Matrix-based fertilizers: A new fertilizer formulation concept to reduce nutrient leaching

Sojka, R.E. and Entry, J.A. (2007) Matrix-based fertilizers: A new fertilizer formulation concept to reduce nutrient leaching. pp. 67-85. In: Currie, L.D. and Yates, L.J. (eds.) Proceedings of the Fertilizer & Lime Research Centre Workshop. Designing Sustainable Farms: Critical Aspects of Soil and Water Management. New Zealand-Palmerston North, 2007/02/08-09.

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Abstract

We compared the efficacy of matrix based fertilizers (MBFs) formulated to reduce NO 3 -,
NH4+ , and total phosphorus (TP) leaching, with Osmocoate® 14-14-14, a conventional
commercial slow release fertilizer (SRF), and with an unamended control in greenhouse
column studies. The MBF formulations covered a range of inorganic N and P in compounds
that are relatively loosely bound (MBF1) to more moderately bound (MBF2) and more tightly
bound compounds (MBF3) mixed with Al(SO 4)3 H2O and/or Fe2(SO4 )3 and with high ionic
exchange compounds starch, chitosan and lignin. When N and P are released, the chemicals
containing these nutrients in the MBF temporarily bind N and P to a Al(SO4 )3 H2O and/or
Fe2(SO4 )3 starch- chitosan- lignin matrix. One milligram (8000 spores) of Glomus intradices
was added to all formulations to attempt to enhance nutrient uptake. In this first series of
experiments, soil columns were planted to white soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.cv.
Frame).
Three soils were used, a sand, a loam and a loamy sand. In several studies, SRF leachate
contained higher amounts of NH4+ , NO3 " and TP than leachate from all other fertilizers.
Although plant biomass and yield with MBF was reduced in the first series of experiments,
follow-up studies have shown that formulation adjustments allow comparable plant responses
among SRF and MBFs. There were no consistent differences in the amount of NH4+ , NO3 -
and TP in the MBF leachates compared to the control leachate. Arbuscular mycorrhizal
infection in plant roots did not consistently differ among plants growing in soil receiving SRF,
MBFs and control treatments. The efficacy of MBF fertilizer strategy to reduce N and P
leaching to surface has been verified and with continued work to optimize formulations this
technology is expected to provide a new approach for groundwater protection, especially in
easily drained soils. The approach has been submitted for patenting.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
NWISRL Publication Number:	1224
Subjects:	Soil > Amendments > Fertilizer Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:55
Last Modified:	31 Oct 2016 17:14
Item ID:	856
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/856