The Next Generation of In-Furrow Starter Fertility

For decades, diammonium phosphate (DAP) has been the standard starter fertilizer for row crop production. While DAP has proven to be an effective source of phosphorus, it was developed long before today's precision planting equipment and modern understanding of plant physiology. High salt levels, ammonium nitrogen, and seed safety limitations often require careful placement to avoid reducing emergence or damaging young seedlings.

NuPhos (0-20-0) + 25% Calcium was developed as the next generation of in-furrow starter fertility. Built around micronized calcium phosphate and enhanced with freshwater algae extract, NuPhos provides highly available phosphorus and calcium in a low-salt, ammonia-free formulation specifically designed for safe in-furrow placement directly over the seed.

Instead of forcing growers to choose between phosphorus availability and seed safety, NuPhos delivers both.

Why Move Beyond DAP?

DAP (18-46-0) supplies phosphorus together with ammonium nitrogen. As DAP dissolves in the soil, ammonium can temporarily create localized ammonia concentrations around the seed. Under dry soil conditions, coarse-textured soils, narrow row spacings, or excessive in-furrow application rates, this can increase the risk of seedling injury, delayed emergence, reduced stand establishment, and early-season stress.

For this reason, agronomists have long recommended limiting direct seed placement rates of DAP depending on crop, soil type, moisture conditions, and row spacing.

NuPhos takes a different approach.

Because it is ammonia-free and low-salt, NuPhos can be safely applied directly in-furrow at recommended application rates without exposing emerging seedlings to concentrated ammonium nitrogen or excessive fertilizer salts. This allows growers to place phosphorus exactly where developing roots need it most during the earliest stages of crop establishment.

Calcium Phosphate vs. Ammonium Phosphate

Both products supply phosphorus, but they deliver very different fertility systems.

DAP is built around ammonium phosphate, where phosphorus is paired with ammonium nitrogen.

NuPhos is built around calcium phosphate, where phosphorus is paired with calcium, one of the plant's most important structural nutrients.

While phosphorus supplies the energy required for ATP production, root development, flowering, and reproductive growth, calcium strengthens cell walls, supports root tip development, stabilizes cell membranes, improves nutrient transport, and promotes stronger plant structure.

Rather than simply supplying phosphorus, NuPhos provides two complementary nutrients that work together to improve crop establishment, plant health, and season-long performance.

Colloidal Phosphorus Technology

Unlike conventional dry phosphate fertilizers that dissolve rapidly and may become less plant-available as they react with soil minerals, NuPhos utilizes a micronized colloidal calcium phosphate suspension. The extremely fine particle size creates a stable dispersion throughout the soil solution, allowing phosphorus to remain distributed within the developing root zone rather than concentrated around a fertilizer granule.

This colloidal technology increases phosphorus contact with emerging roots while providing a continuously available phosphorus reservoir during the critical establishment period.

Because phosphorus is delivered as a micronized colloidal calcium phosphate suspension instead of a concentrated ammonium phosphate granule, NuPhos is designed to reduce localized phosphorus fixation immediately surrounding the fertilizer placement while improving phosphorus accessibility to developing roots.

When combined with biologically active freshwater algae extract, this technology helps maximize nutrient efficiency, supports healthy plant biology, and extends phosphorus availability during the period when young seedlings require it most.

A Better In-Furrow Starter

The first few weeks after planting establish much of a crop's yield potential.

NuPhos is specifically formulated for this critical growth stage by delivering:

• Highly available phosphorus for ATP production
• Calcium for root tip growth and cell division
• Freshwater algae extract to stimulate plant biology
• Low-salt fertility that minimizes osmotic stress
• Ammonia-free nutrition for exceptional seed safety
• Micronized colloidal technology for improved phosphorus distribution

The result is faster emergence, stronger root systems, more uniform stands, and improved early-season vigor.

Three Core Benefits

Seed Safety

Unlike conventional ammonium phosphate fertilizers, NuPhos contains no ammonium nitrogen and is formulated as a low-salt starter fertilizer specifically designed for safe in-furrow placement directly over the seed. Growers can confidently position fertility where young seedlings need it most without the seed burn concerns commonly associated with higher-salt starter fertilizers.

Nutrient Efficiency

NuPhos combines micronized rock phosphate and freshwater algae extract to maximize nutrient efficiency during early crop development. Improved phosphorus distribution and biological stimulation help young plants utilize applied nutrients more effectively while establishing a stronger root system.

Plant Biology

Freshwater algae extract supports healthy plant biology by promoting root initiation, improving nutrient uptake, enhancing enzyme activity, and stimulating vigorous early-season growth. Calcium further strengthens developing tissues by supporting cell division, membrane integrity, and structural development.

Supporting Stronger Roots and Healthier Soils

Healthy crops begin with healthy roots.

NuPhos promotes:

• Aggressive root initiation
• Increased root branching
• Improved ATP production
• Faster canopy establishment
• Enhanced nutrient uptake
• Greater stress tolerance
• Stronger cell development
• Improved long-term soil health through healthier, more active root systems

A stronger root system allows crops to explore more soil volume for water and nutrients while establishing the foundation for greater yield potential throughout the growing season.

Designed to Work with Complete Crop Nutrition Programs

NuPhos integrates seamlessly into the complete NutriPort crop nutrition system.

• Movement (0-0-1) promotes early root development, nutrient uptake, and vigorous crop establishment.
• Partner (10-0-0) supplies amino acid nitrogen to maximize photosynthesis, metabolic efficiency, and reproductive performance.
• K-Fill (0-0-20) supports carbohydrate movement, water regulation, and grain, fruit, or seed fill.

Together, these technologies create a comprehensive row crop nutrition program that maximizes nutrient efficiency, strengthens plant biology, improves stress tolerance, and supports healthier, higher-yielding crops.

The NuPhos Advantage

Modern starter fertility is no longer about simply applying phosphorus, it's about delivering phosphorus more safely, more efficiently, and in a form that supports the crop from the moment the seed germinates.

NuPhos combines micronized rock phosphate and freshwater algae extract into a low-salt, ammonia-free starter fertilizer designed specifically for today's precision planting systems.

The result is improved seed safety, stronger root establishment, greater nutrient efficiency, healthier plant biology, improved soil health, increased stress tolerance, and a stronger foundation for maximizing yield potential.

Plant with Confidence

Every great harvest begins with a strong start. NuPhos (0-20-0) + 25% Calcium gives growers the confidence to safely place starter fertility directly with the seed while providing the phosphorus, calcium, and biological technology needed to maximize emergence, accelerate root development, and establish healthier crops from the very first day.

Contact the NutriPort team today to learn how NuPhos can improve your in-furrow fertility program or request a customized recommendation tailored to your operation.

Safer Starts. Stronger Roots. Bigger Harvests.