Valuing biomass for agricultural applications: Use of nanolignin in sustainable hydrogels for the controlled release of phosphorus in soils

• Grant number: 24/14149-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Soil and Water Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Amanda de Sousa Martinez de Freitas
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01872-6 - Biomass valuation for agricultural applications: Use of nanolignin in sustainable hydrogels for controlled release of phosphorus in soils, AP.R

Abstract

This research project focuses on improving the availability of phosphorus in the soil, a vital nutrient for plant growth. The scarcity of phosphorus in soils with frequent rainfall represents a challenge for agriculture. To address this issue, the research proposes the development of a nano-structured material from renewable sources, using nanolignin derived from Kraft lignin through fractionation with organic solvents. Nanolignin will be produced using a spray-dryer. Characterization will include analyses of molar mass distribution (GPC), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), chemical structure (FTIR and NMR) and morphology (AFM). The lignin fractions will serve as cross-linking agents in the production of cassava starch-based hydrogels. Hydrogel properties will be evaluated, including chemical structure (FTIR), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), swelling capacity (difference in initial and final mass), phosphorus adsorption/absorption (EDS), morphology (SEM) and control phosphorus release capacity (ICP-OES). The application of hydrogels will be tested on simulated soil, adjusting the humidity levels to simulate soils with high rainfall. The aim is to contribute to sustainable agriculture by providing an innovative approach to optimizing phosphorus absorption by plants and overcoming the challenges associated with the scarcity of this nutrient, thus promoting more efficient and sustainable agricultural production.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

RODRIGUES, JESSICA S.; DE FREITAS, AMANDA S. M.; VIEIRA, HENRIQUE O. S.; EMIDIO, LIVIA S.; AMARO, STEFANNY F.; AZEVEDO, MARIANA A.; DUARTE, IOLANDA C. S.; BOTARO, VAGNER R.; FRACETO, LEONARDO F.; FERREIRA, MARYSTELA. Designing sustainable soil conditioners: Nanocomposite-based thermoplastic starch for enhanced soil health and crop performance. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 297, p. 14-pg., 2025-01-14. (17/21004-5, 23/06505-9, 24/14149-0, 14/50869-6, 21/10639-5, 23/00335-4, 24/01872-6)