Sol-Gel Coatings with Azofoska Fertilizer Deposited onto Pea Seeds

Pure silica sol obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and the same silica sol doped with fertilizer Azofoska were used to cover the surface of pea seeds. The surface state of the coated seeds (layer continuity, thickness, elemental composition) was studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Different conditions such as sol mixing method, seed immersion time, effect of diluting the sol with water, and ethanol (EtOH) were studied to obtain thin continuous coatings. The coated seeds were subjected to a germination and growth test to demonstrate that the produced SiO₂ coating did not inhibit these processes; moreover, the presence of fertilizer in the coating structure facilitates the development of the seedling. The supply of nutrients directly to the grain's vicinity contributes to faster germination and development of seedlings. This may give the developing plants an advantage in growth over other undesirable plant species. These activities are in the line with the trends of searching for technologies increasing yields without creating an excessive burden on the natural environment.