Researchers discover new way to improve zinc fertilizer
Zinc deficiency in agricultural soils is a widespread issue, despite the use of zinc-enriched fertilizers. This shortage affects crop yields and diminishes food quality globally.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, explored ways to create more efficient zinc-enriched fertilizers using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
By utilizing the HXMA beamline at CLS, they examined the molecular interactions of zinc in ammonium phosphate fertilizers and how it affects its solubility in water.
“Going into the project, our group thought the type of zinc compound would be a good predictor of a fertilizer’s solubility” says Rodrigo da Silva, from the University of Adelaide. “However, the CLS beamline enabled us to understand that the agronomic performance cannot be predicted based on what form of zinc is present in the fertilizer granules. Instead, the pH drives the fertilizer zinc solubility and availability to the crops.”
The researchers found that modifying the fertilizer’s pH could improve zinc solubility and its availability to plants. By spraying the fertilizer granules with an acidic solution, they were able to increase zinc solubility, surpassing the effectiveness of current commercial products.
Another innovative approach involved coating the fertilizer granules with a barrier to separate the zinc from the phosphate, which also enhanced zinc uptake by plants.
The Mosaic Company, which funded the research, has patented both methods in partnership with the University of Adelaide’s Fertilizer Technology Research Centre. Mosaic is a global leader in phosphate and potash production.
“It is crucial to improve zinc fertilization practices, to maximize yields and produce more nutritional food,” says da Silva. “This research can help the industry produce more efficient fertilizers.”
Approximately one-third of the global population consumes insufficient zinc, leading to health issues, particularly in early childhood, including impaired growth, cognition, and increased mortality.
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