Advanced Granule Technology is a relatively new group of nutrient and/or active ingredient "carriers" that target enhanced delivery of value added chemistry to agricultural crops such as Turf, Ornamental Landscapes, Food Crops or in some cases, pest control situations. The term "carrier" is typically used when describing a granule that transports active ingredients from point A to point B. Advanced Granules however, are immediately activated with irrigation, rainfall or dew to perform a function that enhances the value added delivery.
There are currently three types of Advanced Granules: Soil Dispersing, Foliar and Foaming Granules.
Soil Dispersing Granules
These granules can contain nutrients and/or active ingredients or other value added chemistry that is designed to target soil activity. Traditional granules, such as clay or sand, simply lay on the soil surface for weeks or longer before the value added chemistry reaches the intended target. Commercial examples include DGlite and Contec DG®.
Foliar Granules
Foliar granules are intended to deliver value-added chemistry to the foliage of plants. This functionality has been limited in the past for two reasons: first, the granule must stick to the leaf surface and second, the active ingredients must be quickly deposited to the leaf tissue. There have been many attempts at creating foliar granules with mixed results. Recent advancements have showed much more promise with products such as "Governor™" which is marketed by The Andersons, Inc., Maumee, Ohio. Foliar Granules are utilized when the value-added chemistry will not be effective with soil-applications.
Foaming Granules
Foaming granules are similar to foliar granules, however they go one-step further by creating a rapid phase-change with irrigation or natural rain. This advanced granule creates somewhat of a "blanket" over the target area. In some cases even reaching the under-side of leaf surface where many pests reside.
Ohio Department of Development invests in Advanced Granule Technology
MAUMEE, Ohio, July 1 -- The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE) announces a collaborative team it is leading has been recommended to receive $5 million in grants from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The grants are for the development and commercialization of advanced granules and other emerging technologies to provide solutions for the economic, health, and environmental concerns of today's agricultural industry.
The collaborative team consists of:
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The Andersons, Inc., Maumee, Ohio, a 60-year-old diversified agribusiness that currently markets proprietary and patented dispersible granular technology for the turf industry through its Turf & Specialty Group.
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The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), the nation's largest Ag-biosciences Center
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Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., a world-leading agribusiness company committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. A global leader in crop protection, investing in Advanced Granules for global consumption
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PSB Company, a division of White Castle System, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, a leading manufacturer of granule applicators, established in 1934, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
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National Lime and Stone Company, Findlay, Ohio, a leading limestone supplier and granulator of advanced soil-dispersing granules.
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Ohio Bio-products Innovation Center (OBIC), a Third Frontier Wright Center of Innovation group to foster industry and academic collaboration.
"Our granular technology is well received within the professional turf markets and generates a revenue stream for our Turf & 
Specialty Group," said CEO Mike Anderson. "This grant will enable us to accelerate our research in extending this proprietary technology to agriculture applications that we believe will provide benefits on a global scale. We are proud to be a leader in this project."
Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, Chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, announced June 26 that the Commission recommended the grants for the development of advanced granules that effectively deliver fertilizers and pesticides or biologically active ingredients to specifically targeted areas, activating once exposed to water which reduces environmental risks, with virtually no drift problem.
"This is a significant award for all Ohioans, as this investment will create new jobs and needed economic growth," said Bobby Moser, vice president for Agricultural Administration and University Outreach and executive dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. "We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with The Andersons and assist in the development and adaptation of the advanced granular technology in much larger agricultural markets (such as nursery/greenhouse, fruits/vegetables, and row crops) in both the U.S. and around the world."
For more information related to this grant, contact Chuck Anderson at chuck_anderson@andersonsinc.com