Macro- and Micronutrient Simultaneous Slow Release from Highly Swellable Nanocomposite Hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Clay-loaded hydrogels are of significant research interest due to their versatile properties.
• Developing advanced materials for controlled nutrient delivery is crucial for efficient agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create hydrogel-based nanocomposites for the slow and controlled release of macro- and micronutrients.
• To investigate the impact of calcium montmorillonite (MMt) on the physicochemical properties and nutrient release behavior of hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogel-based nanocomposites were synthesized and subjected to hydrolysis treatment.
• Water absorption, nutrient loading capacity, and release kinetics (individual and simultaneous) of urea and boron were evaluated.
• The influence of calcium montmorillonite (MMt) content on material properties was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional water absorption (up to 5000 times their weight).
• Calcium montmorillonite (MMt) enhanced nutrient loading capacity and slowed nutrient release.
• Simultaneous release of ionic and nonionic nutrients showed competitive binding to active sites, reducing release rates.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel nanocomposites with high MMt content exhibit high swelling and loading capacities, suitable for agricultural nutrient carriers.
• The materials offer controlled release of urea and boron, individually or simultaneously.
• These findings highlight the potential of MMt-hydrogel nanocomposites for advanced agricultural applications.