Preparation and Characterization of Controlled-Release Fertilizers Extrusion Granules using Porous Silicon Dioxide

In this study, we developed Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/ Ethyl cellulose (EC)/ Porous silicon dioxide (PSD) extrusion granules for controlled-release fertilizer for more than 30 days. The amount of HPMC and EC was optimized through release evaluation, and the fertilizer could be controlled for more than 30 days using PSD. The extrusion granules were manufactured by a manual round pill machine using fertilizer, HPMC, EC, and PSD in the ratio of 1:1:10:3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) evaluated the physicochemical properties of the extrusion granules. In addition, the release test of the fertilizer components was performed. The fertilizer was released 80% at 30 days, which was a controlled release. Our study shows that the controlled-release fertilizer using PSD is a promising slow-release fertilizer.