Smart microgels to improve efficiency of slow release fertilisers

A Smart micro gel, which can release nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers to crops in a slow-release mode has been developed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi. 

The microgels are derived from natural polymers and are multifunctional. They are engineered for the slow release of fertilisers over an extended period. This helps in enhancing crop nutrition while minimising environmental impact. The overall development can lead to sustainable agriculture too.

The findings of the IIT Mandi research have been published in the prestigious journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces from the American Chemical Society. The research work was led by Dr Garima Agrawal along with her team including Ankita Dhiman, Piyush Thaper and Dimpy Bhardwaj from the School of Chemical Sciences. The research was funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board,  Department of Science & Technology.

According to Dr Garima Agrawal, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Sciences: “We have developed natural polymer-based multifunctional smart microgels for the slow release of urea over a longer period. These microgels also act as a potential source of phosphorus for plants and are cost-effective, biodegradable and environment friendly.”

“The microgel formulation is eco-friendly and biodegradable, as it is made with natural polymers. It can be applied by mixing it into the soil or by spraying it on plant leaves”, she added. 

Recent studies with maize plants have shown that the formulation improves maize seed germination and overall plant growth compared to pure urea fertiliser. This sustained release of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers helps crops thrive while cutting down on fertiliser use.”

These findings pave the way for sustainable agriculture, offering a promising solution to optimize nutrient supply, enhance crop yields, and mitigate environmental challenges associated with traditional fertilisers, the IIT Mandi scientists say.

Modern agriculture relies heavily on fertiliser applications to meet the escalating food demand of a growing population. While fertilisers are essential for providing nutrients to plants and improving crop yields, their effectiveness is often compromised by factors such as gaseous volatilization and leaching. 

Consequently, excessive fertiliser application not only leads to high costs but also has adverse effects on the environment, including groundwater and soil contamination, as well as human health hazards. Therefore, developing technological alternatives that prolong fertiliser release is critical to facilitate a shift towards sustainable agriculture practices.

As global populations surge towards an estimated 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security becomes increasingly critical. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand, with fertilisers playing a significant role in boosting crop productivity. However, the inefficiency of traditional nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers, with absorption rates as low as 30% to 50% and 10% to 25%, respectively, poses challenges in optimizing agricultural output while minimizing environmental impact.

(M Somasekhar is an independent journalist who specializes in Science & Technology, Agriculture, Business and start-ups based out of Hyderabad.)