Preparing and Using Cellulose Granules as Biodegradable and Long-Lasting Carriers for Artificial Fertilizers

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on the preparation and use of cellulose granules as carriers of nutrients in the cultivation of plants. The granules were prepared from a cellulose solution in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole acetate followed by coagulation in water and primary alcohols: methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol. Modifications of granules were also carried out by hydrophobization at elevated temperature and by encapsulation in a polylactide solution. As a result of the research, cellulose granules were obtained, which were characterized by different porosity, depending on the type of coagulant used. The morphology of granules surface and cross-sections was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellulose granules exhibited good sorption/desorption properties which were investigated by conductometry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The longest desorption time of NH 4 NO 3 was characteristic of granules obtained as a result of thermal hydrophobization of the surface, which were used in the cultivation of the spider plant. As a result of the research, cellulose granules were obtained which may find potential application in crop production, as long-acting, non-dusting and fully biodegradable fertilizers.

Modification and Properties of Cellulose Nonwoven Fabric—Multifunctional Mulching Material for Agricultural Applications

“…Our previous research on the production of long-acting cellulose fertilizer granules [ 23 ] provided us with the inspiration for the modification of cellulose nonwoven material. At the beginning, the possibility of using unmodified viscose nonwoven as a mulching material in tomato greenhouse cultivation was investigated.…”

Cellulose Microbeads: Toward the Controlled Release of Nutrients to Plants

“…Cellulose microbeads could be employed as nutrient carriers if they present an adequate capacity to absorb and release Zn 2+ for plant roots. Promising results were observed when loading cellulose granules with NH 4 NO 3 . However, the nutrient-loaded bead technology still requires improvement to face the challenges imposed by a real agriculture system.…”

Influence of Urea on Organic Bulk Fertilizer of Spent Coffee Grounds and Green Algae Chlorella sp. Biomass

“…Bio-fertilizers were defined in 2005 by Fuentes-Ramirez and Caballero-Mellado as "a product that contains living microorganisms, which exert direct or indirect beneficial effects on plant growth and crop yield through different mechanisms" [11,12]. Chitosan, polysaccharides, and other agricultural residues are listed under the definition of environmentally-friendly fertilizers (or enhanced efficiency fertilizers) [13][14][15][16]. These compounds and materials are commonly used to coat fertilizers to reduce their dissolution rate and meet the crop nutrient demand throughout the season [15,17].…”