Soy-based polymer-coated urea for enhanced nitrogen-use efficiency
Innovative soy-based polymer coating for urea fertilizer enhances nitrogen-use efficiency by regulating release rates. Validated across scales, it reduces environmental nitrogen losses and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
Overview
The proposed solution is a soy-based polymer-coated urea fertilizer designed to enhance nitrogen-use efficiency in agricultural applications. By utilizing bio-based polymers derived from soybean oil, this technology forms a controlled-diffusion barrier that regulates water penetration and urea dissolution. This method ensures sustained nutrient availability, reduces nitrogen losses from leaching and volatilization, and supports sustainable nutrient management practices.
Technical specifications
- Bio-based polymer coating: Derived from renewable soybean oil, replacing petroleum-based materials.
- Controlled-release mechanism: Regulates water penetration and urea dissolution, leading to slower dissolution kinetics and reduced nitrogen losses.
- Scalability: Validated at laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales, with industrial trials achieving 50 kg every 2 minutes using a modified rotary coater.
- Compatibility: Easily integrated into existing fertilizer-coating equipment with minimal process adjustments.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 6, having been validated through laboratory, pilot, and industrial trials. Further development includes field validation and commercial deployment in collaboration with a fertilizer producer. The project seeks joint development partnerships to advance field testing, optimize formulations, and prepare for large-scale production.
About Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto
Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto is a comprehensive public university in southern Córdoba serving roughly 20,000 students and 1,800 faculty. Industry engagement is coordinated through a dedicated technology transfer and linkage office that brokers agreements and delivers contracted services, connecting companies to labs, specialized equipment, and field testing. On campus, the Incubadora de Empresas and a University SME Center provide mentoring, IP guidance, prototyping support, and no‑cost assistance in quality, design, and digitalization with municipal and business partners. Multiple joint institutes with CONICET embed national research capacity on campus, and the university works with the city and the regional tech cluster on a planned science and technology park to deepen commercialization pathways. Research draws support from CONICET and Argentina’s national research‑promotion programs, alongside provincial initiatives and international sponsors.
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