Breakthrough in Sustainability Research: Biodegradable Coatings Improve Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan, have made a significant discovery in the field of sustainability research. By developing biodegradable coatings for nitrogen fertilizer granules, the team has improved the physical properties and release rate of the fertilizer, resulting in increased dry matter yield of Rhode grass. The study, funded by the Agricultural Linkages Program and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, highlights the potential of nanotechnology in sustainable agrochemicals production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research focused on developing sustainable and high-use efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizer formulations to ensure food security and climate change mitigation.
  • The use of nickel encapsulated nanoparticles with different biodegradable coatings improved the physical properties of conventional N fertilizer, increasing N availability and dry matter yield of Rhode grass.
  • The coating materials, including starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gum arabica, gelatin, molasses, and paraffin wax (PW), reduced dissolution and enhanced impact resistance of granules.
  • The UC-5 treatment, containing a combination of starch, PVA, molasses, PW, and Ni-NPs, demonstrated the best results in terms of release rate, crushing strength, and Rhode grass dry matter yield.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Polymers and the Environment in 2022.
  • The research concluded that the developed formulation is suitable for improving plant N uptake under sustainable and clean agriculture.

Statistics:

  • 77.96% of urea release after 120 min relative to 100% urea release for uncoated granules.
  • 70 +/- 0.27 N crushing strength of granules.
  • 58.55 g pot(-1) Rhode grass dry matter yield.
  • 120 min release time for UC-5 treatment.
  • Materiel of interest: Nitrogen, Urea, Biodegradable Polyers, Emerging Technologies, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Nickel.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from National University of Science and Technology Provide Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Sustainability Research (Biodegradable Polymer Encapsulated Nickel Nanoparticles for Slow Release Urea Promotes Rhode ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. February 3, 2023; p 256.
  • Biodegradable Polymer Encapsulated Nickel Nanoparticles for Slow Release Urea Promotes Rhode Grass Yield and Nitrogen Recovery. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2022.
  • Journal of Polymers and the Environment. Volume 1566-2543. (www.springerlink.com/content/1566-2543/)