IIT Mandi Researchers Develop Sustainable Agriculture Solution

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has developed natural polymer-based smart microgels for slow nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser release, enhancing crop nutrition and minimizing environmental impact. As global populations grow to 10 billion by 2050, food security becomes crucial and agriculture plays a vital role in boosting productivity. Traditional fertilisers are inefficient, with absorption rates as low as 30 per cent to 50 per cent and 10 per cent to 25 per cent, respectively, which poses challenges in optimising agricultural output and minimizing environmental impact.

Modern agriculture heavily relies on fertiliser applications to meet food demand. However, excessive fertiliser application can lead to high costs, environmental issues like groundwater and soil contamination and human health hazards. Technological alternatives that prolong fertiliser release are crucial for a shift towards sustainable agriculture practices, as they help prevent these issues and promote nutrient-rich crop yields.

A comprehensive research led by Dr Garima Agrawal and her team from IIT Mandi's School of Chemical Sciences has been published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The study was funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board and the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

The study suggests that sustainable agriculture can be improved by optimising nutrient supply, increasing crop yields and addressing environmental issues associated with traditional fertilizers.

Dr Garima Agrawal, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, IIT Mandi, said, “We have developed natural polymer-based multifunctional smart microgels for the slow release of urea over a longer period and these microgels also act as a potential source of phosphorus for plants and are cost-effective, biodegradable and environment friendly.”