CASFER Researchers Introduce E-Grow – A Carbon Sequestration Fertilizer
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers with the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER) based at Texas Tech University have successfully developed E-Grow, an innovative fertilizer formulation that simultaneously delivers carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. E-Grow enhances nutrient bioavailability while supporting carbon sequestration.
Impact/Benefits
NSF CASFER’s goal has been to certify E-Grow as an organic fertilizer. E-Grow surpasses traditional compost in plant growth efficiency while providing environmental benefits through slow-release nitrogen delivery, carbon sequestration, elimination of pathogens, and significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions including methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and nitrous oxide (N2O). The rich nutrient composition of E-Grow ensures that floral plants thrive with stronger, more vibrant blooms. Plants develop quickly, but also become tougher and more resilient thanks to the presence of acetic acid, which boosts strength and drought resistance.
Explanation/Background
NSF CASFER's adsorption experiments identified natural zeolites, particularly chabazite with higher sodium content, as exceptional materials for ammonia capture, achieving 10% nitrogen adsorption capacity by weight—a breakthrough that enables more efficient nitrogen recovery systems for sustainable fertilizer production. Carbon sequestration of approximately 0.03 metric tons carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents per metric ton of E- Grow at 50% humidity was also observed in experiments.
By coupling electrodialysis with a membrane contactor in a cascading process, the team successfully achieved 10% by weight nitrogen. Theoretical simulations indicate that an additional crystallization step could further concentrate the product to 20 percent by weight, aligning with NSF CASFER's long-term targets. The team’s recovery and delivery approaches included a regenerative adsorbent by ion exchange columns; an ammonia GAS regenerative adsorbent canister, and a cascading separation system that paired electrodialysis with a membrane contactor and crystallization.
Location
Lubbock, Texaswebsite
Start Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers with the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER) based at Texas Tech University have successfully developed E-Grow, an innovative fertilizer formulation that simultaneously delivers carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. E-Grow enhances nutrient bioavailability while supporting carbon sequestration.
Location
Lubbock, Texaswebsite
Start Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
NSF CASFER’s goal has been to certify E-Grow as an organic fertilizer. E-Grow surpasses traditional compost in plant growth efficiency while providing environmental benefits through slow-release nitrogen delivery, carbon sequestration, elimination of pathogens, and significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions including methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and nitrous oxide (N2O). The rich nutrient composition of E-Grow ensures that floral plants thrive with stronger, more vibrant blooms. Plants develop quickly, but also become tougher and more resilient thanks to the presence of acetic acid, which boosts strength and drought resistance.
Explanation/Background
NSF CASFER's adsorption experiments identified natural zeolites, particularly chabazite with higher sodium content, as exceptional materials for ammonia capture, achieving 10% nitrogen adsorption capacity by weight—a breakthrough that enables more efficient nitrogen recovery systems for sustainable fertilizer production. Carbon sequestration of approximately 0.03 metric tons carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents per metric ton of E- Grow at 50% humidity was also observed in experiments.
By coupling electrodialysis with a membrane contactor in a cascading process, the team successfully achieved 10% by weight nitrogen. Theoretical simulations indicate that an additional crystallization step could further concentrate the product to 20 percent by weight, aligning with NSF CASFER's long-term targets. The team’s recovery and delivery approaches included a regenerative adsorbent by ion exchange columns; an ammonia GAS regenerative adsorbent canister, and a cascading separation system that paired electrodialysis with a membrane contactor and crystallization.