SUPERABSORBENTS ENRICHED BY ANORGANIC (NPK) AND ORGANIC (LIGNOHUMATE) NUTRIENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

This contribution is focused on superabsorbent materials based on polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid. Several types of superabsorbents were prepared. They differed by content of inorganic (NPK fertilizer) and organic (lignohumate) nutrients for their release in soil systems. Superabsorbents were characterized from point of view of their swelling capacity in order to evaluate their ability to control water management soil. Gradual release of incorporated nutrient into water was monitored in time and complemented by measurements of pH and conductivity, UV-VIS, ICP-OES and Ion chromatography. It was found that the nutrients were released from superabsorbents for the duration of several days in the dependence on the type of prepared superabsorbent. In conclusion, simple pot experiments with corn were realized. Corn was grown in presence of each type of superabsorbent and even without it to get differences not only between samples but between samples and corn itself. It was confirmed that the application of superabsorbents can improve soil properties, water management, nutrient uptake, and growth of plants.