Clay-based nanoformulation for reducing herbicide leaching in soils
Innovative clay-based nanoformulation reduces leaching of soluble herbicides in soils by using nano-to-micro particle carriers and polymeric coatings, maintaining efficacy with lower doses. The approach enhances environmental safety and efficiency of pesticide use.
Overview
This solution introduces a cutting-edge clay-based nanoformulation designed to mitigate the leaching of soluble herbicides in soils. By leveraging nano-to-micro particles as carriers, this formulation significantly reduces the mobility of active ingredients (AIs) compared to traditional products. The inclusion of a polymeric coating further enhances the control over AI release and mobility, ensuring environmental safety and optimal efficacy with potentially lower doses than current formulations.
Technical specifications
- Nano-to-micro particle carriers: Selected for maximum affinity to the active ingredient, reducing leaching potential.
- Polymeric coatings: Improve colloidal stability and control release of AIs, optimizing their interaction with the soil matrix.
- Colloidal stability: Ensures easy application using existing agricultural tools.
- Leaching potential studies: Conducted through column tests to optimize formulation by adjusting carrier and coating.
- General protocol development: For nano- or micro-formulations applicable to various AIs to modify leaching potential.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, this technology has completed initial laboratory validation and is transitioning towards more comprehensive greenhouse and field-scale testing. The ongoing research seeks partnerships for funding, market insights, and collaborative testing to further advance the technology.
About Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino is a major public, STEM-focused polytechnic university in Italy known for applied research and deep industry partnership. Companies engage on campus through co-located labs, shared facilities, and corporate-access research space, with options from sponsored projects to multi-year agreements. Being in Turin embeds the university in a dense mobility and manufacturing ecosystem, enabling rapid prototyping, pilot testing, and links to OEM supply chains. Research is supported by competitive European Commission programs alongside national and regional funding, often in collaboration with industry. A dedicated technology transfer office and an on-campus startup incubator streamline IP, licensing, and spinout creation.
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