SUSTAINABLE PECTIN-BASED HYDROGELS FOR SLOW RELEASE OF FERTILIZERS

Abstract

The present invention pertains to biodegradable hydrogels composed of pectin, developed for the slow release of fertilizers. These hydrogels, cross-linked with calcium ions or glutaraldehyde, encapsulate diverse fertilizers and release nutrients progressively, enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing environmental impact. Hydrogels improve water retention in soil, rendering them suitable for sustained fertilizing. Characterization investigations validate the mechanical strength, nutritional release properties, and biodegradability of the hydrogels, confirming their efficacy and environmental safety.

Specification

Description:2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to the production and application of biodegradable hydrogels derived from pectin, a natural polysaccharide. The objective is to develop sustainable pectin-based hydrogels for the slow release of fertilizers, enhancing nutrient delivery efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The invention is applicable in sectors focused on sustainable nutrition delivery methods, especially in situations necessitating gradual nutrient release. 3. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: The excessive application of fertilizers and nutrient leaching have emerged as significant environmental issues, resulting in soil degradation and water contamination. Conventional fertilizers rapidly release nutrients, leading to significant nutrition loss by leaching and volatilization. Slow-release fertilizers can alleviate these problems by delivering a continuous nutrient supply, thereby optimizing plant absorption, and reducing environmental impact. Pectin, a biopolymer present in plant cell walls, demonstrates significant potential for hydrogel synthesis owing to its biodegradability, water retention capacity, and gel-forming characteristics. Pectin-based hydrogels, utilized as transporters for fertilizers, can modulate nutrient release and enhance sustainable fertilizing practices. Nevertheless, existing techniques for synthesizing these hydrogels are constrained by deficiencies, including inadequate mechanical strength, variable nutrition release rates, and limited scalability for extensive applications. Consequently, it is Page 2 of 5 essential to create smart pectin-based hydrogels that tackle these issues and offer an efficient, environmentally sustainable option for prolonged nutrition delivery. 4. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION: The main aim of this invention is to create a sustainable pectin-based hydrogel that facilitates the slow and regulated release of fertilizers. Additional specific aims encompass: 1. Synthesis of Pectin-based hydrogels: To create pectin-based hydrogels that provide a sustained release of nutrients over prolonged durations. 2. Biodegradability: To ascertain the biodegradability and eco-friendliness of the hydrogels. 3. Fertilizer encapsulation: To devise a technique for integrating diverse fertilizer kinds into the hydrogel matrix. 4. Enhanced mechanical properties: To enhance the mechanical characteristics and stability of pectin hydrogels for practical applications. 5. Reduction of Nutrient Leaching and Volatilization: To mitigate fertilizer loss by decreasing nutrient leaching and volatilization. 6. Water retention and Soil Conditioning: To improve the water retention and soil conditioning capabilities of the hydrogels, thus facilitating effective nutrient absorption. 5. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: The present invention offers an innovative method for producing pectin-based hydrogels that serve as carriers for slow-release fertilizers. The hydrogels are developed by a cross-linking process, integrating various fertilizers into the hydrogel matrix. This matrix regulates nutrient release over time, facilitating prolonged nutrient availability. Hydrogels are biodegradable, hence diminishing the environmental effect linked to conventional fertilizers. The formulation of the pectin-based hydrogel can be customized to release nutrients at varying rates, depending upon the fertilizer type and individual application needs. The invention provides improved mechanical stability and can be tailored for particular nutrient release profiles. This method offers a significant reduction in reaction time, lower chemical usage, and higher yields compared to conventional methods. Page 3 of 5 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: The current innovation offers an innovative method for producing pectin based hydrogels intended for the slow release of fertilizers. These hydrogels are designed to improve nutrient delivery efficiency while remaining environmentally sustainable and applicable in diverse agricultural contexts. 1. Synthesis of Pectin-Based Hydrogels: Pectin is cross-linked with calcium chloride or glutaraldehyde to make hydrogels. To improve the strength of the pectin hydrogels ecofriendly synthetic polymer Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) is added is required quantities. The pectin solution is combined with the cross-linking agent under regulated conditions, and fertilizer like urea is added during gel formation. Hydrogel characteristics can be adjusted by changing pectin, cross-linker, and fertilizer concentrations. 2. Characterization of Pectin-Based Hydrogels: The hydrogels are analyzed using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and swelling behavior to ensure their suitability for slow-release fertilizer. These tests confirm the presence of functional groups, analyze crystalline structure, observe surface morphology, and assess thermal stability and decomposition behavior of the prepared hydrogels. The swelling capacity is also measured to understand water absorption and nutrient release. 3. Fertilizer Release Studies: A key feature of the pectin-based hydrogels is their ability to provide slow release of nutrients. Nutrient retention is evaluated through in vitro nutrient release kinetics and soil interaction and leaching tests. In the in vitro studies, hydrogels encapsulating urea are immersed in water, and the release of fertilizer is monitored at regular intervals. For the soil interaction tests, the hydrogels are placed in soil, and the leachate collected from the bottom is analyzed to determine the soil's nutrient retention capacity and the amount of leachate. Additionally, the hydrogels' ability to retain water in soil is a crucial factor, particularly for drought-prone regions, where enhancing soil moisture retention can significantly improve plant growth and reduce irrigation needs. 4. Biodegradability Studies: Degradation of prepared hydrogels are monitored over time in natural soil environments. Hydrogel weight loss is assessed on a regular basis in order to gauge the pace of disintegration. 5. Mechanical Properties and Stability: To assess mechanical stability, hydrogels are evaluated for tensile, compressive, and elasticity. This keeps hydrogels from degrading in soil. To determine field durability and reusability, the hydrogel is tested over many wet-dry cycles. 6. Plant Growth Experiments: The performance of the hydrogels as slow release fertilizers is tested by applying them to different plants. Growth parameters such as plant height, biomass, and nutrient uptake are monitored over time to evaluate the efficacy of the hydrogels compared to traditional fertilizers. , C , Claims:1. I/We claim A pectin-based hydrogel for the slow release of fertilizers, consisting of: Pectin PVA cross-linked with calcium chloride or glutaraldehyde; a fertilizer, such as urea or other nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium compounds. 2. I/We claim The hydrogel of claim 1, wherein the concentrations of pectin, PVA, cross linker, and fertilizer are modifiable to regulate swelling and nutrient release. 3. I/We claim A procedure for synthesizing the hydrogel, comprising dissolving pectin and PVA, including a cross-linker and fertilizer; synthesizing the hydrogel under regulated conditions. 4. I/We claim The hydrogel of claim 1, distinguished by regulated nutrient release, as demonstrated by in vitro and soil interaction analyses. 3. The hydrogel specified in claim 1 exhibits biodegradability in terrestrial conditions. 4. A procedure for assessing mechanical stability, encompassing tensile, compressive, and elasticity evaluations, as well as durability assessment using wet-dry cycles. 5. I/We claim A technique for evaluating plant growth, utilizing hydrogel and measuring growth factors in comparison to conventional fertilizers. 6. I/We claim The hydrogel of claim 1, enhanced for water retention, particularly in arid locations.

Documents