Abstract
Seed coating containing fertilizer nutrients and plant growth biostimulants is an innovative technique for precision agriculture. Nutrient delivery can also be conducted through multilayer seed coating. For this purpose, sodium alginate with NPK, which was selected in a preliminary selection study, crosslinked with divalent ions (Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II)) as a source of fertilizer micronutrients, was used to produce seed coating. The seeds were additionally coated with a solution containing amino acids derived from high-protein material. Amino acids can be obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of mealworm larvae (Gly 71.2 ± 0.6 mM, Glu 55.8 ± 1.3 mM, Pro 48.8 ± 1.5 mM, Ser 31.4 ± 1.5 mM). The formulations were applied in different doses per 100 g of seeds: 35 mL, 70 mL, 105 mL, and 140 mL. SEM-EDX surface analysis showed that 70 mL of formulation/100 g of seeds formed a continuity of coatings but did not result in a uniform distribution of components on the surface. Extraction tests proved simultaneous low leaching of nutrients into water (max. 10%), showing a slow release pattern. There occurred high bioavailability of fertilizer nutrients (even up to 100%). Pot tests on cucumbers (Cornichon de Paris) confirmed the new method’s effectiveness, yielding a 50% higher fresh sprout weight and four times greater root length than uncoated seeds. Seed coating with hydrogel has a high potential for commercial application, stimulating the early growth of plants and thus leading to higher crop yields.
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiencies result in poor human health
We developed a method for the delivery of macro- and micronutrients and biostimulants at early stages of plant growth through biodegradable seed coats and a method of hydrolysis of proteins of raw proteins materials of biological origin to free amino acids
Solutions of alginate (ALG), gum arabic (GA), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were based on the NPK solution, which was prepared from mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), potassium chloride (KCl), and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)
Summary
Micronutrient deficiencies result in poor human health. It is estimated that the global population growth will require an increase in agricultural production of up to 50% in the 30 years [1]. Coats around seeds contain compounds designed to directly deliver essential substances (symbiotic microorganisms, micronutrients, growth regulators) and are stuffed with protective chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides). This solution makes spraying or fertilizing redundant. We developed a method for the delivery of macro- and micronutrients and biostimulants at early stages of plant growth through biodegradable seed coats and a method of hydrolysis of proteins of raw proteins materials of biological origin to free amino acids. The study described the effect of novel nutrient-containing coatings on plant nutrition (biosphere) Thanks to their properties—low leaching, high bioavailability of nutrients—the coatings protect against excessive loss of macro- and microelements to water (hydrosphere) and soil (lithosphere), eliminating their contamination
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