What is the definition of "slow-release" fertilizers?

Slow-release fertilizers are specifically designed to release nutrients gradually over time, which makes them especially beneficial for plants as they provide a steady supply of essential nutrients without risking nutrient leaching or runoff that can occur with fast-release varieties. This slow nutrient release aligns with plant growth patterns, allowing for optimal nutrient uptake and reducing the chances of burning the plants.

These fertilizers often utilize encapsulation technologies or natural materials that require time to break down and release nutrients, thereby enhancing nutrient availability during critical growth stages. By ensuring that nutrients persist in the soil for longer periods, slow-release fertilizers contribute to improved soil health and can support more sustainable gardening and agricultural practices.

In contrast, options mentioning immediate nutrient release or water-solubility do not fit the definition, as they describe fertilizers that act quickly and do not offer the prolonged nutrient release that characterizes slow-release fertilizers. Organic fertilizers may also break down slowly, but the defining feature of slow-release fertilizers is specifically their designed mechanism to gradually supply nutrients over time.