In the quest for sustainable agriculture, scientists are turning to innovative technologies to unlock the potential of organo-mineral fertilisers (OMF). A groundbreaking study led by Ruben Sakrabani from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom has explored the use of advanced imaging techniques to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of these eco-friendly fertilisers. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Plant and Food Systems, could revolutionize how we produce and utilize fertilisers, offering significant benefits for both the agricultural and energy sectors.
Fertilisers are the backbone of modern agriculture, ensuring that crops receive the necessary nutrients to thrive. However, traditional fertilisers come with environmental costs, including soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Organo-mineral fertilisers, which combine organic materials with mineral nutrients, offer a more sustainable alternative. But their variability in composition has been a hurdle in their widespread adoption.
Sakrabani’s study aims to address this challenge by employing a combination of neutron computed tomography (NCT), X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). These non-destructive techniques provide a detailed look at the internal structure and chemical makeup of OMF pellets, offering insights that were previously unattainable.
“By using these advanced imaging techniques, we can better understand the uniformity and composition of OMF pellets,” Sakrabani explained. “This knowledge is crucial for standardizing these fertilisers and ensuring their effectiveness in the field.”
The study focuses on OMF derived from anaerobic digestate, a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process used in biogas production. By coupling this with carbon capture technologies, the research not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also contributes to the energy sector’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The feasibility study demonstrates that combining NCT and XCT can provide high-resolution images of how uniformly packed each OMF pellet is. This uniformity is key to ensuring consistent nutrient delivery to crops. Raman spectroscopy, while more challenging due to the high fluorescence background from the organic matrix, holds promise for characterizing the chemical composition of OMF.
Looking ahead, the research paves the way for further developments in image-based analysis using machine learning algorithms. This could enable the rapid and accurate characterization of large batches of OMF, making them a more viable option for commercial agriculture.
“The potential is enormous,” Sakrabani noted. “With further development, these techniques could be used to quantify the characteristics of OMF pellets, making them a reliable and sustainable choice for farmers.”
As the world seeks to balance food security with environmental sustainability, innovations like these are crucial. The study published in Frontiers in Plant and Food Systems represents a significant step forward, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and agriculture converge to create a more sustainable world. The implications for the energy sector are equally profound, as the integration of carbon capture technologies with OMF production could help reduce the carbon footprint of both agriculture and energy production.