Crystal Green fertilizer found to reduce runoff and emissions in university trials

A slow-release phosphate fertilizer is helping farmers cut emissions and limit nutrient runoff, offering a potential tool for meeting both environmental and production goals.

Crystal Green, produced from magnesium ammonium phosphate, has been shown to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen losses into waterways and cut greenhouse gas emissions linked to fertilizer use. Research conducted in partnership with more than 20 universities in the U.S. and Canada has found the product reduces the global warming potential of crop production by up to 11% and mitigates freshwater eutrophication by as much as 50%.

The fertilizer responds to crop root signals rather than dissolving immediately in water, a mechanism that maintains nutrient availability over time while reducing leaching and runoff. According to third-party life cycle assessments, its use has contributed to an estimated reduction of 166 million kilograms of CO₂-equivalent emissions, including 138 million kilograms from nitrous oxide.

In addition, approximately 39 million pounds of phosphorus and 19 million pounds of nitrogen have been kept out of surrounding ecosystems.

Crystal Green contains a 7-33-0 nutrient mix with 9% magnesium. Unlike conventional phosphate sources, it remains available in soils with varying pH and can reduce the total amount of phosphate applied by 25% or more, according to the manufacturer.

As agricultural producers face increasing scrutiny over environmental performance, the fertilizer offers a way to reduce Scope 3 emissions while maintaining economic returns. It has also been shown to improve soil health due to its low salt index.

The findings come as regulators and supply chain partners push for more sustainable crop production methods, particularly those that reduce the risk of algal blooms and other forms of nutrient pollution in freshwater systems.