Recent studies by the University of Adelaide, conducted at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) facility, have led to significant advancements in the development of zinc-enriched fertilizers, offering hope for improved agricultural yields globally.

Zinc is crucial for plant growth, but its deficiency in soils worldwide has been a persistent issue, impacting both yields and food quality.

The research, primarily funded by The Mosaic Company, utilized the HXMA beamline at CLS to delve into the molecular interactions of zinc when mixed with ammonium phosphate fertilizers.

Contrary to initial expectations, the team, led by Dr. Rodrigo da Silva, discovered that the solubility and effectiveness of zinc are not determined by its compound form but by the pH levels of the fertilizers.

Findings indicated that zinc’s solubility is significantly lower in more alkaline fertilizers like diammonium phosphate, which limits its availability for plant uptake.

The team developed a method to enhance zinc solubility by adjusting the pH levels of the fertilizer granules. By treating these granules with an acid solution, they were able to increase the zinc’s water solubility and, consequently, its availability to crops.

The research introduced a novel approach involving a barrier coating on the fertilizer granules, which prevents zinc from interacting with phosphate. This method showed a marked increase in plant zinc uptake, offering a new avenue for fertilizer enhancement.

This breakthrough not only promises to elevate zinc levels in crops but also aims to improve food quality and reduce nutritional deficiencies. With these technologies now patented, the potential for widespread adoption and impact on small and large scale farming is significant.

This initiative reflects a major stride towards achieving higher agricultural productivity and better-quality food production through innovative fertilization practices.