Effect of Iron Salt on Slow Fertilization Through Soy Protein-Based Matrices

Abstract Due to the increase in horticultural production intensive techniques are needed. These generate soil degradation, since natural recovery time between crops is insufficient. The usual way solve this problem use of fertilizers, as they effective short available. Conventional fertilizers highly soluble salts, allowing their absorption by plant roots. However, dumped on soils more quantity than plants need, thus, excess unassimilated nutrients contaminates both and groundwater. main objective work was develop evaluate an alternative conventional creating slow-release matrices from a protein by-product which iron incorporated. To carry out complete study, incorporated concentrations 2.5, 5.0 10 wt%, using two different salts: iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O) chelated with N,N′-ethylenediamine-bis (2-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid (Fe-EDDHA). Several tests were performed compare mechanical properties, micronutrient release profile, water capacity biodegradability, well final effectiveness crops. protein-based salts presented good properties. Fe-EDDHA had greater capacity, while FeSO O efficient application longer biodegradation time. In conclusion, present high potential for slow iron, thereby improving crop