Zeolite-based Composites as Slow Release Fertilizers (Review)

L Soltys,V Tsinurchyn,T Tatarchuk,I Myronyuk

doi:10.15330/pcss.21.1.89-104

Abstract

One of the most important problems of agriculture is finding new methods to increase soil fertility and productivity. The use of fertilizers increases the efficiency of nutrients, however, their uncontrolled use leads to leaching and contamination of the environment. Zeolite is considered a natural element that has no negative environmental effects. Its ion exchange properties are important for plant nutrition due to its cation exchange ability and porosity. Zeolites added to fertilizers give a double result when applied to soil: provide long lasting action of fertilizer (prolongation effect) and prevent nutrient leaching. This article analyzes current literary sources of information on the use of zeolite-based composites as a prolonged action fertilizer in agriculture, as well as their impact on nutrient retention and release into the soil.

Highlights

Improving fertilizer efficiency is a very important task that seeks to find ways to increase nutrient efficiency, minimize fertilizer losses from physical, chemical and biological processes, and reduce environmental impact. An example of this method is the introduction of slow release fertilizer into the soil, which releases nutrients more slowly than conventional fertilizer, or controlled release, in which the rate, structure and release period are controlled during its use
Fertilizer release should be faster in the beginning and slower during plants growing in order to meet any nutritional needs that change over the growing period
Crystal structure of the zeolite Zeolite is a crystalline substance with a structure characterized by tetrahedral SiO44− rings, each of which consists of four oxygen atoms surrounding the cation, with some of the silicon atoms being replaced by aluminum atoms (AlO45−) (Fig. 1.) [17]

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture is very important for people all over the world due to the massive increase in population and the growing requirements for food. Improving fertilizer efficiency is a very important task that seeks to find ways to increase nutrient efficiency, minimize fertilizer losses from physical, chemical and biological processes, and reduce environmental impact. An example of this method is the introduction of slow release fertilizer into the soil, which releases nutrients more slowly than conventional fertilizer, or controlled release, in which the rate, structure and release period are controlled during its use. Ion exchange properties of zeolite can be used in agriculture due to its large porosity and high ability to exchange cations They can be used as nutrient carriers. The aim of this study was to summarize literature data on the effects of zeolite applications as a slow release fertilizer on crops and its ability to retain water and nutrients

General characteristics of zeolites

Physico-chemical properties of zeolites

Findings

Application of zeolites in agriculture