Chitosan hydrogel membrane embedded by metal-modified biochars for slow-release fertilizers.

Summary: Imagine a "smart capsule" for plant food. Traditional fertilizers often wash away before plants can use them, wasting money and polluting the environment. Researchers have created a new slow-release fertilizer wrapper using chitosan (a material found in crab shells) reinforced with metal-modified biochar (a type of charcoal). This high-tech skin makes the fertilizer pellets stronger and allows them to soak up water, releasing nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) slowly over time—like a time-release medicine. In tests with chili peppers, this new fertilizer boosted plant growth and fruit quality while preventing nutrient runoff. It’s a biodegradable, effective, and economically promising solution for greener farming.