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Project
Novel mineral fertilizer matrices for improved microelement nutrition
Mineral micronutrient fertilizers are essential to maintain high productivity in crop production systems. Yet, fast micronutrient release from conventional soluble fertilizers often results in poor nutrient use efficiencies (NUE), while micronutrient sources are scarce and depend on foreign supply. This C3 proposal addresses these issues with the development of a new slow-release micronutrient fertilizer compound (SR-µ-fertilizer) for boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se). The capabilities of this SR-µ-fertilizer will be demonstrated with applied research activities: i) synthesis and chemical testing of promising compounds, ii) a proof-of-concept plant trial comparing the NUE of powder SR-µ-fertilizer and soluble B/Mo/Se, and iii) a plant trial assessing the NUE of the SR-µ-fertilizer embedded in different macronutrient fertilizers. Two main valorization strategies will be pursued: establishing direct collaborations with fertilizer companies and participating in a H2020 project on new sustainable fertilizers.
Date:1 Oct 2021 → Today
Keywords:Biofortification, Micronutrients, Enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, Layered double hydroxides
Disciplines:Agrochemistry and fertilisers, Environmental chemistry