Sustainable swine sludge fertilizer for enhanced turf grass nutrition and disease resistance
Discover a patented swine sludge fertilizer, Phlex Organic 3-9-0.5, that offers a sustainable nutrient source for turf grass. It enhances disease resistance and carbon sequestration, with studies validating its efficacy against mineral phosphorus sources.
Overview
Phlex Organic 3-9-0.5 is a groundbreaking swine sludge fertilizer designed to sustainably improve turf grass nutrition and disease resistance. Derived from North Carolina's swine lagoon sludge, this patented product (US 12,429,285) is an OMRI registered organic fertilizer that effectively delivers both macro and micro nutrients, comparable to mineral phosphorus sources. It not only supports healthy plant growth but also potentially sequesters carbon in a form more resistant to oxidation than traditional composts. Additionally, it is believed to offer anti-fungal properties akin to Milorganite, reducing the need for fungicides.
Technical specifications
- Composition: 25% carbon content (lignin residuals) and 50% mineral content (rich in Ca and Mg)
- Nutrient Delivery: High in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), providing essential macro and micro nutrients
- Carbon Sequestration: Designed to enhance soil carbon retention and improve soil health
- Disease Resistance: Potential anti-fungal properties to protect against turf diseases such as Dollar spot and brown patch
- Application: Suitable for tall fescue and hybrid bermudagrass with application rates guided by NC State University recommendations
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 5, Phlex Organic 3-9-0.5 is undergoing validation through two-year studies at NCSU Lake Wheeler Turfgrass Field Labs. These studies aim to confirm its benefits in carbon sequestration, soil health, disease suppression, and overall turf grass quality.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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