Development, characterization and evaluation of hydrogels with controlled-release fertilizers

• Grant number: 24/09752-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Soil and Water Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ferrari Putti
• Grantee: Lívia Valentim Sanches
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Tupã. Tupã , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03005-2 - Development of new technologies to reduce the effects of water stress in models integrated into nutrient administration, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Changes in rainfall patterns have led to the development of technologies to reduce their effects. Thus, polysaccharide nanocomposite hydrogels have been used as water retainers. Their water retention power can vary between 200-400 times their weight and is directly linked to the material used in their composition. In addition, it has the capacity to carry out the controlled release of fertilizers such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). This research project therefore aims to develop and characterize polysaccharide nanocomposite hydrogels containing N and P.