Characteristics of Slow Release NPK Fertilizer Using Alginate and Modified Microcellulose Akhila Barik (*), Arif Hidayat, Ika Atsari Dewi, Nimas Mayang Sabrina S, Hendrix Yulis S, Devy Ulandari, Muhammad Fadhly Dzikri D
1 Departemen of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*Email: arifhidayat[at]ub.ac.id
Abstract
Based on data from PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) in 2023, the national need for NPK fertilizer will reach 13.5 million tons per year, beyond Indonesias fertilizer production capacity of only 3.5 million tons per year, while the use of NPK fertilizer is considered less effective because 40-60% of the nutrients are wasted. This is caused by volatilization, leaching and denitrification processes which cause damage to soil structure, environmental pollution and economic losses. Slow Release Fertilizer is an alternative designed to slow down the rate of release of nutrients into the soil thereby increasing efficiency, minimizing environmental pollution and saving fertilizer consumption. Efforts to improve the performance of slow-release fertilizer are made by adding alginate biopolymer because of its biocompatible, biodegradable nature and its ability to form a gel when interacting with calcium (Ca2+). Modified cellulose is added as a reinforcement to increase stability and mechanical strength. The hydrophobic nature of modified cellulose also helps in increasing water resistance. The aim of the research is to analyze the effect and determine the concentration of modified cellulose and c based on the parameters of absorption test, thickness, water content test .The research was carried out in several stages, from making a coating solution from modified alginate and cellulose, applying the coating solution to NPK fertilizer using the dip coating method, soaking the beads in a CaCl2 solution and drying at a temperature of 40 derajat celcius for 24 hours.
