Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs): The Key to Maximizing Turf Health, Sustainability, and Your Return on Investment (ROI)

January 16, 2022

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), just what are they?

You may have heard the term thrown around, or you may have seen a product labeled as EEF, but do you know the potential benefits of using EEFs for your turfgrass needs? In this presentation, we will be discussing a few key topics around the subject of EEFs. First, we will discuss what defines a fertilizer to be an EEF, as well as discussing several different types of EEFs that are readily available. Next, we will be moving on to the discussion of how EEFs are beneficial for turfgrass. This will lead us into our third topic of how EEFs are environmentally responsible. Our final topic will be how using EEFs can protect your return on your fertilizer investment. All the topics that will be presented today, will help you to maximize turf health. 

What are EEFs and what types are available?


The official definition of enhanced efficiency fertilizers defined by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) is, fertilizer products with characteristics that allow increased plant uptake and reduce the potential of nutrient losses to the environment (i.e. gaseous losses, leaching or runoff) when compared to an appropriate reference product. To simplify the definition, EEFs are fertilizers that increase nutrient availability and decrease the loss of those nutrients to the environment by maintaining the nutrients within the root zone of the turfgrass. The initial response for EEFs can range from just a few days to a few weeks but the longevity of the EEF can be several months, sometimes even up to 12. EEFs can have different release mechanisms involved ranging from temperature-controlled diffusion, microbial, solubility, and hydrolysis, just to list a few. The initial response, longevity, and release mechanisms all depend on what type of EEF is used. Although there are several classes of EEFs, we will only be discussing three types. These types are controlled-release, slow-release, and nitrification inhibitors. 


Controlled-release fertilizers use coatings, such as advanced polymer-coated urea, to delay or extend the nutrient availability of nitrogen to the turfgrass that it is applied to. They release the nutrients based on osmosis and diffusion through the coating. Water passes through the polymer layer and dissolves the nutrients inside. Those nutrients then slowly release from the coating and into the soil. The release rate and longevity depend on the coating thickness and soil temperature. 


Slow-release fertilizers use coatings, such as sulfur and wax, to react urea with other ingredients that slowly decompose and break down by chemical and/or biological processes in the soil, thus delaying nitrogen release. Cracks in the coating allow water to move in and dissolve, then release the urea. If the coating is intact then water movement through the coating results in internal osmotic pressure that cracks the coating and releases the nutrients. This process is called catastrophic release. Microbial degradation of the coating also allows water to reach the urea, dissolving and releasing it. 


Nitrification inhibitors work in the soil by slowing the microbial conversion of ammonium to nitrate. They are antibiotics that may be effective at reducing nitrogen loss for several weeks depending on conditions. They only function in a limited area around the granule. These chemical compounds temporarily reduce populations of certain bacteria that are responsible for converting ammonium to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate in the soil. Depending on soil temperature and pH, efficacy can range from two to several weeks.

The Benefits of Using EEFs on Turfgrass


Now that you understand a little more about what exactly enhanced eficiency fertilizers are, let’s dive into the benefits of using EEFs on your turfgrass. EEFs control the nutrient intake of the fertilizer into the turfgrass. Traditional soluble fertilizers quickly dissolve into the soil. When fertilizer is quickly dissolved, the turfgrass can’t readily absorb all the nutrients. This gives a potential increase for them to be lost to the soil and possibly into surface and groundwater. Since slow- and controlled-release fertilizers gradually deliver nitrogen and other nutrients to match the turfgrass uptake needs, EEFs can virtually eliminate nutrient loss due to leaching and denitrification. With this steady feeding to the turfgrass, surge growth is minimized, and the number of fertilizer applications are reduced. With traditional fertilizers, multiple applications are common to keep the turfgrass green and healthy. However, only a limited amount of applications is needed with EEFs. EEFs also have high carbon to nitrogen ratios which provide increased microbial activity, thus fortifying soils and reducing thatch buildup. The compounds found in nitrification inhibitors protect against both denitrification and leaching by retaining fertilizer nitrogen in the ammonium form.

Environmentally Responsible 


Using enhanced efficiency fertilizers is not only beneficial to the turfgrass you are applying it to, but it is also beneficial for the environment. EEFs benefit the environment both directly and indirectly. Since EEFs increase nutrient availability and decrease the loss of those nutrients to the environment, this reduces the greenhouse gas emissions and water contamination that happens when using traditional fertilizers. Traditional fertilizers are also subject to loss by leaching through the soil or volatilizing (escaping into the atmosphere), which harms the environment. A nutrient that leaves its intended application site is considered a pollutant. Leaching is when a nutrient moves beyond the turfgrass root system and is no longer available for the turfgrass to absorb. With leaching and runoff, there is the risk of contamination of ground water which can lead to health hazards. If the nutrients get into water bodies or wetlands there is an increased risk of algae blooms and other plant growth that reduces the water’s ability to support life. By using EEFs, you reduce the risk of losing valuable nutrients and therefore reduce the environmental impact.

Protect Your Return on Your Fertilizer Investment


Using enhanced efficiency fertilizers allows you to do more with less. This is not only beneficial and economical but is also great business. If you get paid per application or visit, you can easily switch that over to having the customer pay you for the results and not the trips you take. If you use cheaper products or eliminate needed applications to cut costs, it will only backfire in terms of reduced lawn quality and dissatisfied customers. Using EEFs effectively delivers more nutrients to the turfgrass while reducing nutrient losses. This cuts down the cost of supplies needed. Therefore, you are not losing out on wasted product and it gives you a chance to save on your fertilizer budget and increased profits. EEFs are also environmentally responsible with low risks of nutrient leaching, denitrification, runoff, and volatilization, so you can use that as a selling point. With fewer fertilizer applications, this allows for optimized labor allocation. You also save money on fuel and equipment upkeep. So, if you decide to use EEFs, your return on fertilizer investment is protected.

Conclusion


So now you know a little more information on enhanced efficiency fertilizers. EEFs are fertilizers that increase nutrient availability and decrease the loss of those nutrients to the environment by maintaining the nutrients within the root zone of the turfgrass. There are several classes of EEFs but the ones that were discussed in this blog were controlled-release, slow-release, and nitrification inhibitors. All three of these EEFs help to prevent nitrogen loss into the environment. There are numerous benefits to using EEFs, but the main benefit is the turfgrass that the EEFs are applied to will stay healthy and green longer with less applications. EEFs are very beneficial for the environment and help to prevent leaching, volatilization, runoff, and greenhouse gas emissions are decreased. You will protect your return on fertilizer investment if you switch to using EEFs by delivering more nutrients to the turfgrass while reducing nutrient loss. You avoid wasting product and can allocate the extra time needed for other jobs. Overall, enhanced efficiency fertilizers are the key to maximizing turf health, sustainability, and your return on investment.   

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
The hidden cost of filler: how to maximize your fertilizer ROI. Shows hand holding filler .
January 22, 2026
Want to maximize your ROI and turf health? Ditch the filler and replace your blends with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs), Micro packs, Soil Amendments, or organic materials. These alternatives can reduce your seasonal application of bags, reduce overall material cost and deliver better results!
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
Show More
January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
The hidden cost of filler: how to maximize your fertilizer ROI. Shows hand holding filler .
January 22, 2026
Want to maximize your ROI and turf health? Ditch the filler and replace your blends with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs), Micro packs, Soil Amendments, or organic materials. These alternatives can reduce your seasonal application of bags, reduce overall material cost and deliver better results!
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
Show More