Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Yukti Verma and Pratikraje Gaikwad

Abstract:
Use of clay-polymer composites is the new avenue of research in the field of agriculture due to their role in controlled release of nutrients synchronizing with crop demand. A 28 days laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to study the release pattern of Fe and Zn from clay/pomace-based composites. The DTPA-Fe was 16.18 ppm at 0 day of incubation and decreased to 11.65 ppm after 28 days of incubation in case of Fe-EDTA fertilizer whereas the DTPA-Fe was 15.05 ppm at the start of incubation and 16.12 ppm after 28 days of incubation in case of pomace-based composite loaded with Fe. Similarly, the DTPA-Zn was 8.49 ppm at 0 day of incubation and decreased to 5.06 ppm after 28 days of incubation in case of Zn-EDTA fertilizer whereas the DTPA-Zn in case of composite loaded with Zn was 5.75 ppm at the start of incubation and 9.65 ppm after 28 days of incubation. Application of polymer composites loaded with Fe and Zn resulted in an increase in Fe and Zn content in grapes. Iron content in grapes increased by 10.24% after application of Guar-gum grafted Pomace-Polymer composite as compared to conventional iron fertilizer. However, the zinc content in grapes increased by 8.41% after application of Guar-gum grafted Clay + Pomace-Polymer composite as compared to conventional zincatic fertilizer. A significant increase in Fe and Zn uptake was also recorded in case of polymer composite treated soil. Hence, the use of Fe and Zn loaded clay/pomace-based composites emerged as a promising option for increasing Fe and Zn content in grapes.