Carbonaceous microsphere‐based superabsorbent polymer as filler for coating of NPK fertilizer: Fabrication, properties, swelling, and nitrogen release characteristics

Abstract

Recently, the use of controlled release fertilizers in agriculture has resulted in huge benefits in plant growth and cultivation. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP)‐coated fertilizers have the added advantage in retaining water in soil after irrigation and also reduce the nutrient release rate from soil in a controlled manner. This study aimed to produce a nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilizer coated with superabsorbent carbonaceous microspheres polymer (SPC) by inverse suspension polymerization method with water‐retention and controlled release properties. Two sets of experiments were conducted: (1) three different weight percentages and (2) different materials. NPK coated with SPC showed increasing water‐retention ability with respect to carbon microsphere percentages and retains >80% water at the 30th day of experiment compared with pure NPK and NPK coated with SAP. The slow release behavior of all samples was investigated by induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry spectrometry and results showed that NPK coated with SAP and SPC has a low release rate with <50% nutrient release compared with uncoated NPK at the 30th day. The release mechanism kinetics of NPK coated with SAP and SPC were studied based on the Kosmeyer–Peppas model. The mechanisms approached Fickian diffusion‐controlled release as the n value for both samples was less than 0.5. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48396.

λ-Carrageenan promotes plant growth in banana via enhancement of cellular metabolism, nutrient uptake, and cellular homeostasis

“…Currently, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N:P:K) fertilizer has been commonly used as the main nutrient resources to improve banana growth and yield. However, improper usage of N:P:K fertilizer may cause harmful effects on crop growth 7 . Overuse of fertilizer would damage the crop and cause environmental pollution 8 .…”

Polymer Based Engineered Materials for Sustainable Agriculture

“…The nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilizer loaded superabsorbent polymeric carbonaceous microspheres retained more than 80% water as compared to pure NPK on the 30th day of the experiment. Similarly, the nutrient release rate was found to be <50% following the Fickian diffusion mechanism . On the other hand, polyacrylic acid contains a large number of −COOH groups in its structure which help in controlling the water absorption capacity and payload release from the synthesized network.…”

“…They also have long shelf life, high strengths, and greater water absorption capacities than natural polymers. The hydrogels based on synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol are among the best-reported soil conditioners. , Ahmed Khan et al designed acrylamide based superabsorbent polymeric carbonaceous microspheres via an inverse suspension polymerization technique using sorbite anhydride monostearic acid ester (Span-80) and cyclohexane. This mixture was heated at 55 °C for 15 min in the presence of nitrogen followed by the addition of acrylic acid, N , N -methylenebis­(acrylamide) (MBA), and ammonium persulfate.…”

Expression of nutrient uptake-related genes in response to beneficial bacterial consortium application on Musa acuminata

“…Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers have been commonly used as the main source of nutrients in improving banana growth and yield. However, improper use of NPK chemical fertilizers can cause detrimental effects on plant growth [3]. Excessive use of fertilizers can damage plants, cause environmental pollution, and pollute water sources such as rivers and ponds, which is cause the death of aquatic animals [4].…”