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Chitosan and Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Coatings for Controlled-Release Fertilizer

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Abstract

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are an effective approach in providing essential nutrients for plant growth while minimizing the loss of nutrients in water and air, reducing contamination risks. However, commercial CRFs often release nutrients either too quickly or slowly due to the properties of their coating materials (polymer or sulfur). In this work, a novel CRF technology was developed using chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites as coating materials. CS and GO solutions were applied at varying ratios in preparing different nanocomposites. CS and GO formed homogeneous nanocomposite films through their interactions with each other. Fertilizer beads were successfully encapsulated by the CS-GO films using the simple dipping method. Resulting CRFs showed controlled-release behaviors, with nutrient release lasting for about a week. Although additional investigations are required for further evaluation and optimization, this method presents a promising concept for an alternative fertilizer-coating technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Tiantian Li & Yuncong Li

  2. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Bin Gao & Zhaohui Tong

  3. Tropical Research & Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA

    Yuechao Yang & Yuncong Li

  4. College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018, Shandong, China

    Yuechao Yang

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  1. Tiantian Li
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  2. Bin Gao
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  3. Zhaohui Tong
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  4. Yuechao Yang
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  5. Yuncong Li
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Correspondence to Bin Gao or Yuncong Li.

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Li, T., Gao, B., Tong, Z. et al. Chitosan and Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Coatings for Controlled-Release Fertilizer. Water Air Soil Pollut 230, 146 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4173-2

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