Graphene oxide, starch, and kraft lignin bio-nanocomposite controlled-release phosphorus fertilizer: Effect on P management and maize growth.

This study focuses on the synthesis and practical application of bio-nanocomposite films made from a mixture of starch (ST) and Kraft lignin (KL) with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM, and TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis's success of GO. The bio-nanocomposites were used as advanced coatings for triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizers, and their implications for maize (Zea mays L.

Production of sheep wool keratin hydrolysate and evaluation of its effectiveness in promoting maize cultivation.

The purpose of this work is to produce keratin hydrolysate from sheep wool by alkaline hydrolysis and to assess its effectiveness in improving maize plant growth under greenhouse conditions. A hybrid response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD) was used to model and optimize the hydrolysis process. The synergistic effects between three critical independent variables including temperature, hydrolysis time, and concentration of KOH on the hydrolysis rate were statistically investigated and optimized.

Urea-rich sodium alginate-based hydrogel fertilizer as a water reservoir and slow-release N carrier for tomato cultivation under different water-deficit levels.

In this study, a new eco-friendly urea-rich sodium alginate-based hydrogel with a slow-release nitrogen property was prepared, and its effectiveness was evaluated in the cultivation of tomato plants under different water stress levels. The structure and performance of the hydrogel were investigated by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DTG, and SEM. The swelling and release experiments showed that prepared urea-rich hydrogel exhibited a high-water holding capacity (412 ± 4 g/g) and showed a sustained and slow nitrogen release property.