"Space Star" (Dao Awakad)

Nanotech controlled release technology that provides basic nutrients to plants "on demand" has originated from research conducted by Russian scientists more than 20 years ago. Then experiments were conducted on board the "Soyuz" space station to grow plants (fruit and vegetables) in conditions of outer space and weightlessness. One of the biggest challenges was to provide a growing medium (substrate) that would hold nutrients and moisture for a long time and could provide them to the plants when needed.

For many years the founders of our sister company – "Science Fertilizer Co., Ltd." worked in close collaboration with scientists from the Russian Technological Center and adopted their knowledge and experience to create Nanotech Controlled Release Fertilizer under the brand name of "Space Star" (or "Dao Awakad" in Thai) that can be effectively applied to any type of soil with stable outstanding results.

Instead of traditional filler (sand, kaolin clay, etc.) used in conventional chemical fertilizers Nanotech Slow Release Fertilizer utilizes a natural mineral called clinoptilolite (imported from Russia) which provides the fertilizer with a controlled release effect. The unique physical structure of this crystalline alumino-silicate combines two important properties: sorption and ion-exchange.

Clinoptilolite possesses an infinite three-dimension open framework with networks of channels and pores (somewhat like a honeycomb), which occupy up to 60% of its surface. A large surface area (40-50 m2/cub.cm) combined with a unique two-stage porosity provides the mineral with exceptional absorption and adsorption capabilities. The structure carries a net negative charge that attracts positively charged ions, resulting in a high (up to 220meq/100g) Cation Exchange Capacity (C.E.C).

Under certain conditions the mineral can absorb useful plant nutrients (N;P;K) and store them within its vast porous structure. When the plant needs nutrition its roots will extract an acidic fluid which, upon contact with the NPK-loaded clinoptilolite, will trigger an ion-exchange reaction leading to the release of a corresponding amount of nutrients to the plant. Unused nutrients remain stored in the clinoptilolite (which is not soluble), ready for future use.

The benefits of this controlled -release method are obvious:
- The plant gets the exact amount of nutrients it requires ("on demand");
- The amount of nutrients lost through leaching is drastically reduced (not more than 20%) leading to considerable economic benefits and less damage to the environment;
In the long run the use of Nanotech Controlled Release fertilizer brings about a 20-40% yield increase for most plants. Currently we produce 4 different fertilizer formulas (all duly registered with the Department of Agriculture) to suit the specific nutrient needs of different plants:

Research conducted in the US, as shown in the table, clearly demonstrates that the use of clinoptilolite significantly improved the yield of tomatoes and peppers at reduced fertilizer levels.

The presence of clinoptilolite in the fertilizer also brings considerable additional benefits, such as:
- Long-term general soil improvement for both sandy or clay soils: better moisture and nutrient retention, higher CEC levels, better aeration and stable PH level;
- Better anti-caking properties of fertilizer.

Main components of Space Star Nanotech fertilizer:
- N,P,K (main nutrients in different configuration);
- Nanotech compound (provides supplementary nutrients and micro-elements);
- Clinoptilolite natural mineral (absorbs nutrients to provide a controlled release effect).

Application recommendations:
- Apply as normal granular fertilizer;
- Use approximately the same quantity as normal granular fertilizer.

"Space Star" (Dao Awakad) controlled release fertilizer is produced at the factory of our sister-company: "Science Fertilizer Co., Ltd." in Bang Khai district, Rayong province with a daily production capacity of around 20 tons.

Link to an article in "Russia Beyond the Headlines" about Dao Awakad slow release fertilizer:
https://www.rbth.com/business/2016/05/10/russian-fertilizers-could-help-improve-thai-yields_590893