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Layered Double Hydroxides as Slow-Release Fertilizer Compounds for the Micronutrient Molybdenum
Maarten Everaert1, Erik Smolders1, Mike J McLaughlin2
1Division of Soil and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|November 23, 2021
Summary
Molybdenum (Mo) deficiencies impact crop yields. Researchers developed slow-release Mo compounds using ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to improve fertilizer efficiency and nutrient uptake in plants.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Molybdenum (Mo) is a vital plant micronutrient, yet deficiencies occur frequently.
- Conventional soluble Mo fertilizers exhibit low use efficiency due to soil sorption or leaching.
- Developing controlled-release Mo fertilizers is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as carriers for slow-release molybdate (MoO4).
- To evaluate the influence of Zn/Al ratios on MoO4 loading and release kinetics.
- To assess the potential of Mo-LDHs as components in advanced fertilizer formulations.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of chloride-exchanged ZnAl LDHs with varying Zn/Al ratios (2, 3, 4).
- Loading of molybdate (MoO4) onto LDHs via anion exchange.
- Incubation studies to determine Mo release rates and competitive anion effects in simulated soil solutions.
Main Results:
- Zn2Al LDH exhibited successful MoO4 intercalation, unlike Zn3Al and Zn4Al LDHs which showed edge site binding.
- Sulfate, carbonate, and phosphate were identified as highly competitive anions for MoO4 exchange.
- Zn2Al LDH demonstrated slow Mo release (half-life of 35 h, 85% desorption), while Zn3Al and Zn4Al LDHs released <20% Mo.
Conclusions:
- ZnAl layered double hydroxides, particularly with a Zn/Al ratio of 2, show promise as slow-release Mo fertilizers.
- The intercalation mechanism in Zn2Al LDH facilitates sustained Mo availability in soil.
- Further research into incorporating Mo-LDHs with macronutrient fertilizers is warranted for practical application.
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