Smart polymers for targeted fertilization

Stimulable polymers are very sensitive macromolecules, capable of rapid and reversible changes in the physical properties of their local environment. These changes occur as drastic alterations of one of the following parameters: shape, surface characteristics, solubility, formation of a complex molecular self-assembly and sol-gel transition. These transformations are initiated by temperature, pH, light, ionic strength […]. Hence, the main goal of the project is the transfer of technology already existing in the medical area to the fertilization field, by the synthesis of new stimulable biodegradable and functional polymeric systems where nutrients (N, P, K) and oligo-elements (Zn, B, Fe, Mo, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se) will be loaded. The system called smart biopolymer for fertilization (SPF) will contain functional polymer as carrier that should deliver nutrients or not following the plant assimilation (uptake) phases. In that way, fertilization efficiency must be enhanced by avoiding the problematic of nutrients losses as well as negative impact on the ecosystem.