Fabrication of Slow Release Fertilizer Based on Urea – Saw Dust and Gelatin Binder

Abstract

The increasing usage of slow release fertilizers has become an essential demand to save fertilizer consumption and reduce the environmental pollution. In this study, two different techniques were used to prepared slow release urea fertilizers (SRUFX and SRUFY) composed of urea, sawdust and gelatin as a binding material. The two prepared fertilizers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Urea static release was studied and indicated a prolongation of the release pattern of urea with approximately three times by incorporating saw dust and gelatin. The kinetics of the static release showed that SRUFX and SRUFY follow non-fickian release. The effect mechanical stress (1, 1.5 and 2 MPa) on the release time of urea was studied and indicated an increase in time of release as the stress increases.