Development of a Multi-Component Fertilizing Hydrogel with Relevant Techno-Economic Indicators

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Development of a Multi-Component Fertilizing Hydrogel with Relevant Techno-Economic Indicators

Development of a Multi-Component Fertilizing Hydrogel with Relevant Techno-Economic Indicators 

H.A. Talaat,
M.H. Sorour,
A.G. Aboulnour,
H.F. Shaalan,
Enas M. Ahmed,
A.M. Awad,
M.A. Ahmed 


In view of the current national reclamation programs, a significant increase in fertilizer demand is predicted. The ideal fertilizer should be able to provide essential nutrients and preferably with reasonable water holding capacity. Further, it should be echo-friendly and affordable. This paper presents the experimental investigations conducted for hydrogel preparation, characterization and testing. The new process design features of a multi- component fertilizing hydrogel with slow release characteristics are outlined. The developed hydrogel blend (HESRF) can provide essential plant nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and zinc as well as the organic matrix which acts as a soil conditioner. Preliminary agriculture testing confirmed the fertilizing value of HESRF. The prepared fertilizing base (ESRF) contained 65-70% starch, 28-33% urea and 2% of other ingredients (zinc, potassium and phosphorous). It was also found that the beneficial effect of HESRF is obvious on faba bean and wheat crops. For instance, the grain yield for wheat reflects 89% and 116% increase using ESRF and HESRF respectively as compared with the normal fertilizing treatments. Comparable seed yields for faba bean are 43% and 78% respectively. Preliminary cost estimates were conducted for a small scale industrial production facility (10 ton /day). The estimated cost of HESRF is about 770 $/ton. It is perceived that the economics of the production could be significantly improved if cheap substrates are used (e.g. waste food grains and other polysaccharide sources).

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