Charged-cellulose nanofibrils as a nutrient carrier in biodegradable polymers for enhanced efficiency fertilizers.

An enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) is essential for sustainable agriculture, and here, we evaluated cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a nutrient carrier dispersed in biodegradable polymeric matrices. CNF were functionalized with negative (CNF) and positive (CNF) charges to improve (i) the CNF-nutrient and (ii) the CNF-polymeric matrix interactions. The CNF encapsulated the KNO nutrient by spray drying (microcapsules) and then inserted into a poly (hydroxybutyrate)/starch-based matrix by melt-compounding (tablets).

Chitosan-Montmorillonite microspheres: A sustainable fertilizer delivery system.

Controlled release fertilizers are efficient tools that increase the sustainability of agricultural practices. However, the biodegradability of the matrices and the determination of the release into soil still require some investigation. This paper describes the preparation of potassium-containing microspheres based on chitosan and montmorillonite clay and the in situ soil release.