The document describes the development of a root-targeted delivery vehicle (RTDV) using an ionically crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel matrix to improve the efficiency of fertilizer use in agriculture. Growing wheat in nutrient-depleted soil showed that the RTDV allows a 78% reduction in the amount of fertilizer needed to achieve similar plant yields. Optimizing the RTDV manufacturing could potentially increase fertilizer use efficiency to 94%. The RTDV is designed to deliver fertilizer to plant roots over the course of the plant's growth cycle in order to minimize fertilizer losses and maximize absorption.
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
2014.09.30. Bioavailability Enhancement Webinar Series: Optimizing Technology Choice to Enhance Bioavailability
Capsugel (Bend Research)
Abstract:
An increasing number of active compounds in pipelines today have properties that require functional formulation to enable exposure and efficacy. Despite many new technology choices, it is often difficult to match the right drug-delivery technology to a given molecule and problem statement. This problem is exacerbated by the need to save time and valuable drug in early development. This webinar describes an efficient strategy for mating enabling drug-delivery technologies with problem statements based on challenging compound properties and product concepts, building on an understanding of gut physiology, key molecule physicochemical properties, and the target product profile.
Company Summary:
Capsugel Dosage Form Solutions designs, develops and manufactures innovative dosage forms addressing bioavailability and other pressing product development challenges, including bioavailability enhancement, modified release, abuse deterrence, biotherapeutic processing, and inhalation formulation.
Speakers Bio:
Dr. David Vodak
Vice President Bend Research Moderator
Dr. Vodak's areas of expertise are research and development of novel pharmaceutical drug-delivery systems. Dr. Vodak holds a PhD in materials chemistry from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in chemistry from Willamette University.
Dr. David Lyon
Senior Vice President Bend Research
Dr. Lyon is the Senior Vice President at Bend Research. He leads development activities for new technologies, oversees the development of predictive biomodels, and provides technical leadership to the research groups for new and applied technologies.
This research paper investigates the adsorption behavior of biochar derived from napier grass towards urea in aqueous solutions. Experiments were conducted to understand the effect of process parameters like temperature, agitation speed, and initial concentration on urea uptake. Equilibrium, kinetics and mass transfer models were applied to describe the adsorption. The results showed that low temperature, moderate agitation, and high initial concentration favored greater urea adsorption. Adsorption was found to be exothermic, physical, spontaneous and followed pseudo-second order kinetics. Both surface and intra-particle diffusion influenced removal and immobilization of urea, with film diffusion limiting the mass transfer process. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model best
REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS USING RADIAL AND VERTICAL FLOW REGIME REACTORSIAEME Publication
Batch and continuous processes were conducted to study the adsorption of methylene blue dye on to three adsorbent materials, commercial activated carbon, chemically activated corncob carbon with phosphoric acid and ion exchange resin (akualite). Batch processes were established to show the effects of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed and initial dye concentration. Two isotherm models, Freundlich and Langmuir fitted with the experimental data found from batch processes, the Langmuir model fitted well than the Freundlich, with maximum adsorption capacities of 16.21, 30.95 and 77.52 mg/g and R2 of 0.952, 0.992 and 0.995 predicted by commercial activated carbon, corncob activated carbon akualite respectively.
This document summarizes a study on the growth kinetics of commercial yeast in different substrates. A continuously stirred tank reactor was used to test four substrates: soft drinks, multivitamin syrup, milk, and wastewater. The growth of yeast biomass was highest in municipal wastewater due to more available food. The specific growth rates of yeast in the different substrates ranged from 0.036 to 0.1414 hours-1. Additionally, bioaugmentation reduced turbidity the most in municipal wastewater and improved pH levels over time towards standards. The study shows bioaugmentation and growth kinetics models can aid wastewater treatment.
IJRET : International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology is an international peer reviewed, online journal published by eSAT Publishing House for the enhancement of research in various disciplines of Engineering and Technology. The aim and scope of the journal is to provide an academic medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level learning, teaching and research in the fields of Engineering and Technology. We bring together Scientists, Academician, Field Engineers, Scholars and Students of related fields of Engineering and Technology
Modeling a well stimulation process using the meor techniqueeSAT Journals
Abstract Microbial enhanced oil recovery remains the most environmental friendly, cost effective recovery technique in oil production, particularly for wellbore stimulation. This research investigates the effects of microbial growth rate, microbial and nutrient concentrations for well stimulation purposes. A representative model incorporating microbial concentration, its growth rate and skin factor is developed, validated and discussed. An explicit formulation which poses a solution to the equation for the model is used to describe the reservoir pressure responses. It is observed through plots of reservoir pressure against reference distances that flow and production rates improved as a result of an improved BHP when the microbial parameters were incorporated to the fluid transport equation at same injection rates and same reservoir parameters. The trend followed by the pressure profile plots correlates with that expected of a well stimulation pressure profile. Keywords: Well Stimulation, MEOR, Permeability, MEOR stimulation
Effects of pretreatment of single and mixed lignocellulosic substrates on pro...Mushafau Adebayo Oke
A mixed substrate (MS) comprising oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), oil palm frond (OPF), and rice husk (RH) was evaluated for endoglucanase production by Bacillus aerius S5.2. Effects of sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), and hydrothermal pretreatments on endoglucanase production were investigated. Endoglucanase production by B. aerius on the untreated (0.677 U/mL) and pretreated MS (0.305 – 0.630 U/mL) was generally similar, except that the acid (0.305 U/mL) and hydrothermal (0.549 U/mL) pretreatments that were more severe consequently produced significantly lower titres. Alkali pretreatment supported the highest enzyme production (0.630 U/mL) among all pretreatments that were studied. When endoglucanase production on the alkali-pretreated MS and single substrates (SS) was compared, alkali-pretreated EFB produced a titre (0.655 U/mL) similar to the MS, and this was significantly higher than titres recorded on OPF (0.504 U/mL) and RH (0.525 U/mL). Lower enzyme production was found to be consistent with higher pretreatment severity and greater removal of amorphous regions in all the pretreatments. Furthermore, combining the SS showed no adverse effects on endoglucanase production.
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
2014.09.30. Bioavailability Enhancement Webinar Series: Optimizing Technology Choice to Enhance Bioavailability
Capsugel (Bend Research)
Abstract:
An increasing number of active compounds in pipelines today have properties that require functional formulation to enable exposure and efficacy. Despite many new technology choices, it is often difficult to match the right drug-delivery technology to a given molecule and problem statement. This problem is exacerbated by the need to save time and valuable drug in early development. This webinar describes an efficient strategy for mating enabling drug-delivery technologies with problem statements based on challenging compound properties and product concepts, building on an understanding of gut physiology, key molecule physicochemical properties, and the target product profile.
Company Summary:
Capsugel Dosage Form Solutions designs, develops and manufactures innovative dosage forms addressing bioavailability and other pressing product development challenges, including bioavailability enhancement, modified release, abuse deterrence, biotherapeutic processing, and inhalation formulation.
Speakers Bio:
Dr. David Vodak
Vice President Bend Research Moderator
Dr. Vodak's areas of expertise are research and development of novel pharmaceutical drug-delivery systems. Dr. Vodak holds a PhD in materials chemistry from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in chemistry from Willamette University.
Dr. David Lyon
Senior Vice President Bend Research
Dr. Lyon is the Senior Vice President at Bend Research. He leads development activities for new technologies, oversees the development of predictive biomodels, and provides technical leadership to the research groups for new and applied technologies.
This research paper investigates the adsorption behavior of biochar derived from napier grass towards urea in aqueous solutions. Experiments were conducted to understand the effect of process parameters like temperature, agitation speed, and initial concentration on urea uptake. Equilibrium, kinetics and mass transfer models were applied to describe the adsorption. The results showed that low temperature, moderate agitation, and high initial concentration favored greater urea adsorption. Adsorption was found to be exothermic, physical, spontaneous and followed pseudo-second order kinetics. Both surface and intra-particle diffusion influenced removal and immobilization of urea, with film diffusion limiting the mass transfer process. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model best
REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS USING RADIAL AND VERTICAL FLOW REGIME REACTORSIAEME Publication
Batch and continuous processes were conducted to study the adsorption of methylene blue dye on to three adsorbent materials, commercial activated carbon, chemically activated corncob carbon with phosphoric acid and ion exchange resin (akualite). Batch processes were established to show the effects of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed and initial dye concentration. Two isotherm models, Freundlich and Langmuir fitted with the experimental data found from batch processes, the Langmuir model fitted well than the Freundlich, with maximum adsorption capacities of 16.21, 30.95 and 77.52 mg/g and R2 of 0.952, 0.992 and 0.995 predicted by commercial activated carbon, corncob activated carbon akualite respectively.
This document summarizes a study on the growth kinetics of commercial yeast in different substrates. A continuously stirred tank reactor was used to test four substrates: soft drinks, multivitamin syrup, milk, and wastewater. The growth of yeast biomass was highest in municipal wastewater due to more available food. The specific growth rates of yeast in the different substrates ranged from 0.036 to 0.1414 hours-1. Additionally, bioaugmentation reduced turbidity the most in municipal wastewater and improved pH levels over time towards standards. The study shows bioaugmentation and growth kinetics models can aid wastewater treatment.
IJRET : International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology is an international peer reviewed, online journal published by eSAT Publishing House for the enhancement of research in various disciplines of Engineering and Technology. The aim and scope of the journal is to provide an academic medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level learning, teaching and research in the fields of Engineering and Technology. We bring together Scientists, Academician, Field Engineers, Scholars and Students of related fields of Engineering and Technology
Modeling a well stimulation process using the meor techniqueeSAT Journals
Abstract Microbial enhanced oil recovery remains the most environmental friendly, cost effective recovery technique in oil production, particularly for wellbore stimulation. This research investigates the effects of microbial growth rate, microbial and nutrient concentrations for well stimulation purposes. A representative model incorporating microbial concentration, its growth rate and skin factor is developed, validated and discussed. An explicit formulation which poses a solution to the equation for the model is used to describe the reservoir pressure responses. It is observed through plots of reservoir pressure against reference distances that flow and production rates improved as a result of an improved BHP when the microbial parameters were incorporated to the fluid transport equation at same injection rates and same reservoir parameters. The trend followed by the pressure profile plots correlates with that expected of a well stimulation pressure profile. Keywords: Well Stimulation, MEOR, Permeability, MEOR stimulation
Effects of pretreatment of single and mixed lignocellulosic substrates on pro...Mushafau Adebayo Oke
A mixed substrate (MS) comprising oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), oil palm frond (OPF), and rice husk (RH) was evaluated for endoglucanase production by Bacillus aerius S5.2. Effects of sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), and hydrothermal pretreatments on endoglucanase production were investigated. Endoglucanase production by B. aerius on the untreated (0.677 U/mL) and pretreated MS (0.305 – 0.630 U/mL) was generally similar, except that the acid (0.305 U/mL) and hydrothermal (0.549 U/mL) pretreatments that were more severe consequently produced significantly lower titres. Alkali pretreatment supported the highest enzyme production (0.630 U/mL) among all pretreatments that were studied. When endoglucanase production on the alkali-pretreated MS and single substrates (SS) was compared, alkali-pretreated EFB produced a titre (0.655 U/mL) similar to the MS, and this was significantly higher than titres recorded on OPF (0.504 U/mL) and RH (0.525 U/mL). Lower enzyme production was found to be consistent with higher pretreatment severity and greater removal of amorphous regions in all the pretreatments. Furthermore, combining the SS showed no adverse effects on endoglucanase production.
To evaluate the effect of humic acid fertilizer on potato tubers in 2010, trials were conducted in the Province of Iran. The experiment was conducted on a split plot with randomized complete block design having three replications. Main plots consisted of four levels of humic acid (0, 1, 2, 3 times) solution in water irrigation and sub-factor consisted of three varieties of potato (Marfona, Satina, and Born). During planting the application of humic acid at the rate of nine liters per hectare per load at the beginning and start of creating tuber formation respectively were done. Analysis of variance showed that the smallest and largest tuber weight, number of tubers per plant and yield per plant were not significant. Effect of humic acid on the smallest mean tumor weight at 1% and the number of tubers and yield per plant showed significant difference at 5% level. The largest tuber weight was also not significantly different. Interaction of humic acid fertilizer in any of the measured parameters showed no significant difference in potatoes. Comparison by Duncan test showed that the application of humic acid in all the three stages of growth had shown great impact on tuber weight. The highest number of tubers per plant has been associated with the use of humic acid (27 l/ha). The number of tubers per hectare with the application of 18 litres of humic acid showed no significant difference. The amount of humic acid applied were 18 and 27 litres per hectare, and increased performance is in the range of 13 and 29% respectively.
This document summarizes the emerging role of nanosuspensions in drug delivery systems. It discusses how nanosuspensions can increase the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by increasing their surface area and dissolution rate. Various preparation methods are described, including precipitation, homogenization, and wet milling. The document also covers the principles behind how nanosizing increases solubility and dissolution according to classical equations. The advantages of nanosuspensions for drug delivery via various routes are discussed.
This document summarizes a research article on recent advances in metabolic engineering for advanced biofuel production and commercialization. The article discusses metabolic engineering approaches that have increased the diversity and production of biofuels derived from alcohols, isoprenoids, and fatty acids. It also highlights how some of these engineered fuel targets have been successfully produced at an industrial scale and commercialized.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Strategy to Improve Oral Delivery of the Biophar...BRNSS Publication Hub
In drug discovery, approximately 70% of new drug candidates have shown poor aqueous solubility
in recent years. Currently, approximately 40% of the marketed immediate release (IR) oral drugs are
categorized as practically insoluble (<100 g/mL). The aqueous solubility of a drug is a critical determinant
of its dissolution rate. The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) is a useful tool for decisionmaking
in formulation development from a biopharmaceutical point of view. BCS Class II drugs are
identified as low solubility and high permeability. In general, the bioavailability of a BCS Class II drug is
rate limited by its dissolution so that even a small increase in dissolution rate sometimes results in a large
increase in bioavailability. Therefore, an enhancement of the dissolution rate of the drug is thought to be
a key factor for improving the bioavailability of BCS Class II drugs. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)
were developed in the mid-1980s as an alternative system to the existing traditional carriers (emulsions,
liposomes, microparticles, and their polymeric counterparts) when Speiser prepared the first micro- and
nano-particles (named nano pellets) made up of solid lipids for oral administration. SLNs are colloidal
carriers made up of lipids that remain solid at room temperature and body temperature and also offer unique
properties such as small size (50–500 nm), large surface area, high drug loading, and the interaction of
phases at the interfaces and are attractive for their potential to improve performance of pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals, and other materials. Moreover, SLN are less toxic than other nanoparticulate systems
due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. SLN is capable of encapsulating hydrophobic
and hydrophilic drugs, and they also provide protection against chemical, photochemical, or oxidative
degradation of drugs, as well as the possibility of a sustained release of the incorporated drugs.
IRF ORganic Farming Technology : Biodiversity Marker can be effectively used to score the influence of any Management Practice towards development of agro-ecology, not only for tea plantation but for any type crop production.
Hybridization of desalination processesIJERA Editor
The aim of any new or improved technique in the water production technology may concentrate in water quality , production rates and coasts of production .In this paper we will talk about the hybridization of desalination process intending to enhance the effectiveness of the productionprocedure.. Hybridization of a dependable production process such as Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and a well improved and introduced technology such as Membrane-based process is an upcoming trend for maximizing the recovery ratio and quality for the process, in addition to the economical benefits that it will offer. This paper will discuss examples of different hybrid systems.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on co-processed excipients. It defines co-processing as interacting two or more excipients at the sub-particle level to provide functional synergies and mask undesirable properties. The goals of co-processing are to obtain an excipient with added value and cost-effectiveness. Co-processed excipients can improve flow, compressibility, solubility, and disintegration properties. Examples of co-processed excipients are provided along with their advantages such as multiple functionalities, better palatability, and removal of undesirable properties.
Chemical and Microbial Reactions Occurring during VermicompostingYogeshIJTSRD
Vermicomposting is a unique process that occurs in earthworms gut to convert organic wastes into organic fertilizer or vermicompost by using joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. Organic wastes used were the mixture of spent mushrooms waste, coconut husks, cow dung, vegetables residue, and leaf litter. Locally available earthworms are also used for vermicomposting but their mode of feeding is very slow and the earthworm which lives below the soil is also not suitable for vermicompost production. The Red worms Eisenia foetida and African earthworm Eudrillus engenae are promising worms used for vermicompost production. All the two worms can be mixed together for vermicompost production. In the composting process, egg shells flour and fish meal are added into the vermicompost as additives materials. The results indicate that the combined vermicomposting and composting process with addition the additives materials improves the chemical composition of vermicompost compared to using vermicomposting process alone. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. Dr. Atul Kumar Sharma | Dr. Kamlesh Rawat "Chemical and Microbial Reactions Occurring during Vermicomposting" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd45029.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/chemistry/other/45029/chemical-and-microbial-reactions-occurring-during-vermicomposting/dr-atul-kumar-sharma
The document discusses strategies for sustainable agriculture through the use of smart fertilizers. It proposes that smart fertilizers with controlled nutrient release, such as nanofertilizers and slow-release fertilizers, can increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts compared to conventional fertilizers. Nanofertilizers may be synthesized nanoparticles, products with nanoscale coatings, or bulk products with nanoscale additives. Slow-release fertilizers use coatings, large particle sizes, or condensation products to delay nutrient availability. The document also discusses polymers, biodegradable polymers, stabilized fertilizers using nitrification or urease inhibitors, and other methods to precisely control nutrient release timing and rates.
Foam fractionation as a means to recover and fractionate bioactiveseSAT Journals
Abstract In this research, the optimum conditions for the separation of polyphenols from apple juice (AJ) and the separation of BSA from a BSA/water solution were found by looking at the enrichment ratio (ER) and recovery. A mixture of the AJ and BSA was also studied to see how the different conditions affect separation of either compound. For AJ only, maximum ER was achieved at a feed concentration of 0.00184mg/mL of polyphenols (10.9˚Brix), air flowrate of 10mL/min, pH of 6.03 and temperature of 4.1˚C. For the BSA only solution, maximum ER was achieved at a feed concentration of 2.5g/L, air flowrate of 7mL/min, pH of 5-6 and temperature either above or below 20˚C. For the mixture, maximum polyphenol ER was at a feed polyphenol concentration of 0.0018mg/mL, feed BSA concentration of 5g/L and a pH of 3.7. Whereas maximum BSA ER was achieved when the feed polyphenol concentration was again 0.00184mg/mL, but a minimum was seen at 5g/L BSA feed concentration and pH of 3.7. These results show that there are interactions between the polyphenol and proteins that affects the separation of compounds. The bubble size distribution and gas hold-up of the AJ and BSA solutions were then compared and the BSA solution had larger bubbles present and a greater gas hold-up, which is attributed to the greater surface activity of BSA protein. Finally basic modelling – linear regression, was performed to link the ER to the different conditions tested. The models were judged by comparing R2 values, the F-statistic and the p-value and all showed weak relationships between the ER and the independent variables. Further data is required to improve the model as from previous literatures these variables have been seen to contribute to adsorption, which in turn affects the ER.
Cost effective Analysis of Different Soil Samples to Check their Potential fo...YogeshIJTSRD
The present investigation was undertaken to isolate and screen the cellulase producing bacteria from soil. Cellulose is considered to be the most abundant carbohydrate on earth along with hemicelluloses and lignin, which constitutes the plant cell wall. Cellulolytic enzymes are the backbone of various industries including food, animal feed, brewing, wine, agricultural biomass refining, pulp, paper, textile and ethanol production. In this paper, cellulose degrading bacteria was isolated and screened from different soil samples from agriculture farm, waste dumping area and termite soil using Carboxymethyl cellulose CMC , wheat bran and waste paper plus nutrient agar as a selective medium. After screening, only five isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 were selected due to the maximum diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis. The diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing wheat bran for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 8±3mm, 21±2mm, 13±1mm, 12±1mm and 10±2mm, respectively, whereas the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing waste paper for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 13±1mm, 24±1mm, 17±1mm, 14±2mm and 15±1mm respectively. This was compared with the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing CMC cellulose was also measured for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 16±1mm, 25±1mm, 22±1mm, 19±2mm and 20±2mm. It was concluded that the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis on waste paper was nearly same as obtained with CMC cellulose and the highest diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis was seen in isolate KHU8 25±1mm in NAM plates plus CMC cellulose from termite soil sample. So, termite soil has the maximum potential to produce cellulose degrading bacteria. Khushboo Pal | Anshika Sharma | Tanu Sharma | Dr. Divya Sharma "Cost-effective Analysis of Different Soil Samples to Check their Potential for Producing Cellulose Degrading Bacteria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd43937.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/microbiology/43937/costeffective-analysis-of-different-soil-samples-to-check-their-potential-for-producing-cellulose-degrading-bacteria/khushboo-pal
The Response of Chickpea to Irrigation with Treated journal paperMarwan Haddad
This study assessed the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater (TW) versus freshwater (FW) on four chickpea cultivars over three years. Wastewater from a university campus was treated in a small-scale plant to reduce BOD, COD and EC to acceptable levels. Two cultivars, Bulgarit and ICC 11293, showed no reduction in yield or quality when irrigated with TW compared to FW. However, the WIR-32 and Jordan cultivars showed significant growth reductions with TW irrigation. Soil analysis found no significant differences between TW and FW irrigation.
Physiological stress indicates the environmental pressures which affect the
plant physiology and change it. The experiment was conducted as split plot in
randomized complete block design with three replications on safflower (Carthamus
tinctorius) from 2015 to 2016. Treatments were: 1) Irrigation: without stress (irrigation
after 70 mm evaporation from evaporation pan class A) and drought stress (irrigation
after 150 mm evaporation from pan class A) was considered as the main factor and
the concentration of salicylic acid with three levels (0.100 and 200 mg L-1) as the first
sub-factor. The second sub-factor includes the concentrations of three levels of
potassium sulphate (0.05 and 1 mg L-1). The interaction between drought stress and
potassium sulphate and also potassium sulphate and salicylic acid were significant on
the induction of plant height. With regard to this, the comparison between salicylic
acid and potassium sulphate interaction on the safflower plant height and the highest
plant height (107.3 cm) was obtained by using 200 mg salicylic acid plus 1 mg L-1 of
potassium sulphate. The combined analysis of data indicated that interaction between
potassium sulphate × salicylic acid on the grain yield was significant. The highest grain
yield (1550 kg ha-1) belonged to the foliar application of 100 mg salicylic acid and 0.5
mg L-1 of potassium sulphate interaction. The interaction of salicylic acid and
potassium sulphate was significant on the biological yield, and the highest biological
yield was obtained with 200 mg L-1 of salicylic acid and 0.5 mg L-1 of potassium
sulphate. Therefore, in order to compensate for some of the harmful effects of stress
and enable the plant to return to normal growing conditions after re-watering, foliar
application of such chemical compounds on plant can be effective and plays an
important role on the resistance of plant to drought.
Abstract
The main objective of present research work is to formulate the floating tablets of atenolol using 32 factorial design. Atenolol, β-blocker belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class-III. The floating tablets of atenolol were prepared employing different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K15M and sodium bicarbonate in different combinations by direct compression technique using 32 factorial design. The concentration of HPMC K15M and sodium bicarbonate required to achieve desired drug release was selected as independent variables, X1 and X2, respectively, whereas time required for 10% of drug dissolution (t10%), 50% (t50%), 75% (t75%), and 90% (t90%) were selected as dependent variables. Totally, nine formulations were designed and are evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, % drug content, floating lag time, in vitro drug release. From the results, concluded that all the formulation were found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits and the in vitro dissolution profiles of all formulations were fitted into different Kinetic models, the statistical parameters like intercept (a), slope (b) and regression coefficient (r) were calculated. Polynomial equations were developed for t10%, t50%, t75%, t90%. Validity of developed polynomial equations was verified by designing 2 checkpoint formulations (C1, C2). According to SUPAC guidelines the formulation (F8) containing combination of 25% HPMC K15M and 3.75% sodium bicarbonate, is the most similar formulation (similarity factor f2 = 87.797, dissimilarity factor f1 = 2.248 and no significant difference, t = 0.098) to marketed product (BETACARD). The selected formulation (F8) follows Higuchi’s kinetics, and the mechanism of drug release was found to be non-Fickian diffusion (n = 1.029, Super Case-II transport).
Why to use phytoremediation?
Solar-driven Sustainable green technology improves air quality and sequesters greenhouse gases.
Controls erosion, runoff, infiltration, and fugitive dust emissions
Passive and in-situ.
Applicable to remote locations, potentially without utility access
Can be used to supplement other remediation approaches or as a polishing step.
Can be used to identify and map contamination.
Lower maintenance, resilient, and self-repairing.
Provides restoration and land reclamation during clean up and upon completion. Can be cost competitive.
Ion exchange resins are cross-linked water insoluble polymers that can reversibly exchange ions. They have various pharmaceutical applications including controlled drug delivery. Drugs can be loaded onto ion exchange resins by batch or column processes to form complexes. The rate of drug release is governed by properties of the resin such as degree of cross-linking. Cation exchange resins contain acidic groups that bind basic drugs, while anion exchange resins contain basic groups that bind acidic drugs. Selection of a drug depends on factors like its ionizable groups and biological half-life being suitable for controlled release. In vitro and in vivo testing can evaluate drug release from the resin complexes.
SMART FERTILIZERS FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETYCSAUA&T, Kanpur
The document discusses smart fertilizers as a solution to enhance food production while preserving environmental quality. It notes that conventional fertilizers can pollute water and soil while smart fertilizers provide controlled nutrient release and avoid excess application. Smart fertilizer formulations discussed include nanofertilizers, water soluble fertilizers, customized fertilizers for specific soils/crops, and coated slow release fertilizers. Research shows these smart fertilizers increase yields and nutrient use efficiency compared to conventional fertilizers. They allow continuous nutrient availability for plants and are more environmentally friendly.
Co-fermentation of glucose, starch, and cellulose for mesophilic biohydrogen ...Preethi Velayutham
This study assessed the synergistic effects of co-fermenting glucose, starch, and cellulose for mesophilic biohydrogen production using anaerobic digester sludge. Batch experiments were conducted with glucose, starch, and cellulose individually and in combinations of two or three substrates. The hydrogen yields were on average 27% greater in co-substrate conditions compared to expected yields, indicating co-fermentation improved hydrogen production potential. Glucose addition favored acetate synthesis while cellulose degradation was associated with propionate synthesis. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that while some operational taxonomic units were common to mono- and co-substrate batches, others were unique to co-substrate conditions
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Perrenial Fruit TreesDarshan Kadam
1) A study examined carbon sequestration in a peach orchard in Italy under conventional and sustainable management practices over 7 years.
2) The sustainable practices, including no tillage, compost application, and residue management, led to higher annual net ecosystem production and net ecosystem carbon balance, indicating the orchard acted as a carbon sink.
3) Specifically, the sustainable orchard sequestered more carbon in above-ground biomass and soil organic carbon compared to the conventionally managed orchard.
This study investigated the effects of different levels of chemical fertilizers and organic manures on wheat yield. Spent mushroom compost was combined with three levels of chemical fertilizers (control, intermediate, and complete) and applied to wheat. The highest wheat kernel yield of 6,225 kg/ha was achieved using the intermediate level of chemical fertilizers combined with aged spent mushroom compost. Overall, applying spent mushroom compost combined with intermediate chemical fertilizers produced the highest wheat yield.
Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is a critically important concept in the evaluation of crop production systems. Many agricultural soils of the world are deficient in one or more of the essential nutrients to support healthy and productive plant growth. Efficiency can be defined in many ways and easily increased food production could be achieved by expanding the land area under crops and by increasing yields per unit area through intensive farming. Environmental nutrient use efficiency can be quite different than agronomic or economic efficiency and maximizing efficiency may not always be effective. Worldwide, elemental deficiencies for essential macro and micro nutrients and toxicities by Al, Mn, Fe, S, B, Cu, Mo, Cr, Cl, Na, and Si have been reported.
To evaluate the effect of humic acid fertilizer on potato tubers in 2010, trials were conducted in the Province of Iran. The experiment was conducted on a split plot with randomized complete block design having three replications. Main plots consisted of four levels of humic acid (0, 1, 2, 3 times) solution in water irrigation and sub-factor consisted of three varieties of potato (Marfona, Satina, and Born). During planting the application of humic acid at the rate of nine liters per hectare per load at the beginning and start of creating tuber formation respectively were done. Analysis of variance showed that the smallest and largest tuber weight, number of tubers per plant and yield per plant were not significant. Effect of humic acid on the smallest mean tumor weight at 1% and the number of tubers and yield per plant showed significant difference at 5% level. The largest tuber weight was also not significantly different. Interaction of humic acid fertilizer in any of the measured parameters showed no significant difference in potatoes. Comparison by Duncan test showed that the application of humic acid in all the three stages of growth had shown great impact on tuber weight. The highest number of tubers per plant has been associated with the use of humic acid (27 l/ha). The number of tubers per hectare with the application of 18 litres of humic acid showed no significant difference. The amount of humic acid applied were 18 and 27 litres per hectare, and increased performance is in the range of 13 and 29% respectively.
This document summarizes the emerging role of nanosuspensions in drug delivery systems. It discusses how nanosuspensions can increase the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by increasing their surface area and dissolution rate. Various preparation methods are described, including precipitation, homogenization, and wet milling. The document also covers the principles behind how nanosizing increases solubility and dissolution according to classical equations. The advantages of nanosuspensions for drug delivery via various routes are discussed.
This document summarizes a research article on recent advances in metabolic engineering for advanced biofuel production and commercialization. The article discusses metabolic engineering approaches that have increased the diversity and production of biofuels derived from alcohols, isoprenoids, and fatty acids. It also highlights how some of these engineered fuel targets have been successfully produced at an industrial scale and commercialized.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Strategy to Improve Oral Delivery of the Biophar...BRNSS Publication Hub
In drug discovery, approximately 70% of new drug candidates have shown poor aqueous solubility
in recent years. Currently, approximately 40% of the marketed immediate release (IR) oral drugs are
categorized as practically insoluble (<100 g/mL). The aqueous solubility of a drug is a critical determinant
of its dissolution rate. The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) is a useful tool for decisionmaking
in formulation development from a biopharmaceutical point of view. BCS Class II drugs are
identified as low solubility and high permeability. In general, the bioavailability of a BCS Class II drug is
rate limited by its dissolution so that even a small increase in dissolution rate sometimes results in a large
increase in bioavailability. Therefore, an enhancement of the dissolution rate of the drug is thought to be
a key factor for improving the bioavailability of BCS Class II drugs. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)
were developed in the mid-1980s as an alternative system to the existing traditional carriers (emulsions,
liposomes, microparticles, and their polymeric counterparts) when Speiser prepared the first micro- and
nano-particles (named nano pellets) made up of solid lipids for oral administration. SLNs are colloidal
carriers made up of lipids that remain solid at room temperature and body temperature and also offer unique
properties such as small size (50–500 nm), large surface area, high drug loading, and the interaction of
phases at the interfaces and are attractive for their potential to improve performance of pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals, and other materials. Moreover, SLN are less toxic than other nanoparticulate systems
due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. SLN is capable of encapsulating hydrophobic
and hydrophilic drugs, and they also provide protection against chemical, photochemical, or oxidative
degradation of drugs, as well as the possibility of a sustained release of the incorporated drugs.
IRF ORganic Farming Technology : Biodiversity Marker can be effectively used to score the influence of any Management Practice towards development of agro-ecology, not only for tea plantation but for any type crop production.
Hybridization of desalination processesIJERA Editor
The aim of any new or improved technique in the water production technology may concentrate in water quality , production rates and coasts of production .In this paper we will talk about the hybridization of desalination process intending to enhance the effectiveness of the productionprocedure.. Hybridization of a dependable production process such as Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and a well improved and introduced technology such as Membrane-based process is an upcoming trend for maximizing the recovery ratio and quality for the process, in addition to the economical benefits that it will offer. This paper will discuss examples of different hybrid systems.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on co-processed excipients. It defines co-processing as interacting two or more excipients at the sub-particle level to provide functional synergies and mask undesirable properties. The goals of co-processing are to obtain an excipient with added value and cost-effectiveness. Co-processed excipients can improve flow, compressibility, solubility, and disintegration properties. Examples of co-processed excipients are provided along with their advantages such as multiple functionalities, better palatability, and removal of undesirable properties.
Chemical and Microbial Reactions Occurring during VermicompostingYogeshIJTSRD
Vermicomposting is a unique process that occurs in earthworms gut to convert organic wastes into organic fertilizer or vermicompost by using joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. Organic wastes used were the mixture of spent mushrooms waste, coconut husks, cow dung, vegetables residue, and leaf litter. Locally available earthworms are also used for vermicomposting but their mode of feeding is very slow and the earthworm which lives below the soil is also not suitable for vermicompost production. The Red worms Eisenia foetida and African earthworm Eudrillus engenae are promising worms used for vermicompost production. All the two worms can be mixed together for vermicompost production. In the composting process, egg shells flour and fish meal are added into the vermicompost as additives materials. The results indicate that the combined vermicomposting and composting process with addition the additives materials improves the chemical composition of vermicompost compared to using vermicomposting process alone. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. Dr. Atul Kumar Sharma | Dr. Kamlesh Rawat "Chemical and Microbial Reactions Occurring during Vermicomposting" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd45029.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/chemistry/other/45029/chemical-and-microbial-reactions-occurring-during-vermicomposting/dr-atul-kumar-sharma
The document discusses strategies for sustainable agriculture through the use of smart fertilizers. It proposes that smart fertilizers with controlled nutrient release, such as nanofertilizers and slow-release fertilizers, can increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts compared to conventional fertilizers. Nanofertilizers may be synthesized nanoparticles, products with nanoscale coatings, or bulk products with nanoscale additives. Slow-release fertilizers use coatings, large particle sizes, or condensation products to delay nutrient availability. The document also discusses polymers, biodegradable polymers, stabilized fertilizers using nitrification or urease inhibitors, and other methods to precisely control nutrient release timing and rates.
Foam fractionation as a means to recover and fractionate bioactiveseSAT Journals
Abstract In this research, the optimum conditions for the separation of polyphenols from apple juice (AJ) and the separation of BSA from a BSA/water solution were found by looking at the enrichment ratio (ER) and recovery. A mixture of the AJ and BSA was also studied to see how the different conditions affect separation of either compound. For AJ only, maximum ER was achieved at a feed concentration of 0.00184mg/mL of polyphenols (10.9˚Brix), air flowrate of 10mL/min, pH of 6.03 and temperature of 4.1˚C. For the BSA only solution, maximum ER was achieved at a feed concentration of 2.5g/L, air flowrate of 7mL/min, pH of 5-6 and temperature either above or below 20˚C. For the mixture, maximum polyphenol ER was at a feed polyphenol concentration of 0.0018mg/mL, feed BSA concentration of 5g/L and a pH of 3.7. Whereas maximum BSA ER was achieved when the feed polyphenol concentration was again 0.00184mg/mL, but a minimum was seen at 5g/L BSA feed concentration and pH of 3.7. These results show that there are interactions between the polyphenol and proteins that affects the separation of compounds. The bubble size distribution and gas hold-up of the AJ and BSA solutions were then compared and the BSA solution had larger bubbles present and a greater gas hold-up, which is attributed to the greater surface activity of BSA protein. Finally basic modelling – linear regression, was performed to link the ER to the different conditions tested. The models were judged by comparing R2 values, the F-statistic and the p-value and all showed weak relationships between the ER and the independent variables. Further data is required to improve the model as from previous literatures these variables have been seen to contribute to adsorption, which in turn affects the ER.
Cost effective Analysis of Different Soil Samples to Check their Potential fo...YogeshIJTSRD
The present investigation was undertaken to isolate and screen the cellulase producing bacteria from soil. Cellulose is considered to be the most abundant carbohydrate on earth along with hemicelluloses and lignin, which constitutes the plant cell wall. Cellulolytic enzymes are the backbone of various industries including food, animal feed, brewing, wine, agricultural biomass refining, pulp, paper, textile and ethanol production. In this paper, cellulose degrading bacteria was isolated and screened from different soil samples from agriculture farm, waste dumping area and termite soil using Carboxymethyl cellulose CMC , wheat bran and waste paper plus nutrient agar as a selective medium. After screening, only five isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 were selected due to the maximum diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis. The diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing wheat bran for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 8±3mm, 21±2mm, 13±1mm, 12±1mm and 10±2mm, respectively, whereas the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing waste paper for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 13±1mm, 24±1mm, 17±1mm, 14±2mm and 15±1mm respectively. This was compared with the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis in NAM plates containing CMC cellulose was also measured for the isolates KHU2, KHU8, KHU9, KHU13 and KHU14 was 16±1mm, 25±1mm, 22±1mm, 19±2mm and 20±2mm. It was concluded that the diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis on waste paper was nearly same as obtained with CMC cellulose and the highest diameter of zone of substrate hydrolysis was seen in isolate KHU8 25±1mm in NAM plates plus CMC cellulose from termite soil sample. So, termite soil has the maximum potential to produce cellulose degrading bacteria. Khushboo Pal | Anshika Sharma | Tanu Sharma | Dr. Divya Sharma "Cost-effective Analysis of Different Soil Samples to Check their Potential for Producing Cellulose Degrading Bacteria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd43937.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/microbiology/43937/costeffective-analysis-of-different-soil-samples-to-check-their-potential-for-producing-cellulose-degrading-bacteria/khushboo-pal
The Response of Chickpea to Irrigation with Treated journal paperMarwan Haddad
This study assessed the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater (TW) versus freshwater (FW) on four chickpea cultivars over three years. Wastewater from a university campus was treated in a small-scale plant to reduce BOD, COD and EC to acceptable levels. Two cultivars, Bulgarit and ICC 11293, showed no reduction in yield or quality when irrigated with TW compared to FW. However, the WIR-32 and Jordan cultivars showed significant growth reductions with TW irrigation. Soil analysis found no significant differences between TW and FW irrigation.
Physiological stress indicates the environmental pressures which affect the
plant physiology and change it. The experiment was conducted as split plot in
randomized complete block design with three replications on safflower (Carthamus
tinctorius) from 2015 to 2016. Treatments were: 1) Irrigation: without stress (irrigation
after 70 mm evaporation from evaporation pan class A) and drought stress (irrigation
after 150 mm evaporation from pan class A) was considered as the main factor and
the concentration of salicylic acid with three levels (0.100 and 200 mg L-1) as the first
sub-factor. The second sub-factor includes the concentrations of three levels of
potassium sulphate (0.05 and 1 mg L-1). The interaction between drought stress and
potassium sulphate and also potassium sulphate and salicylic acid were significant on
the induction of plant height. With regard to this, the comparison between salicylic
acid and potassium sulphate interaction on the safflower plant height and the highest
plant height (107.3 cm) was obtained by using 200 mg salicylic acid plus 1 mg L-1 of
potassium sulphate. The combined analysis of data indicated that interaction between
potassium sulphate × salicylic acid on the grain yield was significant. The highest grain
yield (1550 kg ha-1) belonged to the foliar application of 100 mg salicylic acid and 0.5
mg L-1 of potassium sulphate interaction. The interaction of salicylic acid and
potassium sulphate was significant on the biological yield, and the highest biological
yield was obtained with 200 mg L-1 of salicylic acid and 0.5 mg L-1 of potassium
sulphate. Therefore, in order to compensate for some of the harmful effects of stress
and enable the plant to return to normal growing conditions after re-watering, foliar
application of such chemical compounds on plant can be effective and plays an
important role on the resistance of plant to drought.
Abstract
The main objective of present research work is to formulate the floating tablets of atenolol using 32 factorial design. Atenolol, β-blocker belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class-III. The floating tablets of atenolol were prepared employing different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K15M and sodium bicarbonate in different combinations by direct compression technique using 32 factorial design. The concentration of HPMC K15M and sodium bicarbonate required to achieve desired drug release was selected as independent variables, X1 and X2, respectively, whereas time required for 10% of drug dissolution (t10%), 50% (t50%), 75% (t75%), and 90% (t90%) were selected as dependent variables. Totally, nine formulations were designed and are evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, % drug content, floating lag time, in vitro drug release. From the results, concluded that all the formulation were found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits and the in vitro dissolution profiles of all formulations were fitted into different Kinetic models, the statistical parameters like intercept (a), slope (b) and regression coefficient (r) were calculated. Polynomial equations were developed for t10%, t50%, t75%, t90%. Validity of developed polynomial equations was verified by designing 2 checkpoint formulations (C1, C2). According to SUPAC guidelines the formulation (F8) containing combination of 25% HPMC K15M and 3.75% sodium bicarbonate, is the most similar formulation (similarity factor f2 = 87.797, dissimilarity factor f1 = 2.248 and no significant difference, t = 0.098) to marketed product (BETACARD). The selected formulation (F8) follows Higuchi’s kinetics, and the mechanism of drug release was found to be non-Fickian diffusion (n = 1.029, Super Case-II transport).
Why to use phytoremediation?
Solar-driven Sustainable green technology improves air quality and sequesters greenhouse gases.
Controls erosion, runoff, infiltration, and fugitive dust emissions
Passive and in-situ.
Applicable to remote locations, potentially without utility access
Can be used to supplement other remediation approaches or as a polishing step.
Can be used to identify and map contamination.
Lower maintenance, resilient, and self-repairing.
Provides restoration and land reclamation during clean up and upon completion. Can be cost competitive.
Ion exchange resins are cross-linked water insoluble polymers that can reversibly exchange ions. They have various pharmaceutical applications including controlled drug delivery. Drugs can be loaded onto ion exchange resins by batch or column processes to form complexes. The rate of drug release is governed by properties of the resin such as degree of cross-linking. Cation exchange resins contain acidic groups that bind basic drugs, while anion exchange resins contain basic groups that bind acidic drugs. Selection of a drug depends on factors like its ionizable groups and biological half-life being suitable for controlled release. In vitro and in vivo testing can evaluate drug release from the resin complexes.
SMART FERTILIZERS FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETYCSAUA&T, Kanpur
The document discusses smart fertilizers as a solution to enhance food production while preserving environmental quality. It notes that conventional fertilizers can pollute water and soil while smart fertilizers provide controlled nutrient release and avoid excess application. Smart fertilizer formulations discussed include nanofertilizers, water soluble fertilizers, customized fertilizers for specific soils/crops, and coated slow release fertilizers. Research shows these smart fertilizers increase yields and nutrient use efficiency compared to conventional fertilizers. They allow continuous nutrient availability for plants and are more environmentally friendly.
Co-fermentation of glucose, starch, and cellulose for mesophilic biohydrogen ...Preethi Velayutham
This study assessed the synergistic effects of co-fermenting glucose, starch, and cellulose for mesophilic biohydrogen production using anaerobic digester sludge. Batch experiments were conducted with glucose, starch, and cellulose individually and in combinations of two or three substrates. The hydrogen yields were on average 27% greater in co-substrate conditions compared to expected yields, indicating co-fermentation improved hydrogen production potential. Glucose addition favored acetate synthesis while cellulose degradation was associated with propionate synthesis. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that while some operational taxonomic units were common to mono- and co-substrate batches, others were unique to co-substrate conditions
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Perrenial Fruit TreesDarshan Kadam
1) A study examined carbon sequestration in a peach orchard in Italy under conventional and sustainable management practices over 7 years.
2) The sustainable practices, including no tillage, compost application, and residue management, led to higher annual net ecosystem production and net ecosystem carbon balance, indicating the orchard acted as a carbon sink.
3) Specifically, the sustainable orchard sequestered more carbon in above-ground biomass and soil organic carbon compared to the conventionally managed orchard.
This study investigated the effects of different levels of chemical fertilizers and organic manures on wheat yield. Spent mushroom compost was combined with three levels of chemical fertilizers (control, intermediate, and complete) and applied to wheat. The highest wheat kernel yield of 6,225 kg/ha was achieved using the intermediate level of chemical fertilizers combined with aged spent mushroom compost. Overall, applying spent mushroom compost combined with intermediate chemical fertilizers produced the highest wheat yield.
Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is a critically important concept in the evaluation of crop production systems. Many agricultural soils of the world are deficient in one or more of the essential nutrients to support healthy and productive plant growth. Efficiency can be defined in many ways and easily increased food production could be achieved by expanding the land area under crops and by increasing yields per unit area through intensive farming. Environmental nutrient use efficiency can be quite different than agronomic or economic efficiency and maximizing efficiency may not always be effective. Worldwide, elemental deficiencies for essential macro and micro nutrients and toxicities by Al, Mn, Fe, S, B, Cu, Mo, Cr, Cl, Na, and Si have been reported.
Enhancing NUE through site specific nutrient management and in problematic soilsSangramsingRrajput
This document discusses techniques to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) through site specific nutrient management and in problematic soils. It defines NUE and discusses common indices used to measure it, like agronomic efficiency and physiological efficiency. Reasons for low NUE in India are outlined. Techniques to improve NUE discussed include fertigation, foliar application, nanotechnology, nutrient briquettes, and seed priming. Fertigation and seed priming are described in more detail regarding their advantages and processes. The overall document focuses on defining NUE and exploring soil-specific and technological methods to enhance NUE.
Agroindustrial Exploitation of the Mucilage Obtained from the Nopal Cactus Op...CrimsonpublishersNTNF
Agroindustrial Exploitation of the Mucilage Obtained from the Nopal Cactus Opuntia spp. Cultivated in Hydroponics by Romeo Rojas in Food Science Journal
90. Nutrient Management Under Organic Farming.pdfFaisal Rasool
Introduction:
Plant root system is always in close association with multitude of microorganisms and other nutrients. The microbes in root zone are maintained due to a variety of secretions from the roots and constitute what is often described as ‘rhizosphere’. These microbes in their turn supply nutrients to the soil system through their heterotrophic activity. Maintenance of these microbes in the rhizosphere, therefore, is also necessary for soil health. Crop productivity and nutrient cycles, however, are integral parts of the exploitation of soil health and have led to soil degradation through nutrient depletion and erosion, so that long term strategies are needed to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers without adversely affecting crop productivity. The use of organic manures, composts, Biofertilizers has received increased attention in our cropping systems. Following are the components in nutrient management system.
Fertilizer microdosing technology in sorghum, millet and maize production at ...IJASRD Journal
World population is alarmingly increasing, to feed the growing population, farmers must increase food production. Mineral fertilizer application takes the lion-share on crop productivity. However, due to the high cost of fertilizer, majority of African farmers add smaller than the recommended rate. Therefore, the farmers must adopt a technology that is environmentally friendly and minimizes dose of fertilizer keeping productivity higher than conventional fertilization. Microdosing (small and affordable quantities) fertilizer application produces higher grain yield as compared to control and banding application. Application of 0.3g NPK to 6g of NPK per pocket could increase yield of millet in range of 31.3% to 90.3 %. Similarly, application of 0.3 g NPK to 4 g NPK per pocket could increase yield of sorghum 40.9 % to 83 %. Microdosing fertilizer application is feasible and profitable than conventional fertilizer application. However, fertilizers in Africa are found in 50 kg package, which are not affordable by the poor resource farmers. The availability of fertilizer in affordable package is very crucial in expanding the technology. Moreover, the farmers must have the opportunity to inventory credit like warrantage system so that they borrow money to use it for input cost and store the crops after harvest when the price of the crops are low and resell them when the prices are higher. The use of the microdosing method brings entire changes to the existing fertilizer application methods; hence, there is a need for a strong linkage among researchers, farmers, and policy makers.
This document reviews biofertilizers. It discusses that biofertilizers are living microorganisms that colonize plant roots and promote growth by increasing the supply of nutrients. They are a low-cost, renewable source of nutrients that can supplement chemical fertilizers in an eco-friendly way. The document outlines various types of biofertilizers including nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizers. It also discusses methods for mass producing biofertilizers, including strain selection, culturing, and quality control standards. Common biofertilizers discussed are Rhizobium and Azospirillum.
Influence of vermicomposted soil amendments on plant growth and dry matter pa...Premier Publishers
The present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different vermicompost substitutions for vlei soil in seedling nursery production. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds were planted in five treatment groups including without vermicompost, 25% vermicompost, 50% vermicompost, 75% vermicompost and 100% vermicompost. Vlei soils were incorporated into the experiment making up the different supplements. There was significant (P<0.05) influence of vermicompost amendments. Tallest seedlings were recorded from V50%(13.2cm) and V75%(12.6cm) and means from treatments V25%, V50% and V75% were significantly higher than treatment V0%. Treatment V100% recorded the highest number of leaves(5.88). Highest root fresh weight was recorded from V50%(2.16g). All treatments revealed a significant difference amongst the treatments with V50% having the highest shoot dry weight of 2.22g. The means for treatments V50% and V75% were significantly higher than the treatment V0%. The highest fresh weight (11.31g) was recorded from V50%. All means for plant dry weight with vermicompost amendments were significantly higher than no vermicompost treatment (V0%). A ratio of 1:1 vermicompost and vlei gave the best results. These finding indicate that instead of using vermicompost alone, its use in mixtures with vlei gives the same effect.
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
Effect of Algal Bio-fertilizer on the Vigna radiata: A Critical ReviewIJERA Editor
The continuous increasing demand of food crops and decrease in productivity due to continuous use of chemical
fertilizer has not only resulted in decline of crop yield, loss of fertility and degradation of soil but has also led us
one step back in achieving sustainable agriculture. The use of algal bio-fertilizer provides an effective, ecofriendly
and non-polluting approach in improving the productivity of crop by both nitrogen fixation and
photosynthesis. Algal bio-fertilizers improve soil structure and increase yield productivity even if applied in a
small area. The application of algal bio-fertilizers in plants has resulted in increase in root, shoot length with
number of leaves and hence overall growth of the plant has been increased. India being one of the largest
producer and consumer of pulses requires abundant amount of pulse production to fulfil the demands of ever
growing populations which can be achieved by using algal bio-fertilizers. This paper briefly underlines the usage
of algal bio-fertilizers as an important tool for sustainability and alternative usage against the chemical
fertilizers
Effect of Algal Bio-fertilizer on the Vigna radiata: A Critical ReviewIJERA Editor
The continuous increasing demand of food crops and decrease in productivity due to continuous use of chemical
fertilizer has not only resulted in decline of crop yield, loss of fertility and degradation of soil but has also led us
one step back in achieving sustainable agriculture. The use of algal bio-fertilizer provides an effective, ecofriendly
and non-polluting approach in improving the productivity of crop by both nitrogen fixation and
photosynthesis. Algal bio-fertilizers improve soil structure and increase yield productivity even if applied in a
small area. The application of algal bio-fertilizers in plants has resulted in increase in root, shoot length with
number of leaves and hence overall growth of the plant has been increased. India being one of the largest
producer and consumer of pulses requires abundant amount of pulse production to fulfil the demands of ever
growing populations which can be achieved by using algal bio-fertilizers. This paper briefly underlines the usage
of algal bio-fertilizers as an important tool for sustainability and alternative usage against the chemical
fertilizers.
Alternate substrates for Ornamental crop productiongirija kumari
The document discusses research on alternative substrates for ornamental crop production. It summarizes various studies that evaluated different substrate mixtures and materials for growing ornamental plants. These include mixtures of coconut peat, rice hulls, perlite, vermiculite, biochar, and other organic and inorganic materials. The studies assessed the effects on plant growth, flowering, nutrient uptake, and physical properties of the substrates. Most found that various mixtures supported plant growth similarly to traditional substrates like peat moss, with some mixtures performing even better in some cases. The document concludes that the optimal substrate depends on the specific plant but that developing intelligent, self-sustaining growing media will be important.
As an input to soil for growth of high yield food crops, chemical fertilizer made a significant contribution; now environmental impact too has to be kept in mind while making careful use of this essential input.
Growing Green: Elevating Crop Health Through Sustainable Fertilizer UpgradesNAQ Global
A resilient, productive, and long-term agricultural system depends on the transition to sustainable fertilizer upgrades, which in itself is a significant environmental issue. We are laying the groundwork for a future where both humanity and the planet can prosper by adopting eco-friendly solutions.
A combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agricultural systems and provide solutions for current and future problems. These include the development and use of smart fertilizers with controlled nutrient release, together with bioformulations based on bacteria or enzymes.
This document describes the development of an efficient method for indirect organogenesis and genetic transformation of Eucalyptus polybractea (blue mallee). Callus was initiated from leaf explants of three adult clones in a medium supplemented with thidiazuron and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Shoots regenerated from the callus in a medium with 6-benzylaminopurine or N6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine. Transformed plants expressing GFP and resistance to hygromycin were produced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of leaf explants. This protocol enables large-scale cloning of blue mallee and provides a platform for genetic improvement
Organic Farming: An Agricultural Waste Management System for Enhancing Soil P...CrimsonpublishersMCDA
Sustainable agricultural production systems are crucial for meeting the food demand of the ever-increasing human population. However, these systems generate large amount of wastes which is a major environmental challenge when not properly managed. The difficulty and cost-related constraints associated with achieving sustainable food production through effective soil and crop management practices has led to a paradigm shift from inorganic farming to organic farming, where agricultural wastes are incorporated into the production systems. Organic farming applies natural principles for improved quality and quantity of crop produce while maintaining and/or improving soil health. This paper explores some ways in which agricultural wastes are used and their impacts on soil properties and crop yield in organic farming systems.
Sunflower is a one of the most important oilseed crop. Production of sunflower with the use of sustainable source of nutrient is cheap as compared with the application of synthetic fertilizers and its quality and soil heath improved by the application of organic chemical (OC) source of nutrient while chemical fertilizers are generally dangers for our environment and soil health. The nutrient requirement of sunflower can easily be carried by the self-made OC source of nutrient through this equation FYM + CaCO3 + H2O + NO3→ OC (OC source of nutrient) with very low cost, so a farmer can self-made and fulfill nutrient requirement of crop and can obtain higher yield. A field
experiment was carried out during 2013 at village Mir Khan Leghari near Agriculture Training Institute Sakrand, district Nawabshah (Sindh). The sunflower variety HO-1 was sown by using randomized complete block design with tree replications. Three levels of self-made OC source of nutrient viz: T1= 200 kg/ha, T2= 300 kg/ha, and T3 = 500 kg/ha was used. Regarding to the result maximum plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, head diameter, seed yield (140 cm, 7.60 cm, 16/plant, 15.70 cm, 1580.00 kg/ha, respectively) were recorded
in T3 in which high dose (500 kg/ha) of self-made OC source of nutrient were applied. While the minimum plant height 110 cm, stem girth 3.25 cm, leaves per plant 12, head diameter 9.50 cm, seed yield 1300.40 kg/ha were recorded in T1 plot, where low dose (200 kg/ha) of self-made OC source of nutrient were applied in this plot.
Similar to Controlled root targeted delivery of fertilizer using an ionically crosslinked carboxymethyl (20)
GraphSummit Singapore | The Future of Agility: Supercharging Digital Transfor...Neo4j
Leonard Jayamohan, Partner & Generative AI Lead, Deloitte
This keynote will reveal how Deloitte leverages Neo4j’s graph power for groundbreaking digital twin solutions, achieving a staggering 100x performance boost. Discover the essential role knowledge graphs play in successful generative AI implementations. Plus, get an exclusive look at an innovative Neo4j + Generative AI solution Deloitte is developing in-house.
20 Comprehensive Checklist of Designing and Developing a WebsitePixlogix Infotech
Dive into the world of Website Designing and Developing with Pixlogix! Looking to create a stunning online presence? Look no further! Our comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to know to craft a website that stands out. From user-friendly design to seamless functionality, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource! Check out our checklist now at Pixlogix and start your journey towards a captivating online presence today.
Threats to mobile devices are more prevalent and increasing in scope and complexity. Users of mobile devices desire to take full advantage of the features
available on those devices, but many of the features provide convenience and capability but sacrifice security. This best practices guide outlines steps the users can take to better protect personal devices and information.
In his public lecture, Christian Timmerer provides insights into the fascinating history of video streaming, starting from its humble beginnings before YouTube to the groundbreaking technologies that now dominate platforms like Netflix and ORF ON. Timmerer also presents provocative contributions of his own that have significantly influenced the industry. He concludes by looking at future challenges and invites the audience to join in a discussion.
Introducing Milvus Lite: Easy-to-Install, Easy-to-Use vector database for you...Zilliz
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2. relies on the biodegradation of the polymer coating to
release fertilizers over the course of a growing season.
Coating the fertilizers with a polymer serves to help
immobilize the fertilizer pellets and hence make them
resistant to runoff and leaching (Morita et al. 2002);
varying degrees of leaching resistance have been ob-
served depending on the type of CRF used. The encap-
sulation also protects fertilizers from environmental
degradation from microorganisms or chemical reactions
and lengthens the amount of time plants have to absorb
the fertilizer (Tian and Saigusa 2005). However, the
commercially available CRF are vulnerable to changes in
the soil types, moisture contents and other factors which
can affect the release rate (Chen et al. 2008). These com-
plications can lead to fertilizer release not being syn-
chronized with plant demand and may create situations
where the plants are starved of nutrients or unable to
use the fertilizer released (Gumbo et al. 2008).
We hypothesize that a Root Targeted Delivery Vehicle
(RTDV) fabricated from Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
hydrogel is able to decrease the amount of fertilizer ne-
cessary for maintaining plant yields. The efficiency of
fertilizer use by the plant would be increased by deliv-
ering fertilizer to the plant at a rate that neither allows
the fertilizer to be lost nor causes the plant to be
undernourished. CMC material is able to fill the role of
a CRF due to its low cost, due to its common use as
filler in food products, and its ability to directly encap-
sulate fertilizers. Unlike other hydrogel materials being
developed for fertilizer release, the CMC hydrogels de-
tailed in this report do not coat granules of fertilizer
with a layer of hydrogel like commercial fertilizers and
some other hydrogel based devices (Ni et al. 2011) but
instead the hydrogel matrix is mixed with liquid
fertilizer. Intercalation of the fertilizer greatly simplifies
the synthesis of the CRF by removing the need for steps
such as milling and filtering and coating processes such
as fluidized bed used in the manufacture of other emer-
ging hydrogel CRF products (Ni et al. 2011, Zhao et al.
2010). Furthermore, since the fertilizer is contained
within the hydrogel material rather than encapsulated,
the hydrogel is not vulnerable to physical damage or
any other process which can rupture a coating and
cause device failure. The hydrogels can be dried in
order to allow the hydrogel material to be stored and
mixed into soil, which gives the material the potential
to be used for deployment on a large scale.
In addition, this hydrogel device would also be able to
serve as a platform for the release of multiple com-
pounds for root targeted delivery. This control over
fertilizer release is possible due to CMC hydrogels being
able to encapsulate a wide variety of bioactive molecules,
both hydrophobic and hydrophilic, such as glucose
oxidase, aldicarb (a carbamate insecticide), and bovine
serum albumin (Wu and Choi 2004, Kok et al. 1999,
Zhang et al. 2001, Kulterer et al. 2012). Even microor-
ganisms such as Pannonibacter phragmitetus may be en-
capsulated by CMC materials (Xu et al. 2011).
The RTDV attempts to utilize the principles of controlled
drug release to maximize the absorption and utilization of
the released fertilizer by the wheat plants. This strategy in-
volves optimizing the rate of release of the RTDVs while
simultaneously targeting the delivery to plant roots in order
to minimize fertilizer losses to runoff and chemical degrad-
ation. Using this design of CRF, it was demonstrated that
plant growth can be increased and fertilizer use can be sig-
nificantly decreased without a significant decrease in plant
yield. The potential for the RTDV for controlled release of
hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials for applications
such as pest and disease control will also be demonstrated.
The results of the study also demonstrate the potential for
the RTDV to be simultaneously used to increase drought
resistance of crops by improving soil water retention.
The CRF system currently being designed has the ability
to deliver both major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphor-
ous and potassium compounds as well as small molecules
such as micronutrients. With further research the release of
these nutrients will be targeted to the root zone and
lifecycle of the plant to maximize the usage efficiency of the
plant in order to reduce fertilizer related costs. In addition
to the reduction of costs by increasing the efficiency of
fertilizer use, CRF serve to reduce the environmental pollu-
tion caused by fertilizer application (Gabriels et al. 2001,
Gumbo et al. 2008, Anderson 2009).
Materials and methods
Materials
CMC powder (MW 250000), iron (II) chloride penta-
hydrate, iron (III) chloride hexahydrate were used as re-
ceived from Sigma Aldrich. Anhydrous calcium chloride
and regenerated cellulose membrane (nominal MWCO
12000–14000, width 45 mm) were used as received from
Fischer Scientific. 20-20-20 fertilizer was obtained from
Plant Products Co. Turface used as a nutrient depleted
growth media was obtained from Profile Products. Organic
wheat seeds were obtained from Eating Well Organically.
RTDV synthesis
The RTDVs are manufactured through dissolution of 7 g
CMC powder in 100 ml deionized (DI) water. The gel is
then loaded with the desired release formulation, in this
case the 20-20-20 fertilizer, by dissolving the desired
amount of fertilizer in 10 ml deionized water then mixing
the dissolved fertilizer into the hydrogel. After loading, the
gel is placed into a 30 ml syringe and injected into sections
of dialysis membrane. The membrane is then clamped at
both ends and left in an ionic crosslinking solution com-
posed of 40 g calcium chloride, 4 g iron (II) chloride and 4
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3. g iron (III) chloride dissolved in 400 ml DI water for 48
hours in order to obtain the resulting ionically crosslinked
hydrogel. Afterward, the crosslinked hydrogels are taken
out of solution and the membrane is removed. Drying of
the RTDVs involves placing the RTDVs into an oven set at
80°C for 24 to 48 hours depending on the desired level of
crystallization for the hydrogel.
Release study
Bench-top release studies were performed by immersing
the fertilizer loaded RTDVs into 150 ml DI water. Three
300 μl samples were taken on a regular basis and
analysed using UV–vis spectrometry, described below.
Volumes of release media removed for sampling were
replaced with DI water. Release media was replaced daily
with fresh DI water to avoid saturation of the media.
The study continued until all fertilizer was released from
the gels as noted by steady readings for the UV–vis mea-
surements. The combination of conditions used for syn-
thesis of RTDVs is summarized in Table 1. Here, full
dose represents the total mass of fertilizer (2.15 g) used
for the positive control experiments given daily applica-
tions of liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer loading (wt%) is
calculated by dividing the mass of fertilizer by the mass
of polymer used.
UV–vis measurements
UV–vis measurements were done to measure the ab-
sorbance of fertilizer in solution in order to determine
the concentration. Readings were taken using a Bio-Tek
Epoch microplate spectrophotometer on 300 μl samples.
Absorbance readings were performed at 630 nm, which
corresponds to an absorbance peak for the 20-20-20
fertilizer compound. Measurements were done in tripli-
cates to account for experimental error. This method
was employed because it was simple and rapid. The lin-
ear dependence of absorbance on the concentration of
the fertilizer was verified by obtaining a calibration
curve. Although this method does not measure all the
nutrients that are being released, it provides an indica-
tion of controlled release of fertilizer which is further
verified by the greenhouse experiments. The UV–vis
measurements are able to indicate the overall rate of re-
lease from the device but are not able to quantify the
concentration of individual fertilizer components. Al-
though it would be preferable to obtain this information,
it was deemed to be beyond the scope of this initial
study. More in- depth quantification of the release of
fertilizer from the RTDV is planned in the future.
Growth testing
Growth testing using plant models was done in a
temperature and humidity controlled greenhouse. The
testing involved placing the CMC hydrogels prepared
using the above method into a small planter filled with
Turface. The gel is covered with Turface and a wheat
seed is placed into the pot and again covered with
Turface. The pots are then watered to hydrate the soil.
The growth experiments involving wheat continue for
50 days with 50 ml deionized water applied daily to
allow the wheat to reach the heading stage, which occurs
at approximately 45 to 50 days for the wheat strain used.
The heights of the plants are recorded throughout the
experiment in order to gauge the hydrogel’s performance
in increasing plant growth. At the end of the experiment
the plants are removed from the soil and are dried com-
pletely in ambient conditions in order to obtain dry mass
measurements. Each growth experiment is performed
alongside a negative and positive control to help minimize
the effect of variation from the experiments occurring at
different times. Positive controls received 50 ml deionized
water for the first 7 days and 1 g/L 20-20-20 fertilizer
dissolved in 50 ml deionized water per day for the
remaining 43 days instead of using a hydrogel device for
fertilizer delivery. Negative controls received only 50 ml
deionized water and did not use a hydrogel device either.
All experiments are done in replicates of three to ac-
count for variation between plants. Plants that do not
germinate within the first 20 days are considered to be
outliers and their measurements were not considered in
the final average.
Results and discussion
RTDV synthesis and release testing
The controlled release device is made through ionic gel-
ation of CMC using iron and calcium salts. Raw fertilizer
containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium was
Table 1 Synthesis conditions of root targeted delivery
vehicles (RTDV)
Sample Fertilizer loading
(% of full dose)
Fertilizer loading
(wt%)
Drying
(hours)
RTDV 1 a
22 20 0
RTDV 2 a
33 30 0
RTDV 3 a
44 40 0
RTDV 4 a
22 20 24
RTDV 5 a
22 20 48
RTDV 6 a
100 92 0
RTDV 7 a
100 92 24
RTDV 8 a
100 92 48
RTDV 9 a
44 40 24
RTDV 10 b
44 40 0
RTDV 11 c
44 40 0
a
refers to devices synthesized with the method detailed in RTDV synthesis
above, b
refers to devices synthesized while heating the crosslinking solution
to 40°C as detailed in alternative RTDV synthesis methods below, c
refers to
devices synthesized using elevated levels of iron salts as detailed in alternative
RTDV synthesis methods.
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4. added to the CMC immediately prior to gelation. Free
fertilizer and salts were removed from the hydrogel by
washing with deionized water. The hydrogels were syn-
thesized in 5 cm × 3 cm × 1 cm pieces in order to
maximize the compatibility of the gels with the growth
experiment set-up and for ease of manufacture using the
ionic bath. This size of hydrogel was also necessary for
allowing the hydrogels to be able to hold enough
fertilizer for the duration of the growth experiment. The
hydrogels were tested at three different loading levels,
22%, 44% and 100% dosage, as compared to the total
amount given to plants that were administered daily ap-
plications of fertilizer.
In order to determine the optimal loading levels for
the ionically crosslinked RTDV, measurements of the re-
lease rates of several different hydrogels were taken in
order to quantify the effects of increasing the fertilizer
loading level in the RTDV. The results showed that as
the fertilizer concentration increased, the initial burst re-
lease of fertilizer increased and the release was less
sustained than with lower fertilizer loading levels. The
RTDVs released 80 to 90% of the loaded fertilizer within
the first 80 hours. However, after the initial release, there
was a steady release of fertilizer until after 500 hours,
after which the release ceased. The efficiency of release,
the total amount of fertilizer released from the RTDVs
compared to the amount loaded, is on average 96%, indi-
cating that the RTDVs are able to release the majority of
their payload with minimal irreversible binding. On the
basis of the release profiles of the RTDVs at different
loadings (Figure 1), 22% dose and 44% dose loadings
were chosen for testing since 22% dose shows the
strongest sustained release of fertilizer over the long
term, while the 44% dose device had a similar release
profile to the 33% dose device but with a higher loading
level.
The ionic crosslinking process of the RTDV relies on
the interaction of the carboxyl group of the CMC with
polyvalent salts (Rathna et al. 1996) in order to create a
more stable hydrogel than that which is obtained natur-
ally by the dissolution of CMC in water. The objective of
the study is to create a controlled release device capable
of increasing the fertilizer use efficiency of plants. How-
ever, the 20-20-20 fertilizer used in the experiment has a
number of ionic compounds which weaken the overall
integrity of the hydrogel. At high concentrations, the
presence of chelators in the fertilizer weakens the bond
strength of the CMC crosslinks (Rathna et al. 1996).
Thus, the RTDVs loaded with lower fertilizer levels are
expected to sustain release for a longer period of time.
Natural soils were avoided in this experiment to prevent
confounding of results. A nutrient depleted medium as-
sures that the growth was due to the implanted RTDV in-
stead of nutrients from the soil itself. The release
study indicated a burst release by the hydrogel in the
first 24 hours in advance of the RTDV’s sustained release
period. Turface was chosen as the soil media for the
growth experiments in order to compensate for any pos-
sible burst release by the RTDV by preventing the build-
up of harmful levels of nutrients in the soil. Typically,
plants gain little benefit from soil nutrients before seed
germination so this burst release was expected to have lit-
tle impact on the study, as the coarse grain of the soil
media would not retain the fertilizer effectively, preventing
excessive nutrient concentrations that may harm the
plant. Thus, the growth experiments give a better repre-
sentation of the effects of the sustained release fertilizer
due to the nutrient depleted soil matrix. In addition, the
presence of the burst release coupled with the low reten-
tion of the soil indicates that plants are likely receiving
only a fraction of the fertilizer loaded into the RTDV. In
order to prevent this excess fertilizer from being wasted
an extra processing step where the RTDV was washed in
deionized water before implanting in soil, removing the
loosely bound fertilizer from the device and making them
available for recycling, is planned to be added to the de-
vice synthesis.
The sustained release from the RTDV in water in the
release study is still somewhat rapid, however, other
water and soil based release studies done using CMC
(Kumar et al. 2010) have shown that release of hydro-
phobic compounds in soil using CMC based controlled
release media can be nearly twice as slow as in water
(Kumar et al. 2010). Considering that the fertilizer being
released from the RTDVs is hydrophilic and observa-
tions from growth testing showing fertilizer remaining in
Figure 1 Fertilizer release profiles of RTDVs in deionized water.
The hydrogels were loaded with 20-20-20 fertilizer at 22% (“blue
triangle symbol” RTDV 1), 33% (“red circle symbol” RTDV 2) and 44%
(“black square symbol” RTDV 3) dose levels. The amount of fertilizer
released (mean ± S.D., n = 3) was quantified using UV-Visible
spectrophotometry.
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5. the RTDVs even after 50 days, it is likely that the release
of fertilizer in soil will be much more prolonged com-
pared to the timing given by the water based release
experiments.
An alternate setup using fertilizer pellets coated with a
different form of CMC hydrogel showed that their for-
mulation reached a release of 80% after approximately 5
days in soil (Ni et al. 2011). Due to the differences in the
release study procedure between the two methods, it is
difficult to determine which formulation has a longer
sustained release period in soil, however, observations of
the performance of the CMC hydrogel matrix used in
this study during growth testing suggest that the
sustained release period in soil is much longer than was
observed in deionized water during the release study.
Growth testing
Growth testing was used to determine if the RTDVs
were effective in increasing the fertilizer use efficiency of
the wheat plants compared to simply applying fertilizer
dissolved in water. The experimental runs for each for-
mulation of hydrogel were compared to each other by
analysing the relative difference in the growth of the
plants as compared to the controls rather than directly
comparing the runs to each other in order to reduce the
impact of extraneous factors such as day to day variabil-
ity in humidity, light levels and temperature. Growths of
the plants were compared using measurements of plant
height and dry mass (at the end of the experiment). The
focus of the study was primarily to reduce the amount
of fertilizer used to promote plant growth, quantified
using plant height, while maintaining plant yield, quanti-
fied using dry mass. The dry mass data gives a more
complete measure of the plant growth. However, the fact
that the plant must be uprooted in order to acquire a
mass measurement makes the height measurement the
best tool for determining the performance of the RTDVs
over time as the plants grow. The plant height data gives
a more complete picture of the effect of the hydrogels
on the growth of the plants during the entire lifecycle,
compared to the dry mass data, which can in turn be
used to improve the release characteristics of the
hydrogels to enhance performance.
Fertilizing the plants daily over 50 days gives an effect-
ive dose of 2.15 g of fertilizer. RTDVs loaded with the
same amount of 20-20-20 fertilizer as the total fertilizer
given to the plants administered daily fertilizer doses.
The results, show that the plants initially lagged behind
those given daily applied fertilizer but from day 20 to
day 43 the plants are approximately equal in height and
after this point the plants given the RTDV outperform
the plants fertilized daily in terms of growth (Figure 2,
RTDV 6). All of the wheat plants reached the heading
stage before the end of the experiment except for some
of the plants given only deionized water, likely due to a
lack of nutrients. After the experiment, the plants were
uprooted and we observed that the hydrogels had a blue
colouration from the residual fertilizer. These observa-
tions confirm that the release of fertilizer in soil is more
sustained than the release observed in deionized water
(Figure 1).
In addition to height data, dry mass measurements
taken at the end of the growth experiment also show
that the RTDVs were effective at increasing the growth
and yield of the wheat plants. The data, shown in Table 2,
indicates that the 100% dose hydrogels were able to in-
crease the seed mass of the wheat plants almost double
the amount produced by the plants receiving daily doses
of fertilizer.
Figure 2 The effect of drying RTDVs on the growth of wheat
plants. The plants were supplied with deionized water daily as a
negative control (“black square symbol”), 20-20-20 fertilizer daily as a
positive control (“red circle symbol”) or RTDVs at the start of the
experiments. The RTDVs were loaded at 100% dose of 20-20-20
fertilizer and dried in the oven at 80°C for 0 h (“blue triangle symbol”
RTDV 6), 24 h (“pink triangle symbol” RTDV 7), 48 h ("green triangle
symbol" RTDV 8). Plant height (mean ± S.D., n = 3) is reported.
Table 2 Mass measurements of wheat plants grown with
root targeted delivery vehicles (RTDVs)
Sample Dry mass ± S.D. (%) Dry seed mass ± S.D. (%)
Fertilizer applied
daily
100.0 ± 20.8 100.0 ± 16.2
Deionized water
daily
9.9 ± 2.4 11.6 ± 11.6
RTDV 4 20.6 ± 2.7 81.0 ± 6.8
RTDV 5 16.9 ± 0.0 66.5 ± 4.8
RTDV 6 78.9 ± 15.9 197.3 ± 63.7
RTDV 7 76.0 ± 2.8 198.9 ± 20.5
RTDV 8 69.5 ± 7.0 271.6 ± 32.4
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6. RTDV drying
In order to reduce burst release at the start of the growth
period and increase release duration, we dried the
hydrogels at 80°C for varying amounts of time. Drying the
hydrogels before implantation resulted in significant im-
provement in the growth of the wheat plants. The plant
heights for experiments performed with 100% dose RTDV
subjected to 24 and 48 hour drying (Figure 2 RTDV 7, 8)
show an increase in final plant height in the range of 3 to 5
cm for the plants with the hydrogels subjected to drying.
Contrasted with the performance of the hydrogels without
drying, the plants are consistently outpacing the plants
given daily fertilizer in terms of height, rather than just in
the last 10 days. In addition to increased plant height there
was also a corresponding increase in the dry seed mass for
the 48 hour drying of the hydrogels, as shown in Table 2.
The RTDV with 48 hour drying had a 2.72 times increase
in seed yield as compared to the daily fertilized plants,
whereas the non-dried and 24 hour dried RTDV had a 1.97
and 1.99 times increase, over the daily fertilized plants.
There was significant improvement in seed yield using
the RTDV compared to daily applied fertilizer. However,
due to research indicating that the strength of the ionic
bonds in the hydrogel is weakened by having a large
concentration of ionic species (Rathna et al. 1996),
additional methods of increasing the integrity of the
hydrogels were investigated. Drying the hydrogel was in-
troduced in order to attempt to minimize the amount of
fertilizer released during the early growth period of the
plants where the plants are using the nutrients contained
in the seeds and instead provide nutrients more evenly
over the course of the plant’s lifecycle to achieve higher
growth yields (Sarkar et al. 2007, Yinbo et al. 1997).
An increase in plant height should correlate with an
increase in mass, however, the mass data (Table 2) and
height data (Figures 2 and 3) shows that although the
plants grown with the device are taller than the fertilized
plants, the mass of the fertilized plants is higher than
the ones grown with the device. This discrepancy arose
later in the plant growth cycle during the heading stage
of plant development. In this stage the tillers (the grain
bearing stalks) of the wheat grown with the RTDV grew
much taller than those of the plants given daily fertilizer.
This growth resulted in the height of the RTDV plants
exceeding those for the fertilized plants despite a lower
total mass for the RTDV wheat. Higher plant mass but
lower seed yield can occur in cases of excessive nitrogen
concentration (Oscarson, 2000). Based on these observa-
tions, it appears that the RTDV creates favourable condi-
tions for development of grains on the plant, which
corresponds to their higher seed yield, compared to the
plants given daily fertilizer.
In order to reduce the reliance of the device on ionic
bonding, drying of the devices was investigated as a
method of increasing the strength of the RTDV. Research
on CMC/polyvinylamine films showed that dried CMC
films are able to form additional hydrogen bonds after
already being bonded using ionic crosslinking (Feng and
Pelton 2007). Drying the CMC hydrogel was intended to
increase the bonding strength of the material through
both the formation of these additional hydrogen bonds as
well as increasing the time for water to fully hydrate the
device.
RTDV fertilizer loading variation
We performed growth experiments at varying degrees of
fertilizer loading to test the limits of reduced fertilizer
application before yield was adversely impacted. This is
expected to yield an estimate of the improvement of nu-
trient absorption by the wheat. Growth experiments
using RTDV 4 resulted in similar levels of growth to
wheat plants given full daily doses of fertilizer (Figure 3).
The lower level of fertilizer loading was able to maintain
plant height and mostly maintain the seed mass of the
plants but did not have the drastic improvement in
growth seen with the 100% Dose RTDV. Table 2 shows
that despite an approximate 78% reduction in the total
amount of fertilizer delivered to the plants; yield only
suffered by 19% for the 22% Dose RTDV 4 compared
with an 89% reduction in the plants that did not receive
fertilizer. Furthermore, assuming that the fertilizer re-
leased during the burst release phase could be recycled
through the addition of a pre-washing step, it is possible
Figure 3 The effect of loading dose and RTDV synthesis
condition on the growth of wheat plants. The plants were either
supplied with 20-20-20 fertilizer daily as a positive control (“red
horizontal line”) or RTDVs at the start of the experiments. The RTDVs
were loaded with 20-20-20 fertilizer: 22% dose, 24 h drying (“blue
triangle symbol” RTDV 4), 44% dose, 24 h drying (“pink triangle
symbol” RTDV 9), 44% dose, heating during cross-linking (“green
triangle sysmbol” RTDV 10). Plant height (mean ± S.D., n = 3)
is reported.
Davidson et al. SpringerPlus 2013, 2:318 Page 6 of 9
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7. that the actual dose delivered to the plant could be re-
duced by as much as 94% compared to the daily applied
fertilizer by incorporating the reductions from both re-
moving the burst release fertilizer and the initial loading
of only a 22% dosage. The effectiveness of measures to
remove the effect of the burst release will be evaluated
in subsequent studies.
Growth experiments performed for RTDV 5, showed
that increased drying time resulted in higher levels of
plant height being achieved, however, seed yield and
plant mass both decreased compared to the hydrogels
dried for only 24 hours. Observations of the hydrogels
that were removed from soil at the end of the experi-
ment indicated that there was still residual fertilizer
present in the RTDV, suggesting that the extended dry-
ing period of the RTDVs, coupled with the low loading
of fertilizer, resulted in a release rate that was too slow
to adequately supply the plants with nutrients.
RTDV 9 using a 44% fertilizer dose was tested using
growth experiments in order to further quantify the
effect of fertilizer loading on plant growth. The growth
data (Figure 3) indicates that the 44% dose was effective
at increasing growth in the wheat plants, according to
plant height. The increase in fertilizer loading had
diminishing returns according to the plant height data.
Increasing the fertilizer loading from 22 to 44 to 100%
dosage increased the growth each time, but the amount
of growth gained decreased as the fertilizer level in-
creased. This is likely due to the issue of the hydrogels
being less able to effectively achieve sustained release at
higher loading levels, as suggested by the release experi-
ments and other studies (Rathna et al. 1996).
Based on the results of the previous release study and
research showing the weakening effect of the high con-
centration of ionic compounds (Rathna et al. 1996), such
as those present in the fertilizer, it was hypothesized that
reducing the fertilizer loading in the hydrogel would in-
crease the proportion of fertilizer released during the
sustained release phase. The tests were performed at 22
and 44% dosage levels in the hydrogel in order to enable
comparison with the previous release experiments and
confirm the hypothesis that the lower fertilizer loading
levels exhibited a more sustained release. 33% dose
RTDVs were not tested due to the relative similarity be-
tween the release curves for the 33 and 44% release pro-
file. These tests were also performed with varying levels
of drying before implantation, as with the 100% dose
RTDV.
Comparing the performance of the RTDV at different
loading levels and drying times indicates that the drying
process does improve the sustained release behaviour of
the RTDV at higher loading levels. Drying the hydrogels
for 48 hours resulted in a decrease in plant mass at 22%
dosage but resulted in a large increase at 100%. Drying
may be effective at mitigating the effect of higher
fertilizer loads on the sustained release from the hydro-
gel, but the long drying time, cost of energy and risk of
undersupplying nutrients to the plants make it undesir-
able for use in large scale production.
Alternative RTDV synthesis methods
Each of these trials used RTDVs with 44% fertilizer dos-
age. The growth data of the hydrogels subjected to
heated crosslinking (Figure 3) indicates that each of the
different methods for increasing crosslinking density of
the hydrogels were effective at increasing the growth of
the wheat plants. Each method resulted in similar in-
creases to plant height as 44% dose RTDVs that were
subjected to the 24 hour drying time. The growth of the
wheat plants in the trials for both alternative synthesis
methods had more dramatic increases in growth during
the latter half of the experiment compared to simple
drying of the hydrogels. This fact suggests that these
methods were more effective than drying at sustaining
the release of the fertilizers from the hydrogels.
Alternatives to drying were investigated in order to at-
tempt to avoid the large amount of synthesis time re-
quired for dried hydrogels and make the synthesis more
economical. These alternatives centred on altering the
synthesis process for the ionically crosslinked RTDVs in
order to provide a more robust hydrogel that would be
able to resist the weakening of the ionic bonding from
the high fertilizer loads. The two alterations that were
investigated were increasing the proportion of iron to
calcium salts by increasing iron (II) and iron (III) chlor-
ide by 2 g and decreasing calcium chloride by 4 g per
400 ml crosslinking solution. Previous experiments sug-
gested that increasing iron salt concentration in
crosslinking CMC hydrogels resulted in a more heavily
crosslinked structure. This is expected because the triva-
lent iron ions would increase ionic bonding strength be-
tween the CMC chains compared to divalent calcium
ions. The previous experiments on CMC hydrogels were
done without loading the hydrogel with any payload and
resulted in hydrogels that were brittle and possessed a
hard shell. The brittle morphology was not observed
after the introduction of fertilizer as a payload which
made this approach more viable. The second approach to
increasing the hydrogel robustness involved subjecting the
hydrogels to heating during the ionic crosslinking process.
In this experiment, the hydrogels were heated to 40°C
while crosslinking. The increase in temperature during
crosslinking should increase the diffusion of salts into the
hydrogel and result in a more densely and uniformly
crosslinked hydrogel and a corresponding increase in
sustained fertilizer release.
Overall, heating the hydrogels during crosslinking is
the best alternative method due to differences in cost
Davidson et al. SpringerPlus 2013, 2:318 Page 7 of 9
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8. and time required compared to the altered crosslinking
solution recipe or drying the hydrogels. Heating the
hydrogels during crosslinking does not require the extra
synthesis time that drying requires for improving the
sustained fertilizer release of the hydrogels. In addition,
the heated crosslinking hydrogels did not retain the
colour of the fertilizer after the duration of the growth
experiment, indicating a more complete release of
fertilizer over the growth period of the plants compared
to the dried hydrogels. This may indicate that the
heating of the hydrogel serves to reduce both the
amount of fertilizer that is loosely bound as well as the
binding of the hydrogel shell phase, while increasing the
proportion of fertilizer contained in the moderately
crosslinked core phase, leading to a better sustained re-
lease profile. In comparison to the hydrogels synthesized
with increased levels of iron salts, the heated cross-
linking gels were more repeatable. In addition, it is un-
known what effect changing the proportion of residual
iron and calcium salts had on the growth of the wheat
plants, it is possible that increasing the amount of iron,
a potent micronutrient for many plants, delivered by
the hydrogel served to mitigate excess salinity that may
have been introduced by the calcium salts or fertilizer
(Delgado and Sanchez-Raya 2007).
RTDV degradation testing
RTDVs were left in soil and regularly exhumed and
weighed to gauge the amount of mass loss as a result of
degradation of the gel. The results of these trials (Figure 4)
show an initial increase in hydrogel mass in the first 15
days due to water absorption, followed by steady degrad-
ation of the hydrogel. Even with a large amount of water
exposure, the hydrogels are able to avoid complete deg-
radation despite being subjected to 50 watering cycles,
ending with approximately 10% of their original mass. In
addition, the remaining hydrogel was observed after this
time period to have retained a small amount of the encap-
sulated fertilizer due to the presence of the 20-20-20 fertil-
izer’s blue colouration in the hydrogel. This experiment
suggests that the hydrogel would be able to survive and
continue releasing fertilizer for an extended period of time
in soil but would be removed from the soil by degradation
after the end of the growing season once they are no lon-
ger needed. Although separate degradation tests for dried
hydrogels were not performed, it was observed during the
growth experiments that the dried hydrogels were much
more resistant to degradation over the course of these ex-
periments than non-dried hydrogels. Hydrogels watered
on a weekly basis had much less loss of mass compared to
those watered on a daily basis over the same time period.
Some of the mass loss observed is a result of the initial
loading of water in the hydrogel being diffused out of the
hydrogel by the drier soil over time. These hydrogels
slowly degraded over the 50 day period, but retained
much of their initial mass. The weekly watered hydrogels
were able to retain approximately 89% of their original
mass (not including absorbed water).
In order to be effective as a controlled release fertilizer
agent, the RTDVs should remain intact in soil over the
course of the growing season. Optimally the RTDVs will
only require insertion into soil during crop planting with
no need for reapplication until the next growing season,
but will be not remain in the soil once no longer needed.
In order to investigate the RTDVs ability to remain in-
tact for this length of time, tests in which RTDV with
22% fertilizer dosage and no drying were placed into soil
and subjected to conditions similar to those experienced
by the hydrogel during the growth experiments. How-
ever, wheat plants were not grown along with these gels,
instead the hydrogel mass was monitored to give an in-
dication of the amount of physical degradation of the
RTDV.
This indicates that the RTDVs are likely a viable
method for fertilizer release over the course of an entire
growing season in field conditions. The observed oscilla-
tion of the hydrogel mass in time with the watering cycle
also suggests that the RTDVs may be effective at storing
water in soil over periods of drought, as it takes approxi-
mately 27 days of weekly watering before the hydrogel
reaches a minimum mass. Even though the hydrogels
were able to repeatedly absorb and release water, signifi-
cant changes in the volume of the RTDVs were not ob-
served, this is advantageous since changing the height of
soil and disturbing root systems is undesirable during
plant growth. The resistance of the dried RTDVs to deg-
radation could be an issue with regard to a build-up of
Figure 4 Degradation of RTDV in soil. RTDV 1 loaded with 22%
dose of 20-20-20 fertilizer was placed in the soil and supplied with
deionized water daily. The mass (mean ± S.D., n = 3) of RTDV has
been normalized against the initial mass.
Davidson et al. SpringerPlus 2013, 2:318 Page 8 of 9
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9. litter in fields if the hydrogels do not effectively bio-
degrade after the growing season. However, combined
with their lengthened release time, the dried RTDVs
may be viable for release over multiple seasons if they
are able to withstand being in soil over the winter
months. The ability of the RTDVs to act as a medium
for improving drought resistance of crops will be ex-
plored in subsequent investigations.
Conclusions
Overall, the RTDVs are a promising platform for in-
creasing the fertilizer use efficiency of agricultural crops.
The RTDV maintained seed yield of crops despite reduc-
tions of fertilizer use of up to 78%, with the possibility
that this reduction could be increased to as much as
94% with further optimization. The difference in the
total plant mass and seed mass observed may also indi-
cate that the CRF was altering the nutrient availability in
the soil. In addition, there is potential for improving the
performance of the RTDVs further in order to maximize
the efficient use of fertilizer and allow larger reductions
in fertilizer use in order to help reduce costs and envir-
onmental issues caused by fertilizer pollution. Alterna-
tive uses for the RTDVs in terms of drought mitigation
were also identified as possible avenues of investigation.
However, further investigation will be required in order
to fully explore the ability of the RTDVs in increasing
fertilizer use efficiency in a wider variety of crop plants
and field conditions.
Abbreviations
(CMC): Carboxymethyl cellulose; (CRF): Controlled release fertilizer;
(RTDV): Root targeted delivery vehicle.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contributions
DD executed the synthesis of RTDVs, greenhouse testing of the RTDVs,
release study of fertilizers from hydrogels and prepared the manuscript. MV
participated in the synthesis of CMC hydrogels, release studies, prepared
figures and revised the manuscript. FG designed the greenhouse
experiments, analyzed the data and revised the manuscript. All authors read
and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgements
This work was financially supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Landscape Ontario. Drew Davidson
is funded by Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the Canadian Agri-Food
Policy Institute and Mohit Verma is funded by NSERC Vanier Graduate
Scholarship.
Received: 14 March 2013 Accepted: 14 June 2013
Published: 15 July 2013
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doi:10.1186/2193-1801-2-318
Cite this article as: Davidson et al.: Controlled root targeted delivery of
fertilizer using an ionically crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel
matrix. SpringerPlus 2013 2:318.
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