New method for obtaining “green” encapsulated fertilizers with nanoporous structure within the concept of sustainable development

Creating “green” organo-mineral fertilizers with a porous structure requires a systematic approach to the development of granules composition, method of agglomeration and determination of the optimal technological parameters for implementing the process. The samples of encapsulated organo-mineral fertilizers were obtained in a laboratory setup based on a pan-granulator. Six types of fertilizer samples based on urea in a phosphate shell with various types of plasticizers and additional components were proposed. The influence of the organic modifier and plasticizer composition on the nanopores characteristics of phosphate-containing shell was investigated. The study of the phosphate-containing shell structure showed that location and structure of the nanopores and micropores depends on the type of plasticizer and the addition of components such as "Avatar" and biochar. The obtained boundary layers also have nanopores to ensure gradual moisture penetration to the core during the prolonged diffusion of nutritional elements from the N-containing part of the core and slow dissolution of the organic shell. According to the results of the structural analysis of the coatings, it was determined that the most successful is the composition with the addition of biochar and the use of calcium humate as a plasticizer, which makes it possible to create a nanoporous organo-mineral shell. The results of such work will be the base for optimization of the apparatus construction calculation as a part of technological scheme based on pan-granulator. The novelty and effectiveness of this technical solution has been confirmed during vegetative agrochemical tests. The eco-constructive impact of new types of fertilizers on the environment was estimated. The proposed novel composition of fertilizers with biochar-phosphate shell in the series of agrochemical vegetative tests showed the largest increase in yield, improves their quality and increased the humus content in the soil. The necessity of technological transformational changes in the industry and agriculture, based on the concept of innovative green proactivity, has been substantiated to accelerate the green transition and achieve sustainable development goals. The compliance of new types of fertilizers with the stakeholders’ needs (producer, consumer, state and society) has been estimated, which showed the full relevance of the green innovation to all market actors, the high potential of the marketing need, and the high expected level of its acceptance by the market. Hence, it has been concluded, that given market feasibility, further implementation of an ecologically oriented innovative business project aimed at obtaining “green” encapsulated fertilizer with a nanoporous structure should be kept on carrying out. Graphical Abstract: Obtaining of “green” encapsulated fertilizers with nanoporous structure[Figure not available: see fulltext.].