Biodegradable devices as nutrient carriers in sustainable agriculture - DisAgroNutriS

• Grant number: 24/08036-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Roselena Faez
• Grantee: Roselena Faez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Claudinei Fonseca Souza ; Renato Nallin Montagnolli

Abstract

Inadequate management of agricultural inputs, combined with the growing demand for soil fertilization, has generated significant environmental impacts. This project proposes solutions to optimize the use of fertilizers, minimize waste, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main focus is the development of biopolymeric films, pellets, and filaments as precursors for plant propagation devices for plant seedlings, using a combination of polymers such as (nano) cellulose, lignin, carrageenan, alginate, starch, PVA and PHB enriched with micro and macronutrients and their application in soil and plants. The casting technique will obtain the films, while the pellets and filaments will be obtained by thermal processing in a mixing chamber and extruder for direct use as enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) or for prospecting for additive manufacturing (3D printing) to make biodegradable pots. Structural, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties and swelling and nutrient release capacity will be assessed. During the development of the material, the relationships between processing parameters, such as the formation of microparticles by spray drying and the performance of biopolymers processed in a torque rheometer and extruder, will be investigated. The conditions for film production via casting will also be established, focusing on the final quality and nutrient release properties. Another central aspect is understanding the interaction between the structure of biopolymeric systems and their properties, including biodegradation and efficiency of release in the soil. The ultimate goal is to develop advanced systems for sustainable fertilization and high-performance nutritional devices, contributing to more efficient and sustainable agriculture and promoting qualified human resources training. (AU)