Synthesis, Properties, and Mechanistic Release-Kinetics Modeling of Biochar-Based Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers and Their Field Efficacy

Excessive and indiscriminate fertilizer use has harmed delicate agroecosystems, depleting soil nutrients and health. Recent research has focused on slow-release nitrogen (N) fertilizers as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers. The study focused at identifying the prospects of utiliz...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of soil science and plant nutrition 2024-12, Vol.24 (4), p.7460-7479
Main Authors: Nayak, Prayasi, Nandipamu, Tony Manoj K., Chaturvedi, Sumit, Dhyani, V. C., Chandra, Subhash
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agriculture
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Ecology
Environment
Life Sciences
Original Paper
Plant Sciences
Soil Science & Conservation
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Summary:Excessive and indiscriminate fertilizer use has harmed delicate agroecosystems, depleting soil nutrients and health. Recent research has focused on slow-release nitrogen (N) fertilizers as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers. The study focused at identifying the prospects of utilizing crop residue turned biochar to synthesize slow-release N fertilizers. Two biochar based slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (BSRNFs) were prepared using biochar derived from crop residues that used in intercalation and coating processes to extend N-release. BSRNFs dramatically decreased nitrogen release in soil columns, with 75% cumulative release on 21st and 13th day for rice straw bio-urea (RSBU) and biochar-coated urea (BCU), respectively, compared to 9th day for conventional urea. FE-SEM, FTIR, EDS and modeling studies confirmed nitrogen capture through physical adsorption, encapsulation, hydrogen bonding, and functional group interactions, facilitating slow-release. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model revealed Fickian slow diffusive nutrient-release for urea-N and NO 3 – -N, while non-Fickian hindered diffusion for NH 4 + -N suggesting adsorption by soil and biochar surfaces. Under the field trials, both RSBU and BCU significantly improved the rice growth and productivity over conventional urea apart from better soil characteristics. In conclusion, our newly synthesized BSRNFs, with sustained nitrogen-release mechanisms, offer promising prospects for mitigating the adverse effects of excessive fertilizer use, besides enhanced crop productivity. Graphical Abstract
ISSN:0718-9508
0718-9516
DOI:10.1007/s42729-024-02052-w