Fertiliser to feed the world
A NEW material made from canola oil waste could be key in improving fertilisers and helping sustain global food production, a new study has found.
The new polymer – a rubber material – slows down the fertiliser’s release of nutrients into the soil at a useful and controllable rate, preventing run- off and promoting better health for plants.
Doctor Justin Chalker said it was the way forward to feeding the growing population.
“There is a limited amount of fertiliser, especially phosphorus- based fertiliser, and we don’t have in place a sustainable supply of mineral phosphorus,” Dr Chalker said.
“It is critical if we want to feed a growing global population, we cannot afford to waste these nutrients.” Dr Chalker said most fertilisers used globally were not used by the plants to which they are applied.
“More than 50 per cent of fertiliser is washed off the field and that is a waste of material.” Fertiliser run- off can also lead to other environmental issues such as freshwater pollution.
For the last two years Dr Chalker and his team from Flinders University have been working on new types of materials derived from waste.
The invention came about after the scientists discovered a method of reacting used cooking oil and sulphur together.