(42b) Studies on Slow Release Fertilizer Kcl with Vermicompost and Starch Inert Matrix

Slow release potassium chloride fertilizer with vermicompost and starch as inert matrix was developed. Spherical pellets were prepared. Diameter of spheres is varied from 4mm to 10mm. The study was directed to conduct experiments with pellets of reduced diffusivity. It is proposed to conduct dissolution study, to identify rate and duration of release. Pellets yielded slow/ controlled release fertilizers with variable release periods. Matrix fertilizer without coating without release retarding agent, without coating with release retarding agent, with coating with release retarding agent yielded maximum release periods 30, 60, 95 days respectively depending on constituents. Thus developed controlled release fertilizers produced are highly useful for the farming community.