Fertilizer-releasing biocomposites based on chitosan and cellulose obtained by spray drying technique

Abstract

The use of controlled release materials for macro and micronutrients is an efficient tool that contributes to the sustainability of agricultural practices. The increase of the fertilizer efficiency, reduction of soil toxicity and negative effects associated with overdose are some of the benefits provided by these materials. However, the release efficiency of the material and its degradation still requires studies. The main motivation of this project is the preparation of a polymeric biocomposite based on natural materials (chitosan and cellulose) added with macronutrients (K, P and N) and its application in the soil. The chitosan-cellulose microparticles will be prepared with spray-drying technique. The structural, thermal and morphological properties, as well as the swelling capacity and nutrient release in water will be evaluated. The release in soil will be evaluated with TDR technique that measure the ionic movement in a particular systems as soil. The spray dryer operating specifications will be determined based on the quality of the final product and the nutrient release properties. In addition, the objective is to understand the structure-properties relationship of biocomposite systems. It is important to highlight that the use of the TDR technique in the in situ monitoring of soil nutrient release is innovative in this area of materials applied to Agriculture and will provide quickly and accurately information on the release profile of material. The aim of the project is to obtain systems that may have applications in the controlled release of agro-nutrients and in the development of nutritional products for high-yield Agriculture. (AU)