Biomass-based multifunctional fertilizer system featuring controlled-release nutrient, water-retention and amelioration of soil

Abstract

In an effort to enhance the efficiency of fertilizer use and minimize adverse environmental effects, a novel biomass-based, multifunctional controlled-release fertilizer (BMCF) was prepared to improve nutrient use efficiency and enhance crop production systems for more sustainable agriculture practices. The fertilizer design included natural attapulgite as a matrix, co-granulated ammonium zinc phosphate and urea as fertilizer core, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) as an inner coating, and a carboxymethyl chitosan-g-poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (CMCS-g-PAA/APT) superabsorbent composite as an outer coating. The effect of an APT matrix, CAB inner coating and superabsorbent composite outer coating on nutrient release rate was investigated. The influence of the BMCF on water-holding and water-retention capacity of soil samples was determined. The degradation behavior of the CMCS-g-PAA/APT outer coating in soil solution was evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the product prepared by a simple and economical method can effectively reduce N leaching loss and runoff, improve soil moisture retention capacity, and ameliorate soil acidity and alkalinity.