Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles for Sustainable and Controlled Nutrient Release in Agriculture

This Ph.D. research developed calcium phosphate-based nanomaterials for controlled nutrient delivery to crops, aiming to improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce environmental losses. Amorphous and crystalline calcium phosphates were investigated as carriers for urea, with amorphous phases showing superior nutrient retention and sustained release. Building on these results, potassium was incorporated to produce a complete NPK nanofertilizer, and alginate matrices were introduced to further modulate nutrient diffusion. The system was later extended to include micronutrients such as zinc, iron, sulfur, and copper, creating multifunctional fertilizers. Greenhouse and soil-column studies demonstrated reduced leaching and improved growth yield in corn. Overall, the work establishes calcium phosphate nanomaterials as a sustainable and versatile platform for next-generation fertilizers aligned with precision agriculture and circular economy principles.