Preparation and Application of a Carboxymethylcellulose-Based Citric Acid-Crosslinked Coated Fertilizer System

Abstract

A carboxymethylcellulose-based encapsulant system for the controlled release of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer was synthesized using alginate as a stabilizer, and citric acid as a crosslinking agent. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, and scanning electron microscopy showed successful crosslinking, sufficient particle size and colloidal stability, as well as the topography of the formed particles. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed successful encapsulation of a model system, 8-anilino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid. Release behavior studies under various pH conditions showed that CMC/Alg NPK conformed to the standards of controlled release fertilizer with a maximum release rate of 50% over the span of 30 days.

An Overview of Polymeric Hydrogel Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

“…The authors created an encapsulating method based on carboxymethyl cellulose to release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer under controlled conditions. The cross-linking of this system, which used citric acid as a cross-linking agent and alginate as a stabilizer, was successful, and the encapsulated NPK formulation displayed controlled release behavior at different pH levels [78].…”