Greener Production and Application of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Plasma and Nanotechnology: A Review

Stewart Kyebogola (), Stella Kabiri, Richard Ndemo Onwonga, Onesimus Semalulu, Russell Shelley Yost and Godfrey Sseruwu
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Stewart Kyebogola: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Stella Kabiri: Strategic Partnership Office, Ssasakawa Africa Association, Addis-Ababa P.O Box 24135, Ethiopia
Richard Ndemo Onwonga: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O Box 30197-00100, Kenya
Onesimus Semalulu: National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Kampala P.O Box 7064, Uganda
Russell Shelley Yost: Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Godfrey Sseruwu: National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Kampala P.O Box 7064, Uganda

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-29

Abstract: The potential of both plasma and nanotechnology in producing slow-release fertilizer is immense. These technologies, when combined, may offer green and inexpensive nitrogen fertilizers, from rich renewable resources available in local areas. Together, these technologies may overcome some limitations of conventional synthetic fertilizers, which are currently expensive and associated with low nitrogen use efficiency and significant environmental concerns. This review explores the utilization of recent advances in plasma and nanotechnology, which can be leveraged to create new slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. It emphasizes their crucial role in addressing nitrogen depletion and improving crop production. Despite the lack of attempts to develop slow-release nanofertilizers from low-cost liquid nitrate generated by emission-free nonthermal plasma, the effectiveness of plasma nitrate matches that of conventional fertilizer for crop production. We propose a more efficient electrocatalytic conversion of plasma nitrate to ammonium salt, then coating it with plant-based cellulose nanoparticles to create a slow-release form. This set of processes would synchronize nutrient release with the dynamic N requirements of plants. Formulations using agro-based, low-cost cellulose nanomaterials could replace high-cost carrier hydrogels associated with low mechanical strength. This review also highlights the isolation of nanocellulose from various plant materials and its characterization in different formulations of slow-release nanoplasma N fertilizer. Additionally, we discuss mechanisms of N loss, slow-release, and retention in the soil that can contribute to the production and use of efficient, sustainable fertilizers to improve food security and, consequently, the health of our planet.

Keywords: plasma nitrogen fixation; slow-release fertilizer; nanodelivery; climate change; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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