Nanofertilizers: An innovative solution for reducing nitrous oxide emissions

Nanofertilizers improve fertilization efficiency and help mitigate the effects of climate change

Context of the story

Traditional agricultural production is expensive for the farmer and generates negative effects on the environment, as a result of low efficiency in fertilization, since crops only assimilate between 20 and 40% of the fertilizer. An alternative solution for this situation is the implementation of nanotechnology, since it allows the development of sustainable agriculture with benefits for the environment and the farmer.

The implemented initiative

Assess the effect of applying blends of fertilizers and nanofertilizers (zeolite, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide) on the intensive production of crops. For this, a process of nanostructuring and characterization of TiO2, ZnO and zeolite nanofertilizers is being developed, through the high-energy mechanical grinding technique, using a planetary mill. The nanostructured material is implemented in experimental plots on corn producers' properties. The tests allow phytotoxicity tests to be carried out, evaluate the effects on productivity and estimate the impacts generated on the physical, chemical and soil's biological characteristics.

Using balanced fertilizers and nanofertilizers in crops increases biomass production and nitrogen absorption.

The technological solution

- Manufacture of TiO2, ZnO and zeolite nanofertilizers in a high-energy mill by varying the time, speed and filling factor of the mill,
- Establishment of Ray grass crops.
- Balanced fertilizer formulations with adequate properties to improve fertilization efficiency.
- Evaluation of the effect of adding fertilizers with nanofertilizers on crops.
- Financial viability analysis of a Spin-Off.
- Technical support, training and socialization of the implemented technologies.

Nitrogen assimilation at a global level ranges between 30 to 50% depending on the forage species, generating economic losses in nitrogen fertilization.

Dobermann, A. (2007). Nutrient use efficiency-measurement and management. Proc. Of International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) Workshop on Fertilizer Best Management Practices. Brussels, Belgium. March 7-9.

Participating countries

Type of project

Agronomic Practices

Results

- Manufacture of TiO2, ZnO and zeolite nanofertilizers, and analysis in crops of Avena sativa, Tithonia diversifolia, Cenchrus clandestinus, Lolium perenne, Medicago sativa, Zea mays under greenhouse.
- Data with particle sizes of nanofertilizers synthesized by high energy grinding varying manufacturing parameters.
- Evaluation of nutrient absorption and nitrogen use efficiency for different crops.
- Use of TiO2 nanopfertilicer and balanced fertilization in Lolium perenne crops under greenhouse conditions. It was observed: an improvement in biomass production on a dry basis by 25% and in nitrogen recovery efficiency by 24%.
- Establishment of experimental plots with corn crops in Ecuador and Colombia.