Iranian Scientists Produce Fertilizer from Industrial Waste
“The idea of producing iron-ligand fertilizer from industrial waste was formed by implementing projects supported by the National Elite Foundation. The goal of this project is to optimally use domestic industrial waste and produce effective fertilizer for the special conditions of Iran's calcareous soils,” said Zahra Qeshlaqi, a faculty member of the Faculty of Environment of the University of Tehran and the head of the research team.
“Biotechnological studies on plants resistant to iron deficiency in calcareous soils and the identification of key compounds that initiate enzymatic reactions in plants provided the scientific basis for this project. The research led to the design of a fertilizer formulation that, with a high percentage of soluble iron and high absorption capacity, provides a practical response to the challenge of iron deficiency in agriculture,” she added.
Noting that iron-ligand fertilizer is produced using advanced chemical and biotechnological technologies and using domestic industrial waste and has outstanding characteristics, Qeshlaqi said, “Among other things, this fertilizer uses hydroxypyridinone compounds that form a stable bond with iron, increasing its absorption capacity in a wide range of soil pH conditions. In addition, a special coating in the formulation of this fertilizer provides the most optimal pH conditions and oxidation-reduction potential and improves iron absorption. Finally, the raw materials for the production of this fertilizer include iron chips, steel slag and mine waste, which are recycled and converted into soluble iron powder using advanced techniques.”
In a relevant development in 2024, specialists at an Iranian knowledge-based company stationed at the Science and Technology Park of Sharif University of Technology had also succeeded in producing water-soluble sulfur fertilizers to improve quality of soil.
“One of the characteristics of this product is the amendment of agricultural soils which means that the fertilizer corrects soil salinity in the long term and makes the plant resistant to environmental shocks,” said Alireza Tavassoli Raad, the managing director of the knowledge-based company.
“This fertilizer is a special and enriched type of liquid sulfur fertilizers that contains three substances of sulfur, potassium and nitrogen as the most important nutrients needed by plants,” he added.
“This product is an ideal choice for gardeners and farmers who want to save time, effort and money when fertilizing agricultural crops and seek higher productivity,” Tavassoli Raad said, adding that using a liquid sulfur fertilizer is a smart choice for anyone who wants to promote the growth and health of their crops and improve their performance.
“One of the most important features of this fertilizer is its high ability to repel pests and control plant diseases. This fertilizer is effective in eliminating fungal diseases like powdery mildew, mold, rust, brown and black spots, root and crown diseases, and repels pests like aphids and even the resistant pest of pistachio psyllium. On the other hand, this product strengthens the plant's defense mechanisms and makes the plant more resistant to pests,” he underlined.
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