Cassava-based biocomposites as fertilizer controlled-release systems for plant growth improvement

One of the main problems caused by intensive agriculture, is the consequent water pollution resulting from fertilizer leaching, especially as a result of fertilizers overuse. Therefore, in the present study an evaluation of the efficiency of different urea controlled-release systems, based on cassava starch and bagasse, over tomato plants growth was carried out. All fertilized systems showed a tendency towards a greater general development, photosynthetic pigments content and nitrogen status of the plant. However, significant differences were observed regarding macronutrient dosage, being unsupported biocomposite films with 25 wt.% urea content the systems with a better performance. Thus, an ecofriendly, efficient and easy to implement urea dosage alternative system for greenhouse seedling has been developed.