Nanocomposite fertiliser comprising of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and titanium has outperformed conventional fertilisers in tests and could provide a solution to the problem of fertiliser overuse and water pollution, according to researchers from Washington University. The research team led by Dr David R. Smith at Washington University School of Medicine found that nanocomposites can be used as an alternative to traditional fertilizers for growing crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, rice The fertiliser is customisable as its smaller particles could be used in a bulk treatment process, or delivered via aerosol spray, applied to the soil or by foliar delivery, which increased growth up to 97% above traditional fertilisers, according to Pratim Biswas.
Nanocomposite fertiliser comprising of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and titanium has outperformed conventional fertilisers in tests and could provide a solution to the problem of fertiliser overuse and water pollution, according to researchers from Washington University. Tests showed increased plant biomass growth by 26% over conventional fertilisers. The fertiliser is customisable as its smaller particles could be used in a bulk treatment process, or delivered via aerosol spray, applied to the soil or by foliar delivery, which increased growth up to 97% above traditional fertilisers, according to Pratim Biswas.