Agricultural Research

Increasing food abundance and quality is a critical need, as is increasing efficiency in the agriculture sector. In its role as a major producer of fertilizers, ICL develops and disseminates knowledge regarding plant nutrition and proper fertilizing methods to farmers worldwide, helping to meet the challenges of the world’s growing population, decreasing arable land and the urgent need for greater environmental stewardship. \

Center for Plant Nutrition

In 2015, ICL established a Center for Fertilization and Plant Nutrition (CFPN). The CFPN is a global center for research and knowledge in the field of fertilizers and plant nutrition in conjunction with Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) – Volcani Center, part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel. The Bnei Shimon Regional Council are also members of the CFPN, representing numerous farming communities in this part of the country.

CFPN Mission

Improving knowledge and innovation in fertilization and plant nutrition
Supporting and educating young scientists
Transferring agricultural knowledge by providing expert training

CFPN, which represents a unique Israeli-based partnership between the public and private sector, fosters increased knowhow that is required now more than ever. Despite the critical importance of fertilization and increased global awareness of the need to increase food production and nutritional value, the number of researchers in this area is diminishing. The CFPN was established to counter this challenge.

Research is conducted by ARO scientists in partnership with colleagues from other research institutions. CFPN offers scholarships and research grants to graduate and Ph.D. students in Israel and from abroad. The center has already trained and worked with foreign students from Asia and East Africa. There are multiple research projects currently in progress in the CFPN. In 2019, there were 33 ongoing research projects, 16 of which were completed. During 2019, 18 field tests had been carried out.

CFPN a Global Effort

During 2019, the CFPN organized courses, seminars and participated in exhibitions and conventions. A Farmers Day for vegetables growers in the north of Israel was organized and CFPN participated at the Agricultural Exhibition and Open Day in the ARAVA and at the “Mehadrin” conference at Gilat. Nine delegations from different countries visited the Center and interacted with the researchers.

2.1

By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

2.3

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land. Other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farmer employment

2.a

Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agriculture research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular, least developed countries.

PlantDitech: Academic Collaboration with HUJI - Plantarray units to conduct high level agricultural tests

ICL and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel (HUJI) are collaborating on a project to conduct high-level agricultural tests using the Plantarray system from PlantDiTech, an Israeli company, which provides agro-researchers with a high-throughput physiological phenotyping screening and diagnostic platform, as well as conclusive analytical software, to achieve deep insights into plant-environment interactions. The system helps efficiently select the best plants and conditions that will contribute to better yields and stress response.

The 3-year collaboration will be carried out at HUJI’s Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot campus, under the supervision of Prof. Menachem Moshelion and Prof. Rony Wallach who developed the Plantarray system and have operated it for years.

The fully automated Plantarray system provides real-time analysis of the physiological status of plants, including biomass gain, water use efficiency and roots activity.

The Plantarray system is fully automated and provides a real-time analysis of the physiological status of plants, including plant biomass gain, transpiration, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, roots activity and more. This precise system is applicable for analyzing abiotic stress, developing new fertilizers and bio-stimulants, studying roots and soils, etc.

The direct measurement of plant water balance and biomass gain that is determined for the root and shoot enables the calculation of the plant’s physiological profile and its response to a dynamic environment. The system provides a quantitative comparison of the plant’s response to different treatments and the precise prediction of plant growth and productivity in an efficient, easy-to-use, non-invasive manner.

Grow more with less - optimize irrigation, nutrients, and bio-stimulants levels

For this collaboration, ICL Agronomy has purchased Plantarray units which are being deployed at HUJI’s iCore greenhouse to enable accurate operation and precise gathering of data. ICL Agronomy will use this system for Level 1 tests, R&D activities, ICL-IN projects, OH, and other needs.

12.2

By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

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