Controlled nutrient release for more efficient agricultural water use and reduced environmental insult (2008-2011)
Abstract
The seepage of nutrients into the environment as a result of slow plant uptake from fertilizer granules causes problems such as algal blooms in waterways. This problem is so acute for some soil types, such as those in the rich farmlands of southeastern WA, that restrictions are being imposed on fertilizer use, which will lead to reduced crop yields. This project will create a novel fertilizer coating that can be finely tuned to particular nutrients and soil types, so that nutrient release matches its uptake by crop plants. This will lead to significantly reduced environmental insult from nutrient runoff, maintaining and increasing crop yields from a given fertilizer loading and reducing water loss.'',
