Preparation and evaluation of new hydrogels as new fertilizer delivery system

Abstract

Four polymeric matrixes were prepared from hydroxyl ethyl cellulose ( HEC ) and crosslinked with borax. These matrixes were delivered with urea and liquid NP fertilizers. The evaluation of the release rate of the new fertilizers was studied by agricultural experiments. The dry , fresh weight and (%) seeds germination were determined after 30 days from planting, and then the dry weight and % N in soil were also determined after 90 days from planting. On the other hand, the new polymeric matrixes were used to stabilize the sandy loam soil. The efficiency of the new polymeric fertilizers as soil stabilizer was followed up by determining the diameter of the aggregates > 1 mm and (MWD) mean weight diameter ( mm ) of the aggregates formed by the treatment of the soil with solutions of new polymeric fertilizers