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Co-hydrothermal treatment of straw and zeolite to produce a slow-release fertilizer as a new strategy to promote biomass waste utilization and improve the properties of saline-alkali soil

  • 0Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Conversion and Utilization of Solar Energy, Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, PR China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao 266101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
Waste Management +

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November 9, 2025

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November 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study created slow-release fertilizers from cotton straw and zeolite to improve saline-alkali soil. The new fertilizer enhanced soil properties and boosted crop yield, offering a sustainable solution for agricultural waste.

Area Of Science

  • Agricultural Science
  • Soil Science
  • Environmental Science

Background

  • Saline-alkali soils and agricultural straw waste pose significant challenges to sustainable agriculture.
  • Developing effective soil amendments is crucial for improving soil health and resource utilization.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop functional slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) from cotton straw and zeolite.
  • To assess the impact of these SRFs on the physicochemical properties of saline-alkaline soil.
  • To evaluate the potential for agricultural waste valorization.

Main Methods

  • Cotton straw and zeolite were used to create slow-release fertilizers through co-hydrothermal treatment.
  • The nitrogen release rate of the fertilizer (Co-CMF) was measured in aqueous solution.
  • Physicochemical properties of saline-alkaline soil, including pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient content, bulk density, and water-holding capacity, were analyzed.
  • Maize growth assays and path analysis were conducted to evaluate amendment effectiveness.

Main Results

  • The developed fertilizer (Co-CMF) exhibited a slow nitrogen release rate (<15% after 24h).
  • Soil pH decreased from 9.43 to 9.06, and electrical conductivity decreased by 32.90%.
  • Nutrient content increased by 38.74-108.08%, bulk density reduced by 28.03%, and water-holding capacity increased by 40.82%.
  • Path analysis revealed that improved soil structure and nutrient enrichment were key factors in soil rehabilitation.

Conclusions

  • Functional slow-release fertilizers developed from cotton straw and zeolite effectively improve saline-alkaline soil properties.
  • This approach offers a viable method for valorizing agricultural biomass waste into valuable soil amendments.
  • Soil structure improvement and nutrient enrichment play a more significant role than solely reducing salinity/alkalinity in soil rehabilitation.

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