New Zealand to develop nano-coating for fertilizers

A team of researchers from Lincoln University (New Zealand) are working on creating a nano-coating which could be applied to mineral fertilizers to control the rate of release into soil and to seeds to manage the process of their germination. The scientists have already received a $ 1 million grant from the Endeavor Fund for the research.

“Controlling fertilizer rate of release is important because release that is too rapid can result in excessive nitrogen being lost into soil and waterways, causing significant pollution and other negative environmental impacts,” said Craig Bunt, Lincoln University Associate Professor, leading the team.

Professor Bunt pointed out that controlled-release fertilizers which are currently available have significant limitations, a high coating-to-fertilizer ratio among others.

“Our technology, using a novel, revolutionary coating, will solve these limitations.” – he assured.

Source: Newshub