| Grant number: | 14/06566-9 |
| Support Opportunities: | Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants |
| Start date: | October 01, 2014 |
| End date: | September 30, 2016 |
| Field of knowledge: | Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry |
| Principal Investigator: | Roselena Faez |
| Grantee: | Roselena Faez |
| Host Institution: | Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil |
| City of the host institution: | Araras |
| Associated researchers: | Claudinei Fonseca Souza |
Abstract
The main goal of this project is the preparation, characterization and application of hybrid polymeric materials for nutrients release in soil and plant. The project comprises three main targets: 1) Preparation and characterization of hybrids polymeric materials as microspheres and with macronutrients (nitrogen and potassium), 2) Evaluation of the mechanism and kinetics of the release of the nutrient in the water, 3) Evaluation of the release in soil (laboratory and field) by TDR (time Domain Reflectometry) technique. The motivation is to prepare microspheres from natural materials (chitosan, montmorillonite clay and sugar cane bagasse) and nutrients. Also,the nutrients delivered in soil will be in situ evaluated by an electromagnetic technique which evaluates the ion motion in particulate systems such as soil. The increase of the fertilizer efficiency, reduction in soil toxicity and the decrease in adverse effects associated with overdosage are a few of advantages of the controlled release material. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer and has the ability to form films, fibers, gels and microspheres, responsible for its various applications. It is a multifunctional polymer containing amine groups (NH2) and hydroxyl (OH-) able to interact with different molecules and ions. The addition of layered silicates such as natural clays is a highly promising alternative to improve the mechanical properties and increase the sorption capacity of both water and chemical compounds. The sugar cane bagasse is a biomass with high water and chemicals sorption capacity and its mixture with chitosan can provides stiffness to the material to use it directly in the soil in a suitable proportions. It is noteworthy that the synergy of the properties of chitosan / clay materials and chitosan/ bagasse combines the properties of biopolymer and natural fillers for the sustainability of its use in soil as a function of the biodegradable properties of chitosan. Importantly, the use of TDR technique for monitoring the in situ release of the nutrient in the soil is innovative in the area of materials applied to agriculture and it is believed that it will provide quickly information about the effectiveness of the material in the soil and plant from short to long term. Ultimately, the chemistry applied to agriculture is one of the important aspects of the project, especially due to the multidisciplinary focus in a campus of Agricultural Sciences. Enhances the establishment of a common group that aggregates different professionals within a distinct subject: the environment. The project has scheduled duration of 24 months and will be developed by two faculty members of UFSCAR. During this period it is intended to innovate in the area of materials applied to agriculture and the environment, improve and consolidate a research group in the area of hybrid materials in Araras -UFSCar Campus and assist in the education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in this field. (AU)
| Articles published in Agência FAPESP Newsletter about the research grant: |
| More itemsLess items |
| TITULO |
| Articles published in other media outlets ( ): |
| More itemsLess items |
| VEICULO: TITULO (DATA) |
| VEICULO: TITULO (DATA) |