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Synthesis and nutrient release patterns of a biochar-based N–P–K slow-release fertilizer

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Abstract

Biochar has excellent solute adsorption capacity, yet few studies have investigated its application as a nutrient carrier in the development of slow-release fertilizers. The current study developed a biochar-based N–P–K fertilizer (BSRF) and evaluated its nutrient release patterns relative to a conventional fertilizer. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the coarse and highly porous microstructure of the biochar (SBC) that enabled it to effectively sorb NO3 −, PO4 3−, and K+ and form a nutrient-impregnated BSRF. BSRF had lower NO3 −, PO4 3−, and K+ release than the conventional chemical fertilizer, demonstrating its low release behavior. BSRF-amended sandy soil had higher water retention capacity than that amended with a conventional chemical fertilizer. BSRF has potential to reduce nutrient leaching, improve water retention, and hence increase crop nutrient and water use efficiencies. Future research should focus on understanding nutrient release mechanisms, synchronization of nutrient release with plant uptake, and applications of the BSRF in environmental remediation.

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Acknowledgements

The pyrolysis system used for the production of biochar used in the current study funded by the International Foundation for Science—IFS, Sweden [Grant Number C/5266-2]. However, IFS played no role whatsoever in experimental design, data interpretation, write up and decision to submit the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    W. Gwenzi & T. J. Nyambishi

  2. Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit (NanoWS), University of South Africa (UNISA), PO Box 392, Johannesburg, 0003, South Africa

    N. Chaukura

  3. Marondera College of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Zimbabwe, Private Bag 35, Marondera, Zimbabwe

    N. Mapope

Authors
  1. W. Gwenzi
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  2. T. J. Nyambishi
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  3. N. Chaukura
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  4. N. Mapope
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Correspondence to W. Gwenzi.

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Editorial responsibility: M. Abbaspour.

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Gwenzi, W., Nyambishi, T.J., Chaukura, N. et al. Synthesis and nutrient release patterns of a biochar-based N–P–K slow-release fertilizer. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 15, 405–414 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-017-1399-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-017-1399-7

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