Development of an Innovative Approach for Controlled Release of Nitrogen Fertilizers Combined with Biofortification

• Grant number: 24/22124-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ferrari Putti
• Grantee: Ronaldo de Oliveira Elias
• 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

Contemporary agriculture seeks techniques and technologies that mitigate the production of global warming agents, such as greenhouse gases (GHG), while contributing to food security by reducing effects like hidden hunger. Agriculture is becoming increasingly resilient by adopting technologies such as controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers, which decrease both GHG emissions and the amount applied, making the approach more economically viable and sustainable. The use of biodegradable coatings, such as vegetable oil-based biopolymers, represents another sustainable advance. Additionally, techniques like agronomic biofortification help to combat hidden hunger by enriching crops with essential micronutrients, such as selenium (Se), which is crucial for the immune system. While studies already exist on the benefits of these approaches individually, few investigate the impact of their combination on staple crops, such as corn. This project aims to develop, evaluate, and validate the combined management of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers (urea) and Se biofortification in corn, using castor oil biopolymer. This combination is expected to reduce GHG emissions and increase selenium levels in the grains. The study will be conducted in three stages: application and evaluation of the biopolymer, agronomic and GHG mitigation experiments, and assays to determine Se bioaccessibility in corn. Results are expected to demonstrate synergy between GHG mitigation and agronomic biofortification. (AU)