Companies in Focus: Cropcision Aims for Global Market with Plastic-Free Precision Fertilizer
We continue to highlight companies in northern Sweden in our series Companies in Focus, where we show how ideas become real, sustainable solutions. This time, we meet Umeå-based Cropcision, which is aiming for a global market with its innovative, plastic-free precision fertilizer.
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Cropcision Aims for Global Market with Plastic-Free Precision Fertilizer
Over the past 70 years, agriculture and forestry have significantly increased production through more efficient inputs, plant breeding, and irrigation. Today, the world faces a new challenge: securing food and renewable resources for a growing population, while protecting ecosystems and ensuring profitability in farming and forestry.Umeå-based Cropcision aims to address this challenge with its plastic-free precision fertilizer, making land and forest management more efficient, profitable, and sustainable.
"I strongly believe that for sustainable solutions to make a real impact, they also need to be cost-effective," says Jonathan Love, CEO and founder of Cropcision. "Otherwise, even the best solutions won't reach wide adoption."
Founded in 2022, Cropcision grew out of research at Umeå University in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The company has developed a precision fertilizer designed to improve plant establishment, reduce nutrient loss, and support a circular bioeconomy.
With its first commercial product, SILVIVO®, Cropcision is now focusing on forestry—a sector at the crossroads of climate challenges, profitability demands, and ongoing transformation.
From Plant Research to Commercial Innovation
When Jonathan Love moved from Melbourne to Umeå for his doctoral studies, his research focused on plant physiology, tree growth, and how plants respond to physical stress. His attention later shifted underground. During his time at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, he studied root development, the interaction between roots and microorganisms, and how this affects plants' efficiency in using nutrients and water—a field he further explored at Umeå University.
During a run in his hometown of Bjännsjö, outside Umeå, Jonathan noticed an interesting pattern: a white residue and green moss on the outside of an old terracotta flowerpot. It suggested that nutrients were slowly seeping through the pot and feeding the moss. As he ran, he began thinking about a common problem in agriculture and forestry—most applied nutrients never actually reach the plant.
"That's when a seemingly simple solution to a big problem began to take shape," says Love. "Nutrients need to stay in the root zone and be available when the plant needs them—not wash away. The properties of a terracotta pot could be the key."
Clay Instead of Plastic
Jonathan teamed up with a colleague at Umeå University, and together they began developing the technology that would later form the basis for two patents.
Traditionally, plastic coatings are used to control nutrient release. While technically effective, this method leaves microplastics in the soil—something now being gradually phased out in the EU. Cropcision's solution instead uses natural clay with a high absorption capacity.
Nutrients from a biological waste stream—naturally rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and essential micronutrients in balanced proportions—are encapsulated in the clay and placed directly in the root zone at planting. There, the nutrients remain and are gradually released over time, regulated by soil moisture and temperature, in sync with the plant's needs.
The result is a steady, demand-driven nutrient supply without the risk of salt stress, making it safe for precision application directly at roots and seeds. Controlled release minimizes nutrient runoff while creating favorable conditions for soil microorganisms. A healthy microbiome helps build more fertile soil, supporting plant growth over several years—not just during establishment.
Strong Results in Forestry
Cropcision chose early on to focus on forestry, where the market is clear and needs are high. Field trials in summer 2025 tested plantings in both prepared and unprepared soil. Results were promising, showing increased survival in both cases, providing foresters with greater flexibility in management and planning.
In addition to higher survival rates, the plants grew faster and developed stronger root systems. Improved root development also strengthened symbiosis with soil fungi, particularly mycorrhiza, enhancing the plants' nutrient and water uptake.
The outcome: more resilient, drought-tolerant plants with stronger resistance to pests and disease—traits increasingly crucial in a climate with greater variability and stress.
For an industry where soil preparation is both costly and debated, this opens new possibilities for forest management.
"We want to help forest owners establish trees under all conditions, even in situations where minimal soil disturbance with low environmental impact is preferred," says Love.
Scientific Credibility and Scalability
Cropcision's recent recognition and nominations in multiple innovation competitions are no coincidence.
"We combine strong scientific credibility with solutions that make a real difference in practice," says Love. "Our technology is evidence-based, responsible, and scalable across forestry, agriculture, and greenhouse production."
The company has secured funding from Northern Light Capital and Partnerinvest Norr, and strengthened its board with Mattias Eriksson and Gustav Paringer, the latter as chairman. Jonas Gullberg has joined as head of business development, responsible for bringing SILVIVO® and future brands to market and building strategic partnerships.
The company is also mindful of the challenge in scaling sustainable solutions: affordability.
"If the cost per unit is too high, adoption slows. That's why we start in niche markets with high impact and scale through partnerships and process optimization," says Love.
Next Steps: Sweden—and the World
The next step is the launch of SILVIVO® in Sweden. At the same time, Cropcision is eyeing international markets, with South America and Australia identified as particularly interesting—especially for eucalyptus cultivation.
The five-year ambition is clear:
"We aim to be an established player in multiple markets, with products that increase profitability for landowners and farmers while delivering measurable climate and environmental benefits," says Love.
Click here to read more about Cropcision!