Science | CropTab™ — Farm Minerals

CropTab™

Formulation

Mechanism of Action

Field Trials & Results

Sustainability Impact

Testing & Quality Assurance

Compatibility

CropTab™ tablet fertilizers are engineered for nutrient efficiency. Each tablet contains carbon-encapsulated N, P, and K designed for direct uptake through leaf cuticle or root interface — without waste, runoff, or emissions.

Unlike bulk fertilizers that flood the soil, CropTab™ works in three parallel ways:

Direct uptake

Nutrients encapsulated in tiny carbon capsules pass natural plant barriers, ensuring nearly all applied material is absorbed.

Soil unlocking

Molecular level carbon stimulation increases root exudation and microbial activity, mobilizing the large reserves of N, P, and K already present but normally unavailable in cropland soils.

Metabolic efficiency

Light-active carbon expands usable light and stabilizes plant metabolism, allowing the crop to convert the same nutrients into more energy and growth — achieving the same yield with fewer added nutrients.

The result: every tablet sustains plant nutrition not only through direct uptake, but by unlocking nutrients in soil and improving the plant’s metabolic efficiency — allowing the same nutrients to produce more growth.

Formulation

Each CropTab™ tablet contains a precision-engineered blend of nutrients encapsulated in a carbon matrix.
The architecture enables controlled release, enhanced uptake, and synchronization with plant demand.

CropTab™ N

Primary Nutrient

Nitrogen

Nutrient Form

55% embedded C–N (mid)

30% amine / pyrrolic N-H (fast)

15% stabilized NO₃ (slow)

Release Profile

Fast: 0–24h 
Mid: 2–7d 
Slow: 1–3w

Function

Sustained nitrogen availability for growth, tillering, and protein synthesis

CropTab™ P

Primary Nutrient

Phosphorus

Nutrient Form

Phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) from: 
• Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ 
• Ca₂P₂O₇ 
• H₃PO₄

Release Profile

Immediate (orthophosphate) + residual (pyrophosphate)

Function

Root initiation, energy metabolism (ATP), flowering support

CropTab™ K

Primary Nutrient

Potassium

Nutrient Form

Potassium oxide (K₂O) from: 
• K₂SO₄ 
• K₂S

Release Profile

Immediate (soluble K)

Function

Water regulation, stress resistance, grain and fruit fill

CropTab™ is fully registered under US state fertilizer regulations and compliant with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 for fertilizers in the European Union. Each batch is tested against strict contaminant limits and certified safe when used as directed.

Mechanism of Action

CropTab™ tablets use a multi-phase delivery system designed to overcome the inefficiencies of bulk fertilizers. Each step — from dissolution to uptake — is engineered for precision and integration with natural nutrient cycles.

Tablet dissolution

Once added to water, the tablet disintegrates in ~10 minutes. Light stirring disperses carbon-encapsulated nutrients into a stable suspension. No special agitation required.

Precision-encapsulated nutrients

Nutrients are bound within tiny carbon-based particles. This molecular-level size enables passage through the leaf cuticle and root epidermis — routes typically blocked to conventional compounds.

Leaf uptake: Penetrates via stomata and cuticular microchannels.
Root uptake: Adsorption to root hairs, diffusion through ion channels.

Efficiency pathways

CropTab™ does more than supply nutrients — it optimizes how plants use them. It activates three reinforcing pathways:

Direct uptake — nearly all applied N, P, and K enter plant tissue directly, avoiding the losses typical of soil fertilizers.
Soil unlocking — molecular-level carbon stimulation enhances root exudation and microbial partners, mobilizing the soil’s nutrient reserves (legacy N, P, K) that are normally unavailable.
Metabolic efficiency — light-active carbon broadens usable light and stabilizes plant metabolism, allowing the crop to convert the same nutrients into more energy and growth — reaching the same yield with fewer added nutrients.

Size matters

At the molecular level CropTab™ capsules are large enough to remain stable, yet small enough to cross natural plant barriers. Too large, and the nutrient stays outside; too small, and it becomes unstable. CropTab™ is engineered at this biological “sweet spot.”

Optimal Capsule Scale for Uptake

Controlled release

CropTab™ tablets release nutrients in three timed phases, matching plant demand while supporting natural soil and atmospheric nutrient flows.

CropTab™ NPK

Phase

Timing

Nutrient Form

Role in Plant

Fast

0–24 hours

Amine/pyrrolic N-H, soluble K, orthophosphate

Kickstarts early metabolism & root energy

Mid

2–7 days

Carbon-bound (embedded) C–N, pyrophosphate

Supports vegetative growth and elongation

Slow

1–3 weeks

Oxidised nitrogen (NOₓ, e.g., nitrate)

Feeds reproductive stages without leaching

Zero-loss pathway

Unlike granular or urea-based fertilizers, no component of CropTab™ is lost to volatilization or leaching. Thecarbon encapsulation stabilizes nutrients, ensuring that nearly every gram is absorbed.

Integration with natural cycles:

Direct foliar and root uptake provides near-100% efficiency, delivering nutrients directly into plant tissue.
Molecular-level carbon stimulation enhances root exudation and microbial activity, mobilizing legacy soil N, P and K that are normally unavailable.
Light-active carbon improves photosynthetic and metabolic efficiency, allowing the plant to convert the same nutrients into more growth and energy.

The result is a nutrient profile that feeds plants continuously and efficiently — not just from the tablet itself, but by amplifying the plant’s ability to use the nutrients already available in the soil.

Tank Mixing

CropTab™ tablet dissolves in water

Capsule suspension

Carbon-encapsulated nutrients

Nutrient uptake

Absorption via levave and roots

Directions for Use

CropTab™ tablets are fully water-dispersible and designed for fast mixing, clean spraying, and precision delivery. Compatible with all standard agricultural equipment.

For seeding and early root support

In-furrow method

Dissolve tablet in water tank. Inject during planting using standard drilling system. Apply directly to seed row.

For vegetative & reproductive stages

Foliar spray method

Drop 1 tablet per 2.5 acres (one hectare) into 5–10 L of clean water. Wait 5-10 minutes to dissolve. Stir lightly. Spray as normal.

Mixing:
‍No specialized agitation needed. Dissolves fully without residue.

Timing:
Apply early in the day or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight.

Frequency:
Use in 2–3 passes depending on crop and growth stage.

Compatibility:
Safe to tank-mix with most herbicides, fungicides, and biologicals (see “Compatibility” section).

For crop-specific recommendations, consult the product label or contact the Farm Minerals agronomy team.

Field Trials & Results

CropTab™ has been tested across cereals, oilseeds, and specialty crops. Results consistently show biomass gains, balanced growth, and nutrient enrichment — achieved with ultra-low inputs.

Winter wheat

Independent grain analysis by Lancrop Laboratories confirmed that CropTab™ maintained very high grain nitrogen (protein proxy) while increasing phosphorus, potassium, and zinc concentrations compared to untreated controls:

24%

P₂O₅ in grain (79.5 vs 63.9 kg/ha at 8 t/ha yield)

13%

K₂O in grain (50.0 vs 44.2 kg/ha).

10%

Zn enrichment (462 vs 419 g/ha).

Total nitrogen offtake remained equal to control (167 vs 170 kg/ha), despite a fraction of the fertilizer input.

This demonstrates that CropTab™ does not just sustain protein levels — it mobilizes soil reserves to enrich grain with essential macronutrients and micronutrients.

Show more detailed info

Optimal Capsule Scale for Uptake

Parameter

CropTab™ Treated

Untreated Control

N (kg/ha)

167.3

170.0

P2O5 (kg/ha)

79.5

63.9

K2O (kg/ha)

50.0

44.2

CaO (kg/ha)

4.7

MgO (kg/ha)

18.1

15.8

SO3 (kg/ha)

28.9

27.2

B (g/ha)

9.0

5.0

Cu (g/ha)

52.0

54.0

Fe (g/ha)

397.0

332.0

Mn (g/ha)

167.0

155.0

Mo (g/ha)

3.0

Zn (g/ha)

462.0

419.0

Farm Minerals Internal Field Trials ⁽²⁰²⁴⁾

Key observations & results

Consistent biomass gains across all three macronutrients, with the largest response in basil and sunflower.

Balanced shoot-to-root growth (see Morphological tables in CropTab™ NPK brochure) confirms nutrient partitioning rather than shoot-heavy overstimulation.

Trials were conducted under identical irrigation, light, and temperature regimes to isolate nutrient effect.

Sustainability Impact

CropTab™ fertilizers are built to perform without emissions, overuse, or waste. From production to application, every step is optimized for environmental integrity and long-term soil health.

For the first time, zero-emission fertilizers don’t cost more — they pay off. Growers earn yield gains and carbon credits without changing equipment or routines.

Zero-emission production

Traditional nitrogen fertilizers are manufactured using the Haber–Bosch process, which emits 1.8–2.0 tons of CO₂ per ton of product. CropTab™ bypasses this entirely.
‍
Our carbon-encapsulation process produces zero CO₂ at source.

Over 1/2 ton of CO₂e saved per acre at no extra cost

Life cycle analysis shows CropTab™ N reduces emissions by ~500–600 lb CO₂e per acre. Savings come from:

No emissions during production.
No volatilization or nitrate runoff.
Higher nutrient-use efficiency — less applied, more absorbed.

Ultra-light logistics

1,000 tablets = 2,500 acres (1,000 ha) ≈ 13 kg total weight.
Ships by courier (DHL, FedEx, even parcel post).
Eliminates bulk bags, pallets, and diesel-intensive transport.

Less packaging, less waste

No drums. No bulk bags. No totes. Just compact courier-weight packs.

Fewer rinses and disposals
No plastic liners or pallet wrap
Minimal on-farm storage space

By reducing both material volume and packaging complexity, CropTab™ NPK cuts waste at every step from factory to field

Soil-safe by design

Unlike bulk fertilizers that overload root zones and accelerate acidification, CropTab™ delivers small, precise doses.

Prevents salt buildup
Supports microbial balance
Reduces long-term soil degradation
Leaves no insoluble residue

For the first time, zero-emission fertilizers don’t cost more — they pay off. Growers earn yield gains and carbon credits without changing equipment or routines.
‍
Net effect: the same (or better) crop response with less product moved, less chemistry in the field, and less waste across the system.
‍
For LCA assumptions and farm-level accounting, contact the Farm Minerals agronomy team.

Testing & Quality Assurance

‍Particle sizing: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), laser diffraction

Solubility & disintegration: Manual + spectrophotometric verification

‍Microbial screening: ISO 6579 / ISO 16649

Compatibility

CropTab™ tablets are formulated to work seamlessly with standard agricultural practices. They dissolve cleanly in tank mixes and remain stable across a wide range of inputs and water conditions.

CropTab™ has been tested with common foliar and soil inputs, including:

Herbicides: glyphosate, 2,4-D, clethodim
Fungicides: azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, copper-based mixes
Biologicals: microbial inoculants, humic acids
Other nutrients: urea, calcium nitrate, micronutrient chelates

No precipitates or inactivation observed in any tested combination.

Stability Parameters

Factor

Range Tested

Stability Window

4.0 – 9.0

≥ 24 hours

Water hardness

≤400 ppm CaCO₃

No effect on solubility

EC (conductivity)

0.3 – 2.0 mS/cm

Fully compatible in tank mix

Temperature

5 – 35 °C

No impact on dissolution time

Storage

Sealed tablets, dry

≥24 months shelf stability

Apply to Join the 2026 CropTab™ Early-Access Program

CropTab™

CropTab™ tablet fertilizers are engineered for nutrient efficiency. Each tablet contains carbon-encapsulated N, P, and K designed for direct uptake through leaf cuticle or root interface — without waste, runoff, or emissions.

Direct uptake

Soil unlocking

Metabolic efficiency

Formulation

CropTab™ N

Primary Nutrient

Nutrient Form

Release Profile

Function

CropTab™ P

Primary Nutrient

Nutrient Form

Release Profile

Function

CropTab™ K

Primary Nutrient

Nutrient Form

Release Profile

Function

Mechanism of Action

Tablet dissolution

Precision-encapsulated nutrients

Efficiency pathways

Size matters

Controlled release

Zero-loss pathway

Tank Mixing

Capsule suspension

Nutrient uptake

Directions for Use

Field Trials & Results

Winter wheat

Farm Minerals Internal Field Trials (2024)

Key observations & results

Sustainability Impact

Zero-emission production

Over 1/2 ton of CO₂e saved per acre at no extra cost

Ultra-light logistics

Less packaging, less waste

Soil-safe by design

Testing & Quality Assurance

Batch-Level Testing

Nutrient content (N, P, K)

Capsule size distribution

Disintegration time

Solubility

pH

Heavy metals (Cd, Pb, etc.)

Pathogen screen

Analytical Methods

Compatibility

See the Difference for Yourself

Farm Minerals Internal Field Trials ⁽²⁰²⁴⁾