Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Project seeks to create a chemical fertilizer alternative that is superior in performance, economically competive, and environmentally responsible. Approach (from AD-416) Research will be conducted to develop fertilizer formulations and to design polymer matrices for encapsulation. Subsequently, formulations will be optimized for sustained release of encapulated materials, and evaluated for the impact on the plants root development, growth, yield, and past resistance. Formerly 5325-41000-044-09T (11/10). Fertilizer costs have risen dramatically and have affected food production costs and, ultimately, food prices. WRRC researchers from Albany, CA and scientists from NCAUR, Peoria, Illinois collaborated with researchers from Pakistan to develop a biobased fertilizer pellet that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The biobased fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil for a much longer time than conventional fertilizers and reduces the number of fertilizer applications that are required. The biobased fertilizers, consisting of bacteria encapsulated in a specialized polymer-matrix have been produced in substantial quantities in Pakistan and limited field trails by the cooperator have been conducted on several selected vegetable crops. While data is still being evaluated; preliminary results indicated that with just single fertilizer application, the efficacy of the biobased fertilizer was much more substantial compared to the urea-based commercial fertilizer. A patent application was filed based on field test results. The ADODR monitors progress by regular email and telephone meetings.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Project seeks to create a chemical fertilizer alternative that is superior in performance, economically competive, and environmentally responsible. Approach (from AD-416) Research will be conducted to develop fertilizer formulations and to design polymer matrices for encapsulation. Subsequently, formulations will be optimized for sustained release of encapulated materials, and evaluated for the impact on the plants root development, growth, yield, and past resistence. This report documents research conducted under a trust Agreement between ARS and the National Academy of Sciences. Additional details for this research can be found in the report for the parent project 5325-41000-044- 00D, DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURALLY-DERIVED BIOPOLYMER COMPOSITES FOR NON- FOOD APPLICATIONS. Fertilizer costs have risen dramatically and have affected food production costs and, ultimately, food prices. WRRC researchers from Albany, CA and scientists from NCAUR, Peoria, Illinois collaborated with researchers from Pakistan to develop a biobased fertilizer pellet that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The biobased fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil for a much longer time than conventional fertilizers and reduces the number of fertilizer applications that are required. The biobased fertilizers, consisting of bacteria encapsulated in a specialized polymer-matrix have been produced in substantial quantities in Pakistan and limited field trails by the cooperator have been conducted on several selected vegetable crops. While data is still being evaluated; preliminary results indicated that with just single fertilizer application, the efficacy of the biobased fertilizer was much more substantial compared to the urea-based commercial fertilizer. Extended trails are awaited. A patent application is expected to be filed. The ADODR monitors progress by regular email and telephone meetings.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Project seeks to create a chemical fertilizer alternative that is superior in performance, economically competive, and environmentally responsible. Approach (from AD-416) Research will be conducted to develop fertilizer formulations and to design polymer matrices for encapsulation. Subsequently, formulations will be optimized for sustained release of encapulated materials, and evaluated for the impact on the plants root development, growth, yield, and past resistence. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Biobased Fertilizers. Fertilizer costs have risen dramatically and have affected food production costs and, ultimately, food prices. WRRC Researchers from Albany, CA and scientists from NCAUR, Peoria, Illinois collaborated with researchers from Pakistan to develop a biobased fertilizer pellet that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The biobased fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil for a much longer time than conventional fertilizers and reduces the number of fertilizer applications that are required. The biobased fertilizer, consisting of bacteria encapsulated by biodegradable polymers has been produced in large quantities in Pakistan and the field trials are being planned, with results to be reported in a forthcoming publication. Such fertilizers could benefit farmers in the U.S. and in developing countries, such as Pakistan.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Project seeks to create a chemical fertilizer alternative that is superior in performance, economically competive, and environmentally responsible. Approach (from AD-416) Research will be conducted to develop fertilizer formulations and to design polymer matrix for encapsulation. Subsequently, formulations will be optimized for sustained release of encapulated materials, and evaluated for the impact on the plants root development, growth, yield, and past resistence. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Biobased Fertilizers. Fertilizer costs have risen dramatically and has affected food production costs and, ultimately, food prices. WRRC Researchers from Albany, CA have collaborated with researchers from Pakistan to develop a biobased fertilizer pellet that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The biobased fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil for much longer than conventional fertilizers and reduces the number of fertilizer applications that are required. The biobased fertilizer, consisting of bacteria encapsulated by biodegradable polymers, has been field tested Pakistan, with results to be reported in a forthcoming publication. Such fertilizers could benefit farmers in the U. S. and in developing countries, such as Pakistan. The ADODR monitors progress through frequent meetings, teleconference, e- mails and written reports. This research aligns with NP 306 - Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products: Component II. (d) New and Improved Processes and Feedstocks.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Project seeks to create a chemical fertilizer alternative that is superior in performance, economically competive, and environmentally responsible. Approach (from AD-416) Research will be conducted to develop fertilizer formulations and to design polymer matrix for encapsulation. Subsequently, formulations will be optimized for sustained release of encapulated materials, and evaluated for the impact on the plants root development, growth, yield, and past resistence. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Additional research details can be found in the report for the parent CRIS, 5325-41000-044-00D, Development of Agriculturally-Derived Biopolymer Composites for Non-Food Applications. With the addition of a student intern to the research team, progress has been made on formulating matrix materials, which have been tested and proven as promising. As funding is received at the bench, technical assistance will be expanded. Good communication has been maintained between ARS researchers and their Pakistani collaborators via e-mails and phone conferences. The principal investigator has been invited to Pakistan in early 2008 to update collaborators.
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