A nutrient product formulated to release nutrients gradually over weeks or months, providing steady feeding and reducing risk of nutrient leaching or burn.
In plain terms
Slow-release fertilizers (coated particles, organic materials, or specially formulated synthetics) dissolve slowly, feeding plants steadily over time. They reduce leaching loss, minimize nutrient burn, and require fewer applications than fast-release fertilizers. The tradeoff: they're more expensive and you can't quickly adjust nutrition if deficiency appears. Organic fertilizers are naturally slow-release.
Why this matters
Slow-release fertilizers feed plants steadily and are safer than fast-release, reducing management and risk.
In practice
Examples
Slow-release fertilizer applied once in spring; feeds through entire growing season.