What if biodegradable polymers could also improve fertilizer efficiency?
Researchers from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the MAGICBIOMAT project’s coordinator, have co-authored a new study that investigates exactly that, titled “An Investigation in Poly (Lactic Acid)-Cellulose Acetate Composites Used for the Controlled Release of Potassium Fertilizers”.
The study looks at PLA and cellulose acetate composites as carriers for the controlled release of potassium fertilizers. The idea is to gradually release nutrients, reducing potassium loss through leaching while using biodegradable polymer-based materials.
The results show how changing the composition of these materials can influence the way potassium is released, opening up interesting possibilities for more sustainable approaches to nutrient delivery in agriculture.
Read the publication here: https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.70825
This study was supported by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marines (2021R499), Research Ireland (SFI22/NCF/HE/1142), and European projects MAGICBIOMAT (HE101181381) and Bio2PEs (HE101221903).
