Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led to the exploration of innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This project focuses on the preparation of nano-fertilizers from agricultural and industrial waste, leveraging waste materials to produce eco-friendly fertilizers that can improve nutrient delivery and reduce chemical runoff. With the objectives to utilize agricultural residues and industrial by-products as raw materials for nano-fertilizer production, to develop a cost-effective method for synthesizing nano-fertilizers using green chemistry techniques, to evaluate the nutrient release profiles of the synthesized nano-fertilizers, to assess the agronomic effectiveness of the nano-fertilizers in comparison to conventional fertilizers, and to show the performance of the nano-fertilizer in crop production. And the expected outcomes of development of eco-friendly nano-fertilizers that utilize waste materials, reducing environmental pollution and promoting circular economy practices, improved nutrient delivery and efficiency, leading to higher crop yields, and contribute to a greener future in agriculture.
Nano-fertilizers play a vital role in the improvement of production in the wide array of crops, The nutrient use efficiency of conventional fertilizers hardly exceed 30–35 %, 18–20 %, and 35–40 % for N, P, and K respectively, which remained constant for the past several decades, Nano-fertilizers are known to release nutrients slowly and steadily for more than 30 days which may assist in improving the nutrient use efficiency without any associated ill-effects. The production of zeolite/nitrogen and phosphorous sources nanocomposites was performed under a mild condition using environmentally friendly raw materials as a new green chemistry method. as a smart fertilizer to improve crop yield and soil productivity.
The project aims to prepare and apply nano-fertilizers derived from agricultural and industrial waste to improve crop performance, specifically maize. Initial trials conducted at the Wondogenet Agricultural Research Center have shown promising results, indicating that these nano-fertilizers may outperform traditional commercial fertilizers. Further research is needed to assess the scalability of nano-fertilizer production and its application across different crops and agro-ecological zones. Continued monitoring of soil health and crop performance is essential to understand the long-term impacts of nano-fertilizer use. Farmers may require training on the application of nano-fertilizers to maximize their benefits and ensure proper usage. Therefore, the next steps further trials to conduct additional field trials with varying concentrations of nano-fertilizers to optimize formulations for different soil types and crop conditions, engage with agricultural scientists and local universities to expand the research scope and validate findings through peer-reviewed studies, and develop materials and workshops to educate local farmers on the benefits and applications of nano-fertilizers. The project on nano-fertilizers from agricultural and industrial waste has demonstrated significant potential for improving maize crop performance, with advantages over traditional fertilizers. Continued research and collaboration will be vital in scaling this innovation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

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How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

The project on preparing nano-fertilizers from agricultural and industrial waste has the potential to positively impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in several ways: Reduced Fertilizer Production Emissions, conventional fertilizers require significant energy for production, primarily derived from fossil fuels. By utilizing waste materials, the project reduces the reliance on energy-intensive fertilizer manufacturing processes, thereby lowering associated GHG emissions, Improved Nutrient Efficiency, nano-fertilizers can improve nutrient uptake by plants, leading to higher efficiency in fertilizer use. This efficiency can result in reduced nitrous oxide emissions, a potent GHG, which are often released when excess nitrogen from fertilizers is not absorbed by plants and is converted by soil microbes and Reducing Landfill Emissions, by converting agricultural and industrial waste into nano-fertilizers, the project minimizes waste that would otherwise decompose in landfills, potentially releasing methane, another significant GHG. This waste recycling contributes to lower overall emissions. In addition to this Carbon Sequestration is also enhanced by the use of nano-fertilizers, Improved soil structure and organic matter content can increase the soil's ability to store carbon, thereby offsetting some GHG emissions.

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The project on preparing and applying nano-fertilizers from agricultural and industrial waste can have significant positive impacts on underrepresented groups, including smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities. Here are some key areas where these impacts may be observed includes cost savings, job creation, increased availability, innovative solutions, and improved crop yields. The project can include training and workshops to educate farmers, particularly women and youth, on the benefits and application of nano-fertilizers, enhancing their agricultural knowledge and skills. Involving underrepresented groups in the project design and implementation fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the outcomes, promoting social equity. The project promotes environmentally friendly practices that can benefit marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and pollution from conventional agriculture

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