Abstract:
Nanohybrid composite was developed by the encapsulation of urea modified hydroxyapatite nanoparticles into
the nanolayers of montmorillonite. The nanohybrid composites were synthesized by two approaches; solution
phase synthesis and liquid assisted grinding techniques and were tested for their slow release nitrogen in soil.
The characterization results revealed the successful realization of a nanohybrid containing urea modified hydroxyapatite
nanoparticles encapsulated in montmorillonite. The release behavior of urea in different pH values
indicated a slow and sustained release of nitrogen. The rate of release of N was significantly lower in the
nanohybrid composite prepared using solvent assisted grinding techniques. Pot trials conducted using Oryza
sativa (rice) demonstrated a significant yield enhancement with the novel plant nutrient system. Montmorillonite
nanohybrid composite thus prepared can be used as an environmentally friendly fertilizer formulation which
could be extended to solve one of the major problems faced in the global fertilization of low nitrogen use
efficiency in agriculture.
