Slow-Release Fertilizer Coating
report_problem Problem Statement
Controlled-release fertilizers use synthetic polymer coatings (polyurethane, polyolefin, alkyd resins) that accumulate as microplastic shells in soil after nutrient release. These persistent coatings degrade soil health over decades and contribute to agricultural microplastic pollution. A bio-based coating using naturally-derived compounds could provide equivalent nutrient release control while fully mineralizing in soil.
trending_up Market Size
$3.1B
gavel Regulatory Drivers
EU Fertilising Products Regulation 2019/1009 (biodegradability requirement for coatings by 2026); EU Microplastics Restriction under REACH; AAPFCO Official Publication (US fertilizer labeling); China GB/T 23348 slow-release fertilizer standard; CDFA fertilizer registration requirements
corporate_fare Enterprise Interest
No enterprise interest recorded yet. Companies can indicate their volume and urgency to help guide research priorities.
flag Success Criteria
Achieve ≤15% cumulative nutrient release at 24 hours (qualifying as slow-release per EN 13266), 75-85% release by day 56, and >90% coating biodegradation within 24 months in soil per ISO 17556
precision_manufacturing Equipment Needed
Wurster fluidized bed coater (lab scale), conductivity meter for release kinetics, soil respiration chambers (ISO 17556 setup), analytical balance, urea granules, coating polymers (starch, cellulose derivatives), temperature-controlled water baths, CO2 analyzer or titration apparatus
menu_book Existing References
Reference list will be published with protocols.
Protected Research Content
This section contains detailed protocols, proposed mechanisms, experiment designs, and safety information.
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