IBBEA   24401
INSTITUTO DE BIODIVERSIDAD Y BIOLOGIA EXPERIMENTAL Y APLICADA
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Synthesis and evaluation of a superabsorbent fertilizer composite for maximizing the nutrient and water use efficiency in forestry plantations
Autor/es:
VICTORIA VITALI; AMODEO GABRIELA; ESTEBAN TUBERT; MARIANO ALVAREZ; IRENE BAROLI
Lugar:
Estocolmo
Reunión:
Congreso; Polymer World Congress; 2018
Resumen:
Reducing fertilizer use is a priority in the quest for sustainable agroforest systems. In short rotation Eucalyptus plantations, NPK pellets are routinely added to the seedling?s top soil layer at planting, potentially leading to increased seedling mortality, nutrient loss and environmental degradation. To address this triple challenge, the development of efficient fertilization practices is essential. In the present work, we synthesized a crosslinked acrylic-cellulosic superabsorbent composite (SAPH-BAL) containing small amounts of specific nutrients integrated in the polymer matrix. We analyzed the composite?s chemical and rheological properties, and assessed the viability of Eucalyptus plantations supplied with it at planting. Physiological measurements confirmed the suitability of SAPH-BAL in greenhouse grown, potted seedlings subjected to different growth conditions, showing that it efficiently delivers nutrients while protecting seedlings from drought stress. Field experiments carried out at ten South American locations covering an ample range of environmental conditions confirmed the beneficial effect of SAPH-BAL on growth and survival in comparison to the conventional fertilization scheme (superabsorbent + 75g NPK) Furthermore, it was found that plants treated with SAPH-BAL were less affected by the differences in rainfall regimes during the experiments compared to those fertilized conventionally. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report describing the successful use of superabsorbents for root targeted delivery of fertilizers in large scale forestry operations.