Article
Polymer Science
Yang Xiang, Yaqing Liu, Mingshan Gong, Yingfang Tong, Yuhan Liu, Guizhe Zhao, Jianming Yang
Summary: A novel biodegradable polymer slow-release fertilizer containing nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus was prepared in this study, inspired by the degradation of biodegradable polymers. The fertilizer can slowly release nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients under the action of microorganisms, effectively increasing the soil available phosphorus content. The study provides a simple method to prepare sustainable agriculture-promoting slow-release N and P nutrients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhang, Hongxu Liang, Libin Xing, Wei Ding, Zengchao Geng, Chenyang Xu
Summary: In this study, carbon spheres (CSs) were prepared as a fertilizer carrier using cellulose, followed by the preparation of three new carbon-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizers using different methods. The direct mixing method showed the most effective promotion of pakchoi growth and crop quality improvement. Mechanistic studies revealed the participation of C-N, -COOR, pyridine-N, and pyrrolic-N in nitrogen release. This study provides a simple, effective, and economical method for the preparation of slow-release fertilizers and suggests new directions for further research and development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shengnan Yuan, Tuo Zhou, Zhongxin Tan
Summary: In this study, cellulose was extracted from agricultural waste to produce a new straw coating material called ethyl cellulose (EC). The slow-release properties of EC-coated urea (EU) and its absorption and utilization by plants were evaluated. The surface of EU formed a smooth film, with an initial nutrient release rate of only 37.91% compared to uncoated fertilizer. Plants cultivated with EU showed a 17.69% increase in nitrogen content and a 61.29% reduction in leached nitrogen, indicating that EU can minimize nitrogen waste and continuously supply nutrients to crops. Therefore, the application of EU can be a practical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to nitrogen fertilizers.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jaspreet Kaur, Kavita Sharma, Anupama Kaushik
Summary: A novel eco-friendly aerogel was prepared from waste hemp stalk derived cellulose, which showed excellent potential in sustained release of fertilizers. The aerogel exhibited super-absorbent behavior and sustained release of encapsulated nutrients, making it an effective approach for agriculture waste management and sustained agriculture applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Rashid, Qaiser Hussain, Khalid Saifullah Khan, Mohammad I. Alwabel, Rifat Hayat, Muhammad Akmal, Shahzada Sohail Ijaz, Sarosh Alvi, Obaid-ur-Rehman
Summary: In modern agriculture, the intervention of chemical fertilizers has significantly increased crop production and quality, but the low fertilizer use efficiency and environmental pollution pose challenges. Carbon-based materials such as biochar and lignite show potential as soil amendments and nutrient adsorbents for the formulation of cost-effective slow-release fertilizers.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawei Lu, Yongfu Li, Yanjiang Cai, Peikun Jiang, Bing Yu
Summary: In this study, a new type of slow-release fertilizer with high water retention, named HS-BCF, was fabricated by incorporating hydrotalcite and starch into traditional biochar-based compound fertilizers (BCF). The results showed that the incorporation of hydrotalcite and starch into BCF significantly increased the soil water-retention ratio and reduced the leaching of nutrients. Kinetic analysis revealed that the release of nutrients from HS-BCF was attributed to the coupling of the diffusion-controlled and relaxation-controlled mechanism. The pot experiments demonstrated that HS-BCF had higher N-P-K utilization efficiencies compared to BCF due to better synchronization between nutrient release and plant uptake.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marta Marcinczyk, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: Biochar can be utilized to produce controlled-release fertilizers and contribute to resource utilization and environmental protection through co-application with synthetic fertilizers. This review describes the methods for producing biochar fertilizers and highlights the potential toxic risks on plants and soil organisms.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiawei Huang, Linhong Chen, Ming Huang, Mingxian Liu
Summary: The application of nanotechnology in agrochemicals release can effectively reduce fertilizer usage and improve utilization. Urea was successfully intercalated into halloysite by solid-phase milling, and the maximum loading was 14.99 ± 1.33 wt%. Urea-Hal-sodium alginate hydrogel beads were fabricated by crosslinking, which showed good water retention and slow release properties. The release time of urea in the hydrogel was 60 times longer compared to pure urea. The hydrogel has a promising future in slow-release fertilizers for modern agriculture.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sona Kontarova, Radek Prikryl, Petr Skarpa, Tomas Kriska, Jiri Antosovsky, Zuzana Greguskova, Silvestr Figalla, Vojtech Jasek, Marek Sedlmajer, Premysl Mencik, Maria Mikolajova
Summary: This study develops a slow-release fertilizer with a fully biodegradable poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) coating that gradually releases nitrogen without polluting the soil. Experimental results show that the coated fertilizer promotes the growth of maize plants and exhibits excellent resistance in both water and soil environments.
Review
Polymer Science
Zhenghui Li, Ming Zhang
Summary: The development of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) is important for addressing challenges in agriculture such as water scarcity, low fertilizer utilization, food security, and environmental sustainability. This study analyzes various methods for preparing stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels and their combinations with different fertilizers. The application and release mechanism of stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels in SRF are summarized, and potential issues and solutions are discussed, along with future research directions.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wu Qiong, Wang Yu-hui, Ding Yan-feng, Tao Wei-ke, Gao Shen, Li Quan-xin, Li Wei-wei, Liu Zheng-hui, Li Gang-hua
Summary: The experiment investigated the effects of seven types of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers on rice yield and various population characteristics. Results showed that the nitrogen release characteristics of different fertilizers significantly varied, with polymer-coated urea (PCU) providing sustained and controlled release throughout all growth stages, and sulfur-coated urea (SCU) leading to a reduction in rice yield due to insufficient release at later stages.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Shan Chen, Tao Liu, Jie Fu Dong, Guoliang Chen, Zhixian Li, Jian Lin Zhou, Zhang Chen
Summary: The continuous increase in the world population and degradation of arable land has strained agricultural production. Excessive use of conventional fertilizers leads to environmental issues. Biochar-based slow-release fertilizers (BSRFs) from biomass waste can alleviate these issues by improving soil properties and enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. This review outlines progress in the agricultural application of BSRFs, describing their properties, construction, sources, preparation conditions, slow-release mechanisms, and nutrient composition. Factors such as technical, economic, environmental, and political evaluations support the application of BSRFs in agriculture and other fields.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiangyu Lin, Lizhen Guo, Hiba Shaghaleh, Yousef Alhaj Hamoud, Xu Xu, He Liu
Summary: A novel MOF MIL-100(Fe)@CNFs hydrogel for slow-release fertilizers with temperature and pH response was prepared. Characterization of the hydrogels and evaluation using urea as a model fertilizer showed that MC10% hydrogels exhibited superior swelling capacity, water-retention, and slow-release performance. Additionally, wheat fertilized with MC hydrogels showed increased growth and photosynthetic rate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Mohamed Roshan Abu Firnassa Mustaffa, Kannan Pandian, Swaminathan Chitraputhirapillai, Senthil Kuppusamy, Krishnaveni Dhanushkodi
Summary: There is increasing attention on sustainable slow-release fertilizers, with biochar emerging as a natural carrier for improved soil health and nutrient application. A recent study has developed a biochar-embedded slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, which showed promising results in terms of nitrogen release pattern, reduced nitrate leaching, and improved crop growth and yield.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roslyn J. Baird, Shervin Kabiri, Fien Degryse, Rodrigo C. da Silva, Ivan Andelkovic, Michael J. McLaughlin
Summary: Globally, fertilizer caking during transport and storage causes various issues, including breakdown, dust, blockages, and inconsistent application. Coatings, especially those with hydrophobic properties, can reduce moisture uptake and caking while maintaining nutrient release. In this study, wax coatings, both natural and synthetic, were applied onto fertilizer granules with powders to create surface roughness, which effectively reduced contact between condensed water droplets and the surface, leading to lower moisture ingress. The adhesive strength and nutrient release rate were evaluated using laser surface microscopy. The results showed that wax-only coatings reduced moisture uptake by up to 30%, while coatings with wax and rougheners achieved reductions between 56% and 80%. Beeswax coatings with micronutrient rougheners reduced moisture uptake by over 65% while ensuring uninterrupted nutrient supply. Therefore, these hydrophobic coatings can enhance the physical characteristics of fertilizer without compromising nutrient release kinetics.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jan Skala, Frank Boahen, Jirina Szakova, Radim Vacha, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study examined the bioaccessibility of risk elements in soils from different geological areas around the Most brown coal basin in Czech Republic. The results showed that arsenic poses higher risks in anthropogenically affected basin regions, while lead may pose potential risks to livestock in non-forest mountainous areas. The bioaccessibility of arsenic was found to be higher in finer grain size fractions, which could lead to potential health risks for humans and livestock. Conversely, lead content was higher in coarse particles, indicating a potential risk for livestock in non-forest mountainous areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jiri Boucek, Martin Kulhanek, Zdenek Kosnar, Klara Podhorecka, Michal Obergruber, Vladimir Honig, Jirina Szakova, Luke Beesley, Katerina Berchova Bimova, Carol Omara-Ojungu, Tomas Hlavsa, Lukas Trakal
Summary: The impacts of inoculating tomato plants with B. amyloliquefaciens were investigated, and it was found that the inoculation had a positive effect on fruit quality, especially when the soil was amended with composted organic fertiliser.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katerina Pracke, Jirina Szakova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The combination of chemostabilization and phytoextraction is an affordable and environmentally effective remediation technology for heavy metals in contaminated soils. Biochar application enhanced the phytoextraction potential of willow plants and improved biomass growth, but also led to a decrease in soil and leachate pH which affected plant growth and metal uptake in the long term. Further research is needed to evaluate biochar behavior mechanisms and its utilization for remediation of contaminated soils.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Reinhard W. Neugschwandtner, Jirina Szakova, Vera Pachtrog, Pavel Tlustos, Martin Kulhanek, Jindrich Cerny, Hans-Peter Kaul, Helmut Wagentristl, Gerhard Moitzi, Pia Euteneuer
Summary: The status of macronutrients phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) was assessed 15 years after the establishment of a long-term crop rotation and soil tillage trial. The results showed that different tillage methods did not affect the distribution of macronutrients in the soil, but crop rotation had a significant impact on the nutrient uptake of winter wheat.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Frank Boahen, Jirina Szakova, Adela Kalisova, Jana Najmanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin in the Czech Republic is identified as a significant source of pollution in the surrounding environment, particularly risk elements. The study reveals severe pollution levels of As, Be, Cd, and Zn in the soil, with As being the most severe. Plants show limited uptake of As and Be, while Cd demonstrates higher mobility and transportability from soil to plants. The health risks of As and Be mainly concentrate in the roots of plants, whereas Cd poses substantial health risks in the aboveground biomass of plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose A. Siles, Inmaculada Garcia-Romera, Tomas Cajthaml, Jorge Belloc, Gloria Silva-Castro, Jirina Szakova, Pavel Tlustos, Mercedes Garcia-Sanchez
Summary: The application of biochar made from olive residue can enhance the functionality and abundance of microbial communities in metal-contaminated soils. Biochar amendment increases microbial abundances and has different effects on enzyme activities depending on the pyrolysis temperature and application dose. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promotes the growth of AMF community and results in increased soil glomalin content and AMF root colonization rates.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pavla Kubatova, Nikola Zilincikova, Jirina Szakova, Veronika Zemanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The phytoextraction potential of short-rotation field coppice plantations was studied on historically contaminated soil. The study found that summer harvest was more promising for biomass yield and risk element (RE) removal compared to traditional winter harvest, with Salix smithiana clone showing the best extraction ability. Locally bred willows and poplars performed better than internationally recognised ones, highlighting the importance of clone selection for phytoremediation optimization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matej Malik, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This review provides an up-to-date overview of nootropics, discussing their classification, uses, dosage, side effects, and contraindications. It also briefly describes the plant extracts with nootropic effects and provides recommendations for the use of nootropics by both ill and healthy individuals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonia Mbarki, Ons Talbi, Milan Skalicky, Pavla Vachova, Vaclav Hejnak, Frantisek Hnilicka, Ibrahim Al-ashkar, Chedly Abdelly, Md Atikur Rahman, Ayman El Sabagh, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study investigates the effects of municipal solid waste compost and farmyard manure on biomass yield, nutrient distribution, and toxic pollutant accumulation in Medicago sativa and Sorghum bicolor under salt stress. The results suggest that compost supplementation enhances biomass yield in sorghum, while manure supplementation improves nitrogen and potassium levels in alfalfa. Sorghum shows potential for heavy metal cleanup, while alfalfa is more resistant to saline stress.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jakub Hlava, Pavla Vachova, Jirina Szakova, Vladimir Vrabec, Stepan Kubik, Pavel Tlustos, Iva Langrova, Martin Kulma
Summary: In this study, five heavily contaminated meadows along the Litavka River were sampled for insects and spiders using pitfall traps. The soil in all the sampled sites was found to be contaminated with heavy metals, especially As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The trap results showed a diverse range of species, with dominance varying depending on pollution levels. It is important to record and analyze the changes in abundance of dominant spider and beetle species in polluted areas.
Review
Plant Sciences
Matej Malik, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: Plant-based nootropics are natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through physiological mechanisms. They enhance erythrocyte plasticity, inhibit aggregation, and increase blood flow to the brain. These formulations also possess antioxidant activity and promote the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids. A variety of plant species have been reviewed and their efficacy in treating cognitive disorders is supported by experimental data and clinical trials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Mascellani, Filip Mercl, Sebnem Kurhan, Lorenzo Pierdona, Jiri Kudrna, Veronika Zemanova, Frantisek Hnilicka, Pavel Kloucek, Pavel Tlustos, Jaroslav Havlik
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of carbamazepine contamination on Zea mays L. cv. Ronaldinio at different phenological stages. They found that carbamazepine was transferred to the aboveground and root biomass in a dose-dependent manner. The contamination mainly affected the 4th leaf phenological stage, with decreased photosynthetic rate, reduced activity of photo-system II, decreased water potential, decreased carbohydrates and gamma-aminobutyric acid in roots, and increased phenylpropanoids in aboveground biomass. Older plants showed adaptation and minor effects in the presence of the contaminant.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zdenek Kosnar, Filip Mercl, Lorenzo Pierdona, Abraham Demelash Chane, Pavel Michal, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The concentration of PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs in sewage sludge from 40 wastewater treatment plants was investigated. The relationship between the pollutant contents, WWTP parameters, and sludge stabilisation was evaluated. The study found correlations among the individual tested pollutants in the sludge, as well as a linear correlation between WWTP size and pollutant contents in sludge.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dilnora Mukhtorova, Jakub Hlava, Jirina Szakova, Jana Najmanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study examined the suitability of terrestrial mollusks (Gastropoda) and Chrysomela populi leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as bioindicators for risk element pollution. The results showed high variability in the accumulation of risk elements in these organisms, with higher accumulation ability observed for Cd and Zn compared to Pb, Cr, and Cu. Surprisingly, a higher accumulation rate was observed in organisms from less contaminated sites. This suggests that these organisms have the ability to avoid uptake or move among areas with different contamination levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Elmira Jalilzadeh Khoie, Zohreh Jabbarzadeh, Parviz Norouzi, Mohsen Barin, Maryam Razavi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of silicon on plant traits of rose plants and found that silicon treatment can improve flowering stem length and diameter, petal thickness, flower weight, and delay flower senescence. Foliar application of silicon also increased leaf content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and silicon.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daocheng Ma, Weichao Teng, Yi-Ting Mo, Biao Yi, Wen-Lang Chen, Yan-Ping Pang, Linghui Wang
Summary: This study investigated the nutrient requirements and effects of fertilization on the soil properties and growth status of Erythropalum scandens seedlings through a series of pot experiments. The results revealed that E. scandens seedlings have a stronger sensitivity to nitrogen levels, and excessive fertilization can lead to soil acidification. Proper fertilization treatments can promote better growth status of the seedlings.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Javid Norouzi, Saeed Sayfzadeh, Davood Eradatmand Asli, Hamidreza Zakerin, Esmaeil Hadidi Masouleh
Summary: The effect of nitrogen splitting and different irrigation conditions on agronomic and physiological traits of corn was examined. Drought stress resulted in decreased yield, increased proline and abscisic acid contents. The Maxima cultivar exhibited higher resistance to drought stress. Single cross 704 cultivar showed better adaptability to drought stress and nitrogen deficiency.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ibrahim Erdal, Hakan Aktas, Cennet Yaylaci, Sevkiye Armagan Turkan, Gulnur Aydin, Yunus Hor
Summary: The study examined the effects of growth media made of peat and different domestic materials on tomato nutrition, growth, and yield as an alternative to cocopeat in Turkiye. It was found that using vermicompost and its mixtures with peat as growth media resulted in the highest leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations. The highest fruit yields and biomass weights were obtained with solely peat and 1:1 peat + vermicompost medium. Peat-containing growth media, especially peat + vermicompost mixtures, can be used as alternatives to cocopeat in soilless tomato cultivation.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kiron Bhakat, Ekramul Islam, Samir Kumar Mukherjee
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of bacterially solubilized zinc (BSZn) on the early growth of rice plants and the concentration of zinc in the plant parts. The results showed that BSZn can promote seed germination and seedling growth, increase chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and enhance zinc accumulation in the roots of rice seedlings.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2024)
