Urea-rubber matrices as slow-release fertilizers. I. Modelling of urea release from a urea-rubber matrix

The effect of temperature and fertilizer particle size on urea release from a novel urea-rubber matrix (URM) composite was studied by incubation in 0.01 M CaCl2 solution. The release rate of urea from URM increased with increasing temperature and decreasing URM cuboid size which was well predicted b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fertilizer Research 1992-02, Vol.31 (2), p.185-192
Main Authors: Hassan, Z.A, Young, S.D, Hepburn, C, Arizal, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ammonium compounds
bending
correlation
cuboid size
cut surfaces
diffusion models
diffusivity
mathematical models
nitrogen
release
rolled surfaces
rubber
simulation
simulation models
size
slow-release fertilizers
soil solution
soil temperature
soil water
soil water potential
surface area
surfaces
tortuosity factor
urea
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Summary:The effect of temperature and fertilizer particle size on urea release from a novel urea-rubber matrix (URM) composite was studied by incubation in 0.01 M CaCl2 solution. The release rate of urea from URM increased with increasing temperature and decreasing URM cuboid size which was well predicted by a diffusion-based model. However, the value of tortuosity factor, used in the model description, increased with increasing temperature. This may represent a genuine effect, due to changes in the morphology of the rubber pore walls, or may arise from deficiencies in the simulation model. Simulations of urea release from URM cuboids, given the predictable effects of both temperature and cuboid size, showed potential applications in a wide range of agricultural systems. As presented, the model is only strictly applicable to situations in which soil moisture is not limiting, such as paddy soils.
ISSN:0167-1731
1573-0867
DOI:10.1007/BF01063292