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Preparing and Using Cellulose Granules as Biodegradable and Long-Lasting Carriers for Artificial Fertilizers

The paper presents the results of research on the preparation and use of cellulose granules as carriers of nutrients in the cultivation of plants. The granules were prepared from a cellulose solution in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole acetate followed by coagulation in water and primary alcohols: methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol. Modifications of granules were also carried out by hydrophobization at elevated temperature and by encapsulation in a polylactide solution. As a result of the research, cellulose granules were obtained, which were characterized by different porosity, depending on the type of coagulant used. The morphology of granules surface and cross-sections was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellulose granules exhibited good sorption/desorption properties which were investigated by conductometry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The longest desorption time of NH4NO3 was characteristic of granules obtained as a result of thermal hydrophobization of the surface, which were used in the cultivation of the spider plant. As a result of the research, cellulose granules were obtained which may find potential application in crop production, as long-acting, non-dusting and fully biodegradable fertilizers.