Evaluation of a New Generation of Coated Fertilizers to Reduce the Leaching of Mineral Nutrients and Greenhouse Gas (N₂O) Emissions

• Main Authors: Fatima Zahra Benlamlih, Mohammed S. Lamhamedi, Steeve Pepin, Lahcen Benomar, Younès Messaddeq
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
• Series: Agronomy
• Subjects: coated fertilizers; leaching; greenhouse gases; N₂O emissions; fertilization; climate change
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/11/6/1129

The increased use of fertilizers in agriculture and forest and horticulture nurseries contributes to the pollution of water resources and greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this study is to evaluate a new generation of fertilizers coated with new biodegradable polymers in terms of physical quality, release kinetics, and their effect on reducing nitrate leaching and N₂O emissions and compare them to uncoated fertilizers (Urea, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and KCl) having the same mineral nutrient concentration. In a peat-based substrate, the release of mineral nutrients was similar in both types of fertilizer. Two hours after application, Urea released 34% more urea than Biodrix N, the difference disappearing after one day. The leaching of cumulative ammonium nitrogen after 20 days was reduced by 40% and 26% respectively by Aminaex and Biodrix N compared to Urea. In a peat-based substrate containing 30% (<i>v/v</i>) of compost, the cumulative nitrate leaching was reduced by 54% by Biodrix N and by 41% by Aminaex compared to Urea. The highest average N₂O flux was observed on the first day for Urea, whereas for Aminaex and Biodrix N, N₂O emissions increased on the third day, reaching a peak of efflux on day 10. A 10-day delay of the N₂O efflux emissions and a longer period of emissions were observed in treatments containing Aminaex and Biodrix N compared to Urea. Cumulative N₂O efflux was 142, 154, and 171 mg m⁻², respectively, for Urea, Aminaex, and Biodrix N over a 20-day period. These new biodegradable polymer-coated nitrogen fertilizers can reduce mineral nutrient leaching in the event of heavy rainfall and lower maximum N₂O emissions in comparison with conventional nitrogen sources.