Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Liposomes are microscale lipid vesicles used in pharmaceuticals, food products, and most recently, agriculture. Several studies have shown that liposomes can deliver nutrients to plant leaves, often more efficiently than traditional forms. However, the delivery of plant nutrients to soil via liposomes remains understudied. Interactions between liposomes and soil microbes, including metabolism of the lipid carbon (C) and assimilation of liposome-encapsulated nutrients into soil microbial biomass, could alter the availability of nutrients within the soil. We assessed the impact of lecithin liposomes with nitrogen (N) cargo on C and N cycling during a 7-day incubation experiment. We quantified changes in concentrations of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, oxygen, and soil inorganic N pools including soil extractable nitrate (NO 3 – -N) and ammonium (NH 4 + -N). Liposome additions increased microbial respiration and resulted in rapid soil NO 3 – -N immobilization, suggesting that liposomes may be a tool to immobilize N and reduce agricultural N losses.
Authors: Camille R. Butkus, Julie N. Weitzman, Alireza Mohammadzadeh, Patrick J. Dunn, Jason P. Kaye, Leanne M. Gilbertson, Steven R. Little, Emily M. Elliott
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4416575442