Slow-release phosphate fertilizer based on anionic clays synthesized from paper industry waste

• Grant number: 23/09937-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Pontes Galdino
• Grantee: Mônica Pontes Galdino
• Company: Supply Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de adubos e fertilizantes
• City: Mogi Guaçu
• Pesquisadores principais: José Renato Lanzi Martini
• Associated researchers: Heloise de Oliveira Pastore
• Associated research grant(s): 24/04217-9 - Slow-release phosphate fertilizer based on anionic clays synthesized from paper industry waste, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05982-0 - Synthesis of hydrocalumite from industrial waste, ion exchange, and brushite formation, BP.TT; 24/05334-9 - Slow-release phosphate fertilizer based on anionic clays synthesized from paper industry waste, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Brazilian soils have low natural fertility, requiring high doses of fertilizers to maintain the high agricultural productivity for which the country is known. One of the most demanded elements is phosphorus, as soil conditions are such as to fix /immobilize this nutrient, hindering its absorption by plants. A solution to this problem is slow-release fertilizers, which would allow P absorption by roots before definitive fixation in the soil. This project aims to develop a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer based on layered double hydroxide (LDH) matrices, also known as anionic clays, synthesized from industrial waste. The main focus will be the reuse of industrial waste, initially harmful to the environment, for a sustainable approach in agriculture. The proposal is to reduce the negative environmental impact associated with excessive use of fertilizers by taking advantage of waste from the paper industry, rich in calcium, one of the precursors of LDHs, capable of releasing anions such as phosphates into the soil gradually and in a controlled manner. Based on research already developed by our team, bench tests proved the possibility of synthesizing LDHs from waste; preliminary agronomic tests prove their ability to provide phosphorus in adequate amounts to supply plant demand, thus generating value for a polluting material and encouraging circular bioeconomy and more sustainable practices in agriculture. For phase 2, tests will be carried out to optimize the synthesis of LDHs from industrial waste. These results will be used to construct a pilot plant that will allow the synthesis of larger batches of the product. In this way, enough material will be produced to carry out agronomic validation tests in real environments (greenhouse and field) and evaluate the performance of the produced fertilizer in different plant species and soil classes. The company will have the support of Prof. Dr. Heloise de Oliveira Pastore as Associate Researcher and her research group, the Group of Micro and Mesoporous Molecular Sieves, which is dedicated to using accumulated experience over more than 30 years in designing and preparing bi- and three-dimensional porous materials (2D and 3D) for environmental applications. At the end of the project, it is expected to obtain a fertilizer with the capacity to increase the efficiency of phosphorus application in soil and utilization by plants, contributing to reducing Brazil's dependence on imported fertilizers with low environmental impact and potential to contribute to agricultural sustainability. (AU)