Fertilizer Delivery Research Articles

Slow release of NPK fertilizer using biodegradable porous carriers synthesized from agricultural waste

This study investigates the synthesis of porous biodegradable materials from rice bran and pineapple waste to determine their potential as carriers for slow-release NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizers. Through gel formation, solvent exchange, and carbonization; agro-waste gets converted into highly porous materials. A further examination of these materials demonstrates their adsorption capability and efficacy in progressive NPK fertilizer release. Experimental results show that both rice bran and pineapple waste-derived materials are effective slow-release fertilizer carriers. However, comparative investigation shows that rice bran-based material has better slow-release properties than its pineapple waste-derived counterpart. Here we also include the kinetic study of the release rate of NPK fertilizers which turned toward a Pseudo-zero order of release rate. This study emphasizes the necessity of repurposing agricultural byproducts for sustainable material synthesis, which contributes to the advancement of green chemistry and provides eco-friendly fertilizer delivery systems.

Water dispersible carbon nanomaterials reduced N, P, and K leaching potential in sandy soils: A column leaching study

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) — amendments with carbon in nanoscale form —could potentially enhance fertilizer delivery efficiency in agriculture, but their interaction with soil properties and nutrient co-mobility, especially in coarse-textured soils, remain poorly understood. We conducted a column leaching study in repacked soil columns to compare the co-leaching of novel water-dispersible CNMs and soil nutrients across two levels of CNMs applications (200 & 400 mg kg−1), two fertilization rates (low:80 mg kg−1 of N, P and K and high: 200 mg N kg−1, 100 mg P kg−1, 200 mg K kg−1, applied as ammonium nitrate, potassium phosphate, and potassium nitrate) and two soils (Spodosol with pH = 5.1, Alfisol with pH = 6.5). We imposed 12 leaching events to each column, with each leaching event adding water equivalent to the soil-pore volume (250 mL), resulting in cumulative leaching of 3000 mL of water through each column. CNMs applications reduced cumulative leaching losses of NO3-N (Spodosol: 8–12 %, Alfisol: 9–19 %), NH4-N (Spodosol: 2–14 %, Alfisol: 9–14 %), P (Spodosol: 23–27 %, Alfisol: 23–36 %) and K (Spodosol: 17–23 %, Alfisol: 24–26 %) compared to fertilized columns without CNMs. CNMs increased soil pH by up to 0.3 units (Spodosol) or 0.5 units (Alfisol), while lowering electrical conductivity by 15–20 % at the high fertilization rate in both soils. Columns with water-dispersible CNMs accumulated 25–30 % more total C in the base sections of the Alfisol compared to the Spodosol, indicating faster downward movement through the soil profile. Overall, we demonstrated that CNMs have the potential to reduce nutrient leaching in coarse-textured soils, which could be particularly beneficial in high-input intensive agricultural systems.

Agricultural nanotechnology for a safe and sustainable future: current status, challenges, and beyond.

Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scales to produce structures and devices ranging from 1 to 100 nm, is increasingly being applied in agriculture. Nanoscale materials possess distinct optical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties that enable the smart, targeted delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, and genetic materials to plants, as well as rapid sensing and on-site monitoring of plant health, soil fertility, and water quality in a digital format. This review explores the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, examining the challenges and benefits related to all aspects of crop production, with a particular focus on regulatory issues. Key findings indicate that nanotechnology can improve crop production and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture through precise input management. However, several critical issues need to be addressed, including the limited knowledge of the long-term environmental impacts associated with agricultural nanotechnology and the ambiguity of current regulations. This underscores the need for further research to elucidate its impact on soil, water, and environmental and human health, to inform evidence-based regulations. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Glycine-magnesium nitrate tetrahydrate: A unique energetic complex for direct combustion synthesis of nanosized MgO

While numerous combustion methods have been explored for the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO), this study presents a unique approach that intentionally overcomes the inherent diffusion limitations associated with traditional combustion synthesis. This was achieved by forming a fuel and oxidizer complex from a 1:1 mol ratio of magnesium nitrate:glycine using the solvent evaporation method. Single crystal x-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) confirmed complex formation. DSC-TGA indicated that the complex reactivity is altered from a physical mixture and exothermically decomposes after partial dehydration. The resulting complex was then combusted to form MgO. The product morphology, as revealed by SEM, showed agglomerated foam-like structures with nanoscale particles on the order of 10 nm. This work demonstrates the potential for a host of metal nitrate-glycine complexes and opens possibilities for tailored applications from fertilizer delivery to catalyst formation.

Precise and High-Throughput Delivery of Micronutrients in Plants Enabled by Pollen-Inspired Spiny and Biodegradable Microcapsules.

Decarbonizing food production and mitigating agriculture's environmental impact require new technologies for precise delivery of fertilizers and pesticides to plants. The cuticle, a waxy barrier that protects the surface of leaves, causes 60%-90% runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, leading to the wastage of intensive resources, soil depletion, and water bodies pollution. Solutions to mitigate runoff include adding chemicals (e.g., surfactants) to decrease surface tension and enhance cuticles' permeability but have low efficacy. In this study, vapor-induced synergistic differentiation (VISDi) is used to nanomanufacture echinate pollen-like, high payload content (≈50 wt%) microcapsules decorated with robust spines that mechanically disrupt the cuticle and adhere to the leaf. VISDi induces a core-shell structure in the spines, enabling the release of agrochemicals from the microparticles' body into the leaf. As proof of concept, precise and highthroughput delivery of iron fertilizer in Fe-deficient spinach plants is demonstrated. Spray of spiny microparticles improves leaf adhesion by mechanical interlocking, reduces wash-off by an ≈12.5 fold, and enhances chlorophyll content by ≈7.3 times compared to the application of spherical counterparts. Together, these results show that spiny microparticles can mitigate agricultural runoff and provide a high-throughput tool for precise plant drug delivery.

Fertilizer Effects on the Nitrogen Isotope Composition of Soil and Different Leaf Locations of Potted Camellia sinensis over a Growing Season.

The nitrogen-stable isotopes of plants can be used to verify the source of fertilizers, but the fertilizer uptake patterns in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants are unclear. In this study, potted tea plants were treated with three types of organic fertilizers (OFs), urea, and a control. The tea leaves were sampled over seven months from the top, middle, and base of the plants and analyzed for the δ15N and nitrogen content, along with the corresponding soil samples. The top tea leaves treated with the rapeseed cake OF had the highest δ15N values (up to 6.6‱), followed by the chicken manure, the cow manure, the control, and the urea fertilizer (6.5‱, 4.1‱, 2.2‱, and 0.6‱, respectively). The soil treated with cow manure had the highest δ15N values (6.0‱), followed by the chicken manure, rapeseed cake, control, and urea fertilizer (4.8‱, 4.0‱, 2.5‱, and 1.9‱, respectively). The tea leaves fertilized with rapeseed cake showed only slight δ15N value changes in autumn but increased significantly in early spring and then decreased in late spring, consistent with the delivery of a slow-release fertilizer. Meanwhile, the δ15N values of the top, middle, and basal leaves from the tea plants treated with the rapeseed cake treatment were consistently higher in early spring and lower in autumn and late spring, respectively. The urea and control samples had lower tea leaf δ15N values than the rapeseed cake-treated tea and showed a generalized decrease in the tea leaf δ15N values over time. The results clarify the temporal nitrogen patterns and isotope compositions of tea leaves treated with different fertilizer types and ensure that the δ15N tea leaf values can be used to authenticate the organic fertilizer methods across different harvest periods and leaf locations. The present results based on a pot experiment require further exploration in open agricultural soils in terms of the various potential fertilizer effects on the different variations of nitrogen isotope ratios in tea plants.

Bells and Whistles on Fertilizers: Molecular Hands to Hang Nanoporous Foliar Fertilizer Reservoirs.

Porous materials are highly explored platforms for fertilizer delivery. Among porous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an important class of coordination polymers in which metal ions and organic electron donors as linkers are assembled to form crystalline structures with stable nanoporosity. Selected amino acids were inherently found to have the capacity to hold the leaf cuticle. Hence, MOF synthesis was attempted in the presence of amino acids, which can act as surface terminators and can assist as hands to hold to the leaf for a controlled nutrient supply. By serendipity, the amino acids were found to act as modulators, resulting in well-stabilized porous MOF structures with iron metal nodes, which are often noted to be unstable. Thus, the composite, i.e., (MOF@aa) MOF modulated with amino acids, has efficient nutrient-feeding ability through the foliar route when compared to the control.

Sustained-release nitrogen fertilizer delivery systems based on carboxymethyl cellulose-grafted polyacrylamide: Swelling and release kinetics

Sustained or controlled-release delivery systems can enhance functions such as nutrient usage; minimize soil contamination, and reduce the required fertilizer dose. This paper reports the development of a carboxymethyl cellulose-g-polyacrylamide copolymer (CMC-g-PAM) as a sustained and slow-release fertilizer carrier for urea. The developed copolymer was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TG). The grafting process increased the activation energy of CMC from 0.1521 to 0.5952 J/mol with a higher loading percentage of 72.140.85% using a 15% urea solution. The swelling ratio is significantly dependent on the pH. The maximum swelling ratio of 1199.58% at pH 9. However, Swelling follows a pseudo-first-order reaction with the maximum swelling ratio in a saline of 349.76%.The CMC-g-PAM copolymer loaded with urea exhibited sustained and slow release, with the maximum cumulative percentage of 69.12% at pH 9 and 38.94% in saline. Urea release from the CMC-g-PAM copolymer followed the first-order, Fickian, and biexponential biphasic release mechanisms. The release of the CMC-g-PAM copolymer loaded with urea is a complicated process governed by diffusion and a biphasic releasing profile.

Physio-biochemical responses of rice to smart nitrogen fertilizer nano-hydrogel under drought stress and flooding alternation: An eco-friendly innovative approach to enhance the grain quality

Fertilizer nanohydrogels have been newly introduced to agriculture. Herein, we investigated the effects of smart nitrogen (N) fertilizer nano-hydrogel on rice's physio-biochemical traits and seed quality under different drought stress and flooding conditions. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted with no N fertilizer delivery 0 g N/kg (NND), with conventional N fertilizer delivery 0.175 g N/kg (CND), and smart N fertilizer delivery 0.175 g N/kg (SND) using three irrigation options: flooding/moderate dryness (FMD, 90% saturation, 30 mm submerged), flooding/sharp dryness (FSD, 70% saturation, 30 mm submerged), and flooding/extreme dryness (FED, 50% saturation, 30 mm submerged). Results showed that rice root's active acquisition area and enzymatic activity were larger in FMD × SND than in FED × NND, as the former combination increased NH4+, NO3−, and TN contents in the soil while the latter reduced their availability. The optimal N nutrition improved the plant cell ultrastructure, and the catalase activity was higher in the FMD × SND (42.0 µg/min) compared to the FED × NND (25.2 µg/min), leading to the alleviation of oxidative cell injury, as verified by lesser radical oxidative sequences and lipid peroxidation. The leaf soluble protein (8.8 mg/g) and sugar (36.9 mg/g) were greater in FMD × SND than in FED × NND (5.3 mg/g), (10.4 mg/g), and (8.3 µg/g h), respectively. Moreover, α-amylase and glutamine synthetase activities were larger in the FMD × SND than in FED × NND. Meanwhile, the FMD × SND resulted in the highest milled rice (87.3%), amylose (17.6%), protein (12.4%), and fatty acids (11.1%). However, the combination of FED × NND led to the lowest milled rice (70.0%), amylose (5.6%), protein (5.3%), and fatty acids (6.6%). This study suggests that the FMD × SND can guarantee physio-biochemical improvements in rice, thereby increasing grain quality.

Nanotechnology in agriculture: A solution to global food insecurity in a changing climate?

Although the Green Revolution dramatically increased food production, it led to non- sustainable conventional agricultural practices, with productivity in general declining over the last few decades. Maintaining food security with a world population exceeding 9 billion in 2050, a changing climate, and declining arable land will be exceptionally challenging. In fact, nothing short of a revolution in how we grow, distribute, store, and consume food is needed. In the last ten years, the field of nanotoxicology in plant systems has largely transitioned to one of sustainable nano-enabled applications, with recent discoveries on the use of this advanced technology in agriculture showing tremendous promise. The range of applications is quite extensive, including direct application of nanoscale nutrients for improved plant health, nutrient biofortification, increased photosynthetic output, and greater rates of nitrogen fixation. Other applications include nano-facilitated delivery of both fertilizers and pesticides; nano-enabled delivery of genetic material for gene silencing against viral pathogens and insect pests; and nanoscale sensors to support precision agriculture. Recent efforts have demonstrated that nanoscale strategies increase tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stressors, offering realistic potential to generate climate resilient crops. Considering the efficiency of nanoscale materials, there is a need to make their production more economical, alongside efficient use of incumbent resources such as water and energy. The hallmark of many of these approaches involves much greater impact with far less input of material. However, demonstrations of efficacy at field scale are still insufficient in the literature, and a thorough understanding of mechanisms of action is both necessary and often not evident. Although nanotechnology holds great promise for combating global food insecurity, there are far more ways to do this poorly than safely and effectively. This review summarizes recent work in this space, calling out existing knowledge gaps and suggesting strategies to alleviate those concerns to advance the field of sustainable nano-enabled agriculture.

Essentiality of Micronutrients in Soil: A Review

Micronutrients are very abundant in soil but plants normally absorb only a little amount of them, giving them the name "trace elements". Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), and Nickel (Ni) are the essential micronutrients that are required in smaller amounts but crucial for plant growth and development. Besides providing essentiality in fruits and seeds formation, they are helpful in performing various metabolic processes, nutritional management, reproductive growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and other key plant activities. Among all the essential micronutrients, two particular elements, zinc (Zn) and boron (B) are deficit in acidic soils and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)are insufficient in semi-arid soils, which have become a rising problem in a variety of cropping systems thereby, raising alarms for the future. Our understanding of difficulties relating to micronutrients might be improved by the production of detailed soil micronutrient maps that cover wide geographic regions, making relevant judgments about the delivery and distribution of fertilizers supplemented with micronutrients to areas that are deficient in these particular micronutrients. The outcomes of these delineation efforts would also be very helpful in developing site-specific suggestions to increase the micronutrient content of food crops. It's important to note that soil micronutrient availability directly affects plant growth.

Analysis and Closing of the High-Production-Maize Yield Gap in the Semi-Arid Area of Northeast China

A mulched drip fertigation system is an effective way to improve maize yield, but at present, the efficiency of nutrient delivery and water use are generally low. Therefore, this study conducted optimization field experiments to identify the main factors limiting the delivery of water and fertilizer, including regulations on nitrogen (N) fertilizer, irrigation conditions, planting density and maize varieties, in the semi-arid area of Northeast China. As part of an effort to close the yield gap for maize, an optimized system (DS) for optimal crop, nutrient and water management was designed to improve the agronomic and economic performance of maize farming in the area. The application rate of N fertilizer was 240 kg ha−1; the base fertilizer was applied four times (once at the jointing stage, twice at the belling stage and once at the silking stage); the rates of application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer were 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 90 kg K2O ha−1, respectively; the irrigation amount was 270 mm ha−1; the maize variety Fumin 985 was planted at a density of 80,000 plants ha−1 in DS; the grain yield of DS reached 13.8 Mg ha−1, 93% of the yield potential. DS yielded an economic benefit of 18,449 yuan ha−1, which was significantly higher than the economic benefit of 13,818 yuan ha−1 achieved under farmers’ practices (FP). Furthermore, the utilization rates of N, P, K, and water were significantly improved under DS. In conclusion, DS increased production potential, with high efficiency in nutrient delivery and water use and low losses of nutrients and water. The crop, fertilizer, and water management of DS provided a technological system to simultaneously improve crop production and resource-use efficiency in the semi-arid area of Northeast China.

Design of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) on Smart Fertilizer Distribution System

The control system in agriculture is an important study to regulate the application of fertilizers to plants. The control system can use PLC control system which has good system robustness and easy program language. The purpose of this research is to design a simulated fertilizer irrigation system based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) system. The PLC program used is CX-program and the simulator circuit uses Fluidsim simulator. The system components used are the main reservoir, pump, solenoid valve, valve, level sensor, and light indicator. The system is organized by dividing inputs and outputs that are directly integrated into the PLC system. The components are arranged using fluidsim and the PLC control system using CX-Programmer using ladder logic language. The control system integration and system circuitry are connected using KeepServerEX. The output of this system is a successful operation function and a digital system response to the time of the system. From the results of the system response provides a fairly good timeliness so that this irrigation system can be considered in the implementation of fertilizer delivery system

APLIKASI PENGARUH PELAPISAN BENIH DENGAN PUPUK ORGANOMINERAL TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN HASIL DAN EFISIENSI PEMBERIAN PUPUK UREA PADA TANAMAN JAGUNG DI VERTISOL LOMBOK TENGAH

The seed coating technique using organomineral fertilizer aims to reduce farming costs (fertilizer and fertilizing labor) so that farmer do not need to apply fertizers except for urea fertilizer which is not contained in organomineral fertilizers. This study aims to find out the effect of coating corn seeds with organomineral fertilizer on the growth of yields and efficiency of urea fertilizer delivery on corn crops in central Lombok vertisol in June to October 2021. The field experiment using the split plot experimental design with the main plot of seed coating treatment coated with organomineral fertilizer and as a child of plot with a dose of urea fertilizer consisting of three levels, namely 200, 300 and 400 kg urea / ha. The parameters studied are Dry Brangkasan Weight, Weight 100 Grains, Seed Yield, Pipilan Dry Weight, Plant Tissue Absorption N. The results showed that coating corn seeds with organomineral fertilizer had no real effect on all parameters. While the dose of urea fertilizer has no real effect on the Weight of Dry Brangkasan (BBK), Weight of 100 Grains, Seed Shortening and a real effect on The Dry Weight of Pipilan, Uptake of N Plant Tissue and Efficiency of Absorption N. The highest Yield of Dry Weight of Pipilan is obtained from Unsalted Seeds (BTB) on the provision of urea fertilizer 300 kg / ha. The efficiency of N uptake from Unsalted Seeds and Layered Seeds increased at urea fertilizer doses of 200 kg/ha ywhich is 77.62% and 75.71%.

Leaf yield and mineral content of mizuna in response to cut-and-come-again harvest, substrate particle size, and fertilizer formulation in a simulated spaceflight environment

The Veggie plant-growth unit deployed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) grows leafy vegetables to supplement crew diets. “Cut-and-come-again” harvests are tested to maximize vegetative yield while minimizing crew time. Water, oxygen, and fertilizer delivery to roots of leafy greens growing in microgravity have become the center of attention for Veggie. Current Veggie technology wicks water into particulate root substrates incorporating controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). Mizuna mustard (Brassica rapa) was grown under ISS-like environments in ground-based Veggie-analogue units comparing crop response to combinations of two different substrate particle sizes, two different fertilizer formulations, and three leaf-harvest times from each plant. Fine-particle porous ceramic substrate (Profile©) was compared with a 40:60 mix of fine-particle porous ceramic Profile© + coarse porous ceramic Turface© substrate. Identical 18-6-8 (NPK) CRF formulations consisting of [50% fast-release (T70) + 50% intermediate-release (T100) prills] vs. [50% fast-release (T70) + 50% slow-release (T180) prills] were incorporated into each substrate, and leaf tissues were harvested from each treatment combination at 28, 48, and 56 days after sowing. The combination of T100 CRF in 100% Profile© substrate gave the highest fresh mass (FM) and leaf area (LA) across harvests, whereas T180 CRF in 40% Profile© gave the lowest. Dry-mass (DM) yields varied with effects on leaf area. Tissue nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) specific contents declined across harvests for all treatment combinations but tended to be highest for T100 CRF/100% Profile©, and lowest for T180 CRF/40% Profile©. These major macronutrients were taken up faster by roots growing in small particle-size substrate incorporating intermediate-rate CRF, but also were depleted faster from the same treatment combination, suggesting it may not continue to be the best combination for additional harvests. Micronutrients did not decline in tissue specific content across treatment combinations, but manganese (Mn) accumulated in leaf tissue across treatments and apparently comes mainly from the ceramic substrate, regardless of particle size. Substrate leachate analysis following final harvest indicated that pH remained in the range for nominal availability of mineral nutrients for root uptake, but electro-conductivity measurements suggested depletion of fertilizer salts from root zones, especially from the treatment combination supporting the highest yields and major macronutrient contents. Although 100% Profile© was the better growth substrate for mizuna in combination with intermediate-rate CRF and three cut-and-come-again harvests in ground-based studies, mixed-particle-size substrates may be a better choice for plant growth under microgravity conditions, where capillary forces predominant and tend to cause saturation of a fine medium with water. Since there were no statistically significant interactions between substrate and fertilizer in this study, our ground-based findings for CRF choice should translate to the best substrate choice for microgravity, but if NASA wants to consider additional cut-and-come-again harvests from the same mizuna plants, more complex CRF formulations likely will have to be investigated.

GREENHOUSE COST INDEX METHODOLOGY BASED ON THE DIVERSE REGIONS OF IRAQ

Greenhouses have become widespread structures that create an ideal microclimate for growing crops worldwide. A greenhouse is a structure that allows people to regulate climatic conditions, such as, temperature and humidity. There are many different designs of greenhouses, but generally, these buildings include large areas of transparent material to capture the light and heat of the sun. They also offer protection from unfavorable weather conditions and pests, providing a popular solution for crop production worldwide, including Iraq, which uses alternative energy sources for climate control. Using machine learning models has helped design different greenhouse types; however, their ability to predict costs and designs based on features is yet to exist. Therefore, to address these issues, this study aimed to develop cost-effective and user-friendly greenhouse systems through two different approaches: Firstly, the use of random forests (RFs) model with the highest precision (0.99) formulated the cost of the greenhouse for new input data to calculate a greenhouse cost estimate based on the system's performance as a benchmark while selecting the greenhouse's features through training and testing, and secondly, the use of the farmer's desired price as a basis for developing a greenhouse design. This scientific approach will enable the farming community to manage the costs of various aspects, such as, building materials, energy sources, climate control devices, water and fertilizer delivery, growing substrates, internal logistics, and labor. The presented research will provide farmers with a practical basis that also considers the constraints, i.e., the economy, climate, law, market, and resource availability. It will empower the farmers to make the right decisions regarding greenhouse systems with their specific requirements and circumstances.

Efficient Use of Nano-fertilizer for Increasing Productivity and Profitability along with Maintain Sustainability in Rice Crop: A Review

The need for food and the expanding global population have put enormous pressure on agriculture to increase crop yield while preserving sustainability. Since rice is a staple diet for millions of people, novel methods are needed to increase yields without harming the environment. The possible advantages of using nano fertilizers in rice farming are examined in this abstract in order to raise yields, increase farmer profitability, and ensure long-term sustainability. Nano-sized carriers created for effective nutrient delivery to crops are called nano fertilizers, an innovative application of nanotechnology in agriculture. Their special qualities, such as their large surface area and regulated release mechanisms, allow for the targeted supply of nutrients to rice plants, improving nutrient uptake and utilization. Nano-fertilizers successfully optimize nutrient availability as a consequence, increasing crop output. According to studies, using nano fertilizers in rice farming increases grain yields because plants are better able to absorb and assimilate nutrients. The crop's resistance to environmental challenges and disease strains is strengthened as a result of this enhanced nutrient utilization, which also boosts yield and contributes to sustainable rice farming practices. Furthermore, nano fertilizers offer cost-effectiveness and increased profitability for farmers. Despite their initial higher cost, the efficient nutrient delivery of nano fertilizers reduces the overall application rate required compared to conventional fertilizers. This reduction in input costs translates to improved profitability for farmers, promoting economic sustainability in rice production.

Conceptual model of the process of applying liquid forms of mineral fertilizers to the soil

Materials on the formation of a conceptual model of the process of applying liquid forms of mineral fertilizers into the soil are presented. The basis of this model is the scheme of interaction of the processes in the agroecosystem of wheat at the level of the conceptual model of the resource cycle. Mineral nutrition of vegetative plants and corresponding ordering of internal relations of the system are introduced into it as an additional block. It has been found that given the specifics of scientific research and technical capabilities, it is appropriate to use the “black box” model for further consideration. This model is based on practical human activity aimed at transforming used objects by means of material, energy or informational influences. The main interacting blocks of the system of crop production process management related to the provision of vegetative plants with the main factors of their development at the levels of above-ground and root-inhabited parts of agroecosystem, spatial distribution of liquid mineral fertilizers in the zone of their application in accordance with agrotechnical requirements, including simultaneously with grain sowing, have been determined. The block of nitrogen-phosphorus nutrition for vegetative plants is presented, which is realized through the application of technological and technical support for the main methods of liquid mineral fertilizers application using a set of trailed, mounted and mounted technological machines on the basis of existing tillage and sowing working bodies. The principle of formation of machine-tractor aggregates at its initial stage on the minimum of energy costs for their production and operation is recommended. The prospect of using pneumatic systems for delivery and distribution of liquid mineral fertilizers in the zone of their application has been established.

Insights into the Potential of Biopolymeric Aerogels as an Advanced Soil-Fertilizer Delivery Systems.

Soil fertilizers have the potential to significantly increase crop yields and improve plant health by providing essential nutrients to the soil. The use of fertilizers can also help to improve soil structure and fertility, leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. However, overuse or improper use of fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, which can reduce soil fertility, decrease crop yields, and damage ecosystems. Thus, several attempts have been made to overcome the issues related to the drawbacks of fertilizers, including the development of an advanced fertilizer delivery system. Biopolymer aerogels show promise as an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of soil-fertilizer delivery systems. Further research and development in this area could lead to the widespread adoption of biopolymer aerogels in agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices and helping to address global food-security challenges. This review discusses for the first time the potential of biopolymer-based aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery, going through the types of soil fertilizer and the advert health and environmental effects of overuse or misuse of soil fertilizers. Different types of biopolymer-based aerogels were discussed in terms of their potential in fertilizer delivery and, finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of biopolymer aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery.

Controlled release fertilizer delivery system derived from rice straw cellulose nanofibres: a circular economy based solution for sustainable development

ABSTRACTRecently, the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly biomaterials has gained the attention of researchers as potential alternatives to petroleum-based materials. Biomaterials are a promising candidate to mitigate sustainability issues due to their renewability, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore a cost-effective biomaterial-based delivery system for delivering fertilizers to plants. To achieve this, rice straw (agro-waste) was selected as a raw material for the extraction of cellulose. The cellulose was extracted through alkali treatment (12% NaOH), followed by TEMPO-based oxidation. The cellulose nanofibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In scanning electron microscopy, a loosening of the fibrillar structure in cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was observed with a diameter of 17 ± 4 nm. The CNFs were loaded with nitrogen-based fertilizer (ammonium chloride) in 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (w/w) proportions. The loading was estimated through surface charge variation; in the case of the 1:1 sample, maximum reductions in surface charge were seen from −42.0 mV to −12.8 mV due to the binding of positive ammonium ions. In the release kinetics study, a controlled release pattern was observed at 1:1, which showed a 58% cumulative release of ammonium ions within 8 days. Thus, the study paves the way for value-added uses of rice straw as an alternative to the current environmentally harmful practices.