Work

Synergy of Phosphate-Controlled Release and Sulfur Oxidation in Novel Polysulfide Composites for Sustainable Fertilization

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: The development of smart and eco-friendly fertilizers is pivotal to guarantee food security sustainably. Phosphate rock and struvite are promising alternatives for P fertilization; nevertheless, the solubility of these sources is a challenge for consistent use efficiency. Here, we propose using a polysulfide obtained via inverse vulcanization as a novel controlled-release fertilizer matrix in a system containing either Bayóvar rock (Bay) or struvite (Str). The polysulfide provides S for plants after being biologically oxidized to sulfate in soil, generating local acidity for P solubilization. After 15 days of soil incubation, the composites with 75 wt % Str and 75 wt % Bay achieved, respectively, 3 and 2 times the S oxidation from the elemental sulfur reference. Results indicated that P content stimulates the soil microorganismsʼ activity for S oxidation. The matrix had a physical role in improving Bay dissolution and regulating the rapid release from Str. Moreover, the available P in soil was 25–30 mg/dm 3 for Bay composites, while for pure Bay, it was 9 mg/dm 3 .

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07333

Authors: Stella Fortuna do Valle, Amanda Soares Giroto, Heitor Pontes Gestal Reis, Gelton G. F. Guimarães, Caue Ribeiro

Institutions: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Embrapa Instrumentação, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Language: English

Topic: Phosphorus and nutrient management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funders: Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico