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A research team developed an experimental controlled-release fertilizer using recycled canola oil and sulfur. In a tomato-plant demonstration, the material released nutrients gradually and the report says it avoided nutrient burn and reduced fertilizer loss in runoff compared with free nutrients. The result is promising, but it is not a quantified field trial or a commercially available product.
How can used cooking oil be part of a fertilizer?
In the 2018 report, “used cooking oil” means recycled canola oil used as a raw material for a polymer—not oil poured directly onto soil. Researchers combined the oil with sulfur using a process called inverse vulcanization. Sulfur reacts with multiple carbon–carbon double bonds in the oil’s triglycerides, forming a cross-linked polymer.
They incorporated nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into that polymer while it was being formed. The result was a nutrient-bearing material designed to release its contents as water moved through it.
How does the controlled release work?
Water enters pores and channels in the polymer and dissolves the embedded nutrients. As that water moves through the material, nutrients are released rather than being supplied all at once as free fertilizer. The polymer also releases sulfur, which the report identifies as an essential plant nutrient.
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This addresses a common problem with fertilizer: nutrients that plants do not take up can wash away in runoff, wasting fertilizer and potentially harming surrounding waterways and ecosystems.
What did the tomato-plant demonstration show?
The researchers demonstrated the material by growing tomato plants. Chemistry World reports that, compared with free nutrients, the formulation averted nutrient burn and fertilizer loss in tailwater—the water that drains from an irrigated growing area.
Rank #2
- HOW TO APPLY: To apply, simply shake granules evenly on the soil, mix into the top 1-3 inches of soil in gardens or throughout the soil for potted plants, and water to start feeding
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The report does not give a numerical effect size, such as a percentage reduction in nutrient loss or an increase in yield. It also does not establish performance in broader field trials. The finding is therefore an experimental comparison, not proof that the material will reduce pollution under all farming conditions.
Is this a fertilizer you can buy or make at home?
The report describes a research material, not a named retail product, and does not establish commercial availability. Ordinary cooking oil, sulfur, and fertilizer are not equivalent to the polymer tested. The study does not show that pouring used oil into garden soil is beneficial, nor does it provide a home recipe for reproducing the material.
Rank #3
- Package contains 16 Pounds organic all purpose plant fertilizer grains and is produced to avoid wasteful runoff, mess, hazards and smells
- Plant fertilizer is formulated with a 4-4-4 NPK to provide vegetables, plants, and flowers nutrients they need for a high yield and vibrant foliage
- Jobe's organic fertilizer contains no synthetic chemicals and are OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
- Application is simple and should be done every 2-3 weeks or as needed during the growing season
- Jobe's organic fertilizer is easily measured to provide the right amount of nutrients for vegetables, flowers, and plants without over fertilizing
Why the approach is notable—and what remains unknown
The concept combines two waste-related feedstocks: recycled canola oil and sulfur, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Justin Chalker of Flinders University described it as “a step towards a circular economy.” David Mecerreyes of the Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering said the reported plant-growth impact could open new agricultural uses for sulfur polymers.
The underlying study is M. Mann et al., published in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry in 2018 (DOI: 10.1039/c8ob02130a). The report supports the material’s composition, release mechanism, and tomato demonstration, but the available account does not provide detailed trial conditions or numerical results. Those limits matter: further evidence would be needed to judge performance, practicality, and pollution reductions at field scale.
Quick Recap
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- FEED YOUR PLANTS: Burpee's All-Purpose Organic Plant Food is formulated to keep your plants growing and happy throughout the season. Major nutrients as well as calcium, minor nutrients, and some of the beneficial microbes that help keep the soil and plants healthy are released immediately and continue to feed your plants for up to 3 months.
- FOR VEGETABLES, FLOWERS & HERBS: Use this natural plant food for seed starting, bedding plants, vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs and flower containers. OMRI labeled organic. The custom blend promotes plant growth and more blooms! Great for indoor or outdoor plants.
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED: OMRI listed for organic gardening use, this plant food safely keeps your soil and plants as healthy as they can be. Easy to apply granules release essential nutrients and deliver fast-acting results for all types of plants in your home garden. Follow instructions on the bag for how much plant food to apply.
- GREAT FOR CONTAINERS: Use this balanced mix to promote growth of flowers, vegetable and herbs in patio pots and containers. You'll see the difference in plant health, fruit production and vibrancy of blooms. A natural fertilizer for growing your best garden.
- Since 1876: Generations of customers have trusted Burpee to deliver the highest quality products and service. Gardeners rely on Burpee for accurate plant information and how-to tips that make gardening easier and more successful. Let’s grow together!
Rank #4
- Produce abundant and vibrant fruit and blooms! This product works by strengthening your plant's roots to increase nutrient uptake… enabling it to bloom and produce like you've never seen!
- Use on all flower / fruit / vegetable producing plants (we've seen amazing results with citrus trees, avocados, raspberries, cantaloupe, roses, petunias, etc… but this formula will work on a wide range of plants)
- Super, super concentrated - A little goes a LONG way (we recommend you dilute at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 2 gallons of water)
- Easy to use - simply dilute with water and pour or spray on your plants with their regular watering routine… repeat every 2-4 weeks
- Formulated especially for late season (late summer / early fall) application… this is exactly what your plants need in the later stages of the growth cycle
Read the Chemistry World report.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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