahead of the curve.
Fertilisers
Along with taking steps to enhance the seed coating process, it's critical to recognise how using common fertilisers impacts us and what can be done to reduce toxicity.
There are several types of fertiliser. In essence, they are concentrated sources of plant nutrients, frequently in the shape of pellets, granules, liquids, powders, or other compact forms. The benefits include the ability to accelerate plant development and, in certain situations, boost yield. The drawback is that the chemicals frequently create pollution since they are readily carried away by water.
One of the disadvantages of fertiliser usage is the pollution it can cause. What are the ways in which this is changing and what does IMCD do to support positive changes in the reduction of toxic side effects?
Where do you see future of fertilisers going? Are there industrial changes you are seeing?
Microplastics
IMCD Technical Manager for Agrochemicals, Caroline Freier shared her thoughts with us on the significance of using biodegradable substances.
How do we avoid the accumulation of Microplastics in our soil?
Can you talk to us about any promising developments in biodegradable ingredients?
Caroline: Leading manufacturers that IMCD partner with have recognised that there is a need to rapidly develop seed treatment binders that are not only water soluble, but also fully biodegradable. Furthermore, their priority is to use raw materials that are naturally derived and biobased. The goal is to allow formulators to create more natural and sustainable seed treatment products without compromising performance in the field. There is also a focus on developing biodegradable formulation inerts for use in crop protection products such as surfactants, rheology modifiers and solvents. High quality products already on the market today are being used to create the next generation of leading and sustainable agrochemical formulations.
For more information about our agrochemical offering, check out our solution centre
References:
1. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.1268
2. https://unece.org/reactive-nitrogen
3. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/seed-coating-materials-market-149045530.html