Research unveils key to improved fertilizer zinc absorption
Innovative research from the University of Adelaide, conducted at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan, is shedding light on how to make zinc in fertilizers more effective for plant absorption. This could have significant implications for global agriculture, particularly in regions with zinc-deficient soils.
Rodrigo da Silva of the University of Adelaide shared insights from their study, "Going into the project, our group thought the type of zinc compound would be a good predictor of a fertilizer’s solubility.
The CLS beamline enabled us to understand that the pH drives the fertilizer zinc solubility and availability to the crops."
The study found that lowering the pH of fertilizers could significantly increase the solubility of zinc, making it more available to crops. This is a crucial finding because zinc is vital for plant growth and human nutrition.
Additionally, the research team developed a novel barrier coating technique for fertilizer granules, which protects zinc from unwanted chemical interactions. This approach has proven effective in enhancing plant zinc uptake, as demonstrated in controlled tests.
Funded by The Mosaic Company and documented in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, this research has led to new patented technologies aimed at improving fertilizer formulations. These advancements are expected to enhance crop productivity and nutritional quality significantly.
"It is crucial to improve zinc fertilization practices, to maximize yields and produce more nutritional food," states da Silva.
The findings from this research offer a promising avenue for enhancing the efficiency of zinc fertilizers, aligning with global efforts to improve agricultural outputs and food security.