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Biodegradable Nanocoating for Fertilizers

Biodegradable Nanocoating for Fertilizers

Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have developed a novel biodegradable nanocoating for fertilizers that can increase nutrient use efficiency by enabling slow release

  • This technology could reduce the amount of fertilizer required while sustaining high crop yields, offering environmental and economic benefits.

Key Features and Composition

  • Nanocoating Material: The coating is made from nanoclay-reinforced binary carbohydrates, specifically chitosan and lignin, combined with an anionic clay that creates stable bonds.
  • It has hydrophobic properties which allow fertilisers to be released slowly, minimising rapid dissolution and nutrient loss to soil and water.

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Nanotechnology

  • Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials and devices. 
  • Applications: It promises scientific advancement in many sectors such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing.

Nano fertilizers: These are nutrients that are encapsulated or coated within nanomaterial in order to enable controlled release, and its subsequent slow diffusion into a soil.

Eg. Nano Urea and Nano DAP

Material Sustainability and Biocompatibility

  • The nanomaterials used are low-cost, nature-derived materials such as nano-clay, chitosan, and starch.
  • Designed to be biodegradable and mechanically stable, the coating supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing waste and enhancing soil health.

Application Process

  • A rotary drum system is employed to uniformly coat fertilizers like muriate of potash (KCl), which provides around 80% of potassium needed in fertilizers.
  • This system, equipped with a sand air gun, achieves consistent coating that withstands transportation and handling.

Nanocoating

Advantages and Benefits

  • Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency: The slow-release mechanism aligns nutrient availability with crop needs, enhancing efficiency and reducing the total amount of fertilizer required.
    • This technology reduces the recommended fertilizer dose for crops such as rice and wheat, maintaining or potentially increasing yields.
  • Environmental and Economic Impact: By limiting fertilizer run-off and interaction with surrounding soil and water, this innovation mitigates environmental risks associated with conventional fertilizers.
    • It also holds the potential to improve farmers’ socio-economic conditions by decreasing fertilizer costs and increasing agricultural output, which could contribute positively to the national economy.

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Potential for Broader Applications

  • The 3D nanostructure of these polymers has applications beyond agriculture due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and thermos-responsive properties.
  • Future applications might involve other fields where controlled release and environmental sustainability are desired.
Further Reading: Nano Fertilizers, Nano Liquid Urea, Nano DAP.

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