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Multifunctional slow-release organic-inorganic compound fertilizer
Boli Ni1, Mingzhu Liu, Shaoyu Lü
1State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.
A new multifunctional slow-release organic-inorganic fertilizer (MSOF) uses attapulgite clay and superabsorbent polymers for enhanced efficiency. This innovative fertilizer reduces pollution and shows great potential for agriculture and horticulture.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Fertilizer overdosage causes environmental pollution and reduces efficiency.
- Developing slow-release fertilizers is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a multifunctional slow-release organic-inorganic fertilizer (MSOF).
- To improve fertilizer use efficiency and minimize environmental pollution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized natural attapulgite (APT) clay as a matrix.
- Employed sodium alginate for inner coating and SA-g-P(AA-co-AM)/HA superabsorbent polymer for outer coating.
- Produced fertilizer granules (2.5-3.5 mm) in a pan granulator.
Main Results:
- Characterized structural and chemical properties of the MSOF.
- Demonstrated slow-release properties of nutrients.
- Calculated nutrient diffusion coefficient (D) using a mathematical model.
- Assessed coating degradation via soil incubation and weight loss.
Conclusions:
- The MSOF exhibits excellent slow-release characteristics.
- The simple preparation route and properties suggest wide applications in agriculture and horticulture.
- This fertilizer offers a promising solution for efficient and eco-friendly nutrient delivery.
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