A team of scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI), led by Candidate of Biological Sciences Ekaterina Litvinova, has developed a technology for the production of humigel, an organic fertilizer with a prolonged effect. Production has already been launched at the partner's site, NPC Beres LLC.
The work was carried out by university scientists within the framework of the Priority 2030 program with the support of the Beres research and production company, which produces highly effective organic fertilizers for agriculture. The researchers were tasked with stabilizing the pasty organic fertilizer and adding a prolonged effect.
"The effectiveness of fertilizers with a prolonged effect consists in a long and uniform release of nutrients, their gradual dissolution in the soil. Since the fertilizer slowly releases nutrients, the risk of overdose is eliminated, which is important for plant health. One deposit is enough for the whole season, which reduces economic costs. The form of fertilizer, liquid gel— provides direct contact with the root system, which is necessary for constant nutrition and rapid plant growth," said Ekaterina Litvinova, head of the strategic technology project "New Engineering Solutions and Artificial Intelligence for the Medical Industry" of the NSTU-NETI program "Priority 2030".
Biopolymers of plant and animal origin were introduced into the fertilizer to create a gel-like structure. The gel retains moisture, protects the roots and prevents the soil from drying out, stimulates growth, which has a beneficial effect on crop quality.
At the first stage, the product was tested in the laboratory, then on the production site of the partner company. The necessary equipment was purchased and the technology of paste stabilization on an industrial scale was developed. Four experimental batches of fertilizer were produced to test its effectiveness, taking into account control over the correct dosage and application to the soil, compliance with a certain temperature regime and other technological nuances.
"The developed technology has been transferred to production — NPC Beres LLC will produce the product and enter the market with it. Since the product is completely organic, this will allow the company to sell the drug as an organic complex that can be used without harm to the soil and plants," Ekaterina Litvinova added.