Sustainable Production of Slow Release Fertilizers for Eco-Nutrient Delivery to Soil Microbial Communities in Nutrient Deficient soils

Abstract

There is a growing need to develop a natural-based slow-release fertilizer for sustained nutrient delivery as a result of the challenges associated with the direct application of chemical fertilizers. In this study, two low crop residues, cassava mesocarp CM and coconut coir dust CD were employed in the formulation and production of slow-release fertilizers (SLR). The proximate and mineral content analysis revealed an appreciable quantity of micronutrients and other soil stabilizers in the crop residues. Super absorbent polymers produced from both crop residues (CM-SAP and CCD-SAP) revealed water absorption positive correlation values as 0.9842and 0.9859 and final dry weight values ranging from 2.66–2.99g and 2.20–2.28g, respectively. NPK garden fertilizer (20:10:10) was encapsulated in to each SAP to create the slow- release properties of the products branded casmes and coco dust. The conductivity analyses performed on the SLR formulations showed a steady release of the nutrient content in to the liquid medium which ranged from 10µs/cm at 30mins to 290µs/ cm at 160mins for casmes while cocodust had a final value of 110µs/cm. Both formulations were applied as biostimulants alongside other nutrient regimens and it was observed that the products supported the growth of active bacteria population competing favourably with other biostimulants.