In the heart of Beijing, a team of researchers led by Yuanfang Zhou at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has been working on a breakthrough that could revolutionize the agricultural industry. Their focus? Ethyl cellulose-coated urea, a promising strategy for controlled-release fertilizers that could significantly enhance agricultural sustainability.
Controlled-release urea (CRU) is not a new concept, but the use of ethyl cellulose (EC) as a coating material is gaining traction due to its potential to improve nitrogen release efficiency. “The development of EC-coated urea represents a significant strategy for advancing the green and sustainable development of agriculture,” Zhou explains. The team’s research, published in the journal *Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications* (translated as *Cellulose Polymer Technology and Application*), delves into the optimization of this process, offering insights that could reshape the fertilizer industry.
The study employed fluidized bed technology to develop CRU using EC and ethanol. The researchers investigated various factors, including coating processes, material plasticization modification, and surface treatment, to understand their effects on the film structure and nitrogen release properties of CRU. One of the key findings was the significant influence of the fluidizing gas temperature on both the film structure and release performance. “When the coating temperature was 50 °C, a continuous and uniform dense film was formed, resulting in optimal controlled-release performance lasting up to 7 days,” Zhou notes.
The team also explored the effects of plasticization using dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, they demonstrated that DBS reduced the crystallinity of the EC, enhancing the fracture elongation of the film and extending the controlled-release performance to 10 days. Additionally, surface treatment with paraffin wax improved the water barrier properties of the film, increasing its water contact angle from 100° to 130° and extending the controlled-release period to 50 days, meeting the ISO 18644:2016 standard.
The implications of this research are profound. Controlled-release fertilizers can reduce nitrogen loss, minimize environmental impact, and improve crop yields. “This study is valuable for fertilizer production and provides a reference for cellulose-coated fertilizers,” Zhou states. The findings could lead to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, innovations like ethyl cellulose-coated urea offer a glimmer of hope. By optimizing the coating process and understanding the underlying mechanisms, researchers are paving the way for a greener future. The work of Yuanfang Zhou and her team is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and its potential to transform industries. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, such breakthroughs will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and productive future.