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Development and evaluation of biochar-based secondary and micronutrient enriched slow release nano-fertilizer for reduced nutrient losses

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Abstract

Four diverse biochars were impregnated into secondary and micronutrient solutions to develop slow release nano-fertilizer via a three-step synthesis process and to verify the appropriateness of biochar as a support material for nutrient release patterns to crops on a slow release basis. The nano range (8.33–24.33 nm), such as the structure of the synthesized nano-fertilizer, was confirmed by a transmission electron microscope. It exhibited a nearly neutral pH (5.94–6.61) with adequate percentages of C, H, N, and O. The developed nano-fertilizer showed an excellent water absorbency character (32.46–45.76%) having a lower density (0.731–0.762 g cm−3). It represented excellent swelling (4.15–4.61%) capacity with a lower salt index (0.04–0.07) and equilibrium water content (68–74%). It also augmented the soil water retention (42.47–53.16%) capacity than commercial compound fertilizer (22.43%) and soil (19.52%) after 45 days which is very desirable for supplying water under water stress conditions. It demonstrated lower Ca+2, Mg+2, Zn+2, Fe+2/+3, and Na2O release than commercial fertilizer, representing its low release behavior. The nutrient release pattern study depicted that after 90 days, the concentration of Ca+2 released 87.4–90.7%, Mg+2 81.8–85.3%, Na+2 96.2–99.1%, Fe+2 2.8–5.2%, and Zn+2 0.5–1.6%. Thus, among the mineral nutrients, the leaching capacity was highest for Na2O followed by Ca+2 > Mg+2 > Fe+2/+3 > Zn+2. Besides, among the four diverse biochars, the pine needle biochar showed the best nutrient retention/sorption capacity followed by Lantana camara, black gram, and maize stalk biochars for slow release of Ca+2, Mg+2, Fe+2/+3, and Na2O nutrients. But exceptionally, Lantana camara biochar showed significant Zn+2 nutrient retention/sorption capacity followed by pine needle, black gram, and maize stalk biochars. Thus, feedstock types also manipulated the nutrient release pattern of the secondary and micronutrient from the developed nano-fertilizer. Hence, biochar-based nano-fertilizer has a greater possibility to decrease nutrient leaching, enhance water retention, and thus augment plant nutrient and water use efficiencies.

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Acknowledgements

The author Shaon Kumar Das is thankful to the Director-ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India, and the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan, India, for providing necessary funds and facilities during the entire period of the research work.

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  1. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim, 737102, India

    Shaon Kumar Das

  2. Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, 731236, India

    Shaon Kumar Das & Goutam Kumar Ghosh

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Correspondence to Shaon Kumar Das.

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Das, S.K., Ghosh, G.K. Development and evaluation of biochar-based secondary and micronutrient enriched slow release nano-fertilizer for reduced nutrient losses. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 13, 12193–12204 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01880-5

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