Urea intercalated encapsulated microalgae composite hydrogels for slow-release fertilizers.

ABSTRACT: In agriculture, hydrogels can be addressed for effective operation of water and controlled-release fertilizers. Hydrogels have a significant ability for retaining water and improving nutrient availability in soil, enhancing plant growth while reducing water and fertilizer usage. This work aimed to prepare a hydrogel composite based on microalgae and biopolymers including chitosan and starch for use as a soil conditioner. The hydrogel composite was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. All hydrogel properties were studied including swelling degree, biodegradability, water-holding capacity, water retention, and re-swelling capacity in soil and water. The urea fertilizer loading and releasing behavior of the prepared hydrogels were investigated. The results revealed that the range of the maxim

SUBMITTER: Sarhan N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11217492 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature