WAARDENBURG, the Netherlands, February 2, 2010: Forty years ago, Scotts launched the controlled release fertilizer Osmocote in Europe. Since then, it has regularly developed new generations of coated fertilizers. The latest innovation is the double-coated Osmocote granule. “Every development is aimed at making the crop grow even better”, says Gerard Klein Onstenk, international marketing manager for ornamentals at Scotts Professional.
With Osmocote, Scotts was the first to market a controlled release fertilizer forty years ago. The launch was the start of a period in which Scotts led the way in the further development of coated fertilizers. The aim was to get a better grip on the growth of crops in order to improve quality. In the early eighties, Scotts introduced the second generation of coated fertilizers. Besides nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, these also used trace elements which are released during the entire longevity. “Another step forwards for professional growers. These developments made it possible to fertilize plants in growing media properly, safely and efficiently”, says Gerard Klein Onstenk, international marketing manager for ornamentals.
Programmable release pattern
In the late 90ss, Scotts introduced Osmocote Exact. This product releases minerals according to a predetermined release pattern. This allows growers to know its effects before they use it. This is important in order to be able to manage fertilization. The fourth generation is known under the name Osmocote Exact DCT. With DCT, the release of the fertilizers is programmable. A double coating ensures that the fertilizers are released at the moment that the growing plant needs them. As a result, the release of nutrients is even better tailored to the specific needs of the crop.
Focus on innovation, service and quality
Scotts will continue to focus on the development of quality products for container nursery stock, pot plant and bedding plant cultivation in the years to come. To this end, it makes ongoing investments in innovation, quality and service. “Customers need to be able to count on our products and expert support”, says Klein Onstenk. An area of focus for Scotts is the environmental impact of fertilizers. In developing new products, it aims to further limit the leaching out of fertilizers. Scotts is also currently looking into whether the coating technology which it uses for the Osmocote granules is suitable for other applications.  It is now also focusing on growers in Eastern Europe and Asia who are still using conventional fertilizers. “In those countries, growers are cultivating their crops the way we did forty years ago and they underestimate the importance of good fertilization. Osmocote has good prospects there.”