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<p>The continued use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to a decline in soil health and environmental degradation, necessitating sustainable alternatives that enhance nutrient efficiency and moisture retention. This study developed and evaluated a biodegradable encapsulated biochar-blended compost (EBBC) formulated from co-composted chicken manure, <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i>, and biochar coated with chitosan–starch films at varying ratios. Structural and physicochemical properties of the coatings were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and AAS. Results for nitrogen release in aqueous media showed that all coated samples released less than 70% of total nitrogen after 30 days, following Fickian diffusion (<i>n</i> = 0.4162–0.4582), while the uncoated pellet exhibited non-Fickian behavior. The optimized formulation (67% chitosan, 33% starch) demonstrated the most favorable performance, balancing structural integrity with moderate swelling (up to 188%) and sustained release. Soil moisture retention revealed that EBBC-treated sandy soils retained up to 4.4% water after 30 days, compared to 0% in controls. The chitosan–starch coatings biodegrade progressively in soil without compromising environmental safety. These findings highlight the potential of EBBC as a multifunctional input for climate-resilient agriculture, serving as a controlled-release fertilizer while advancing circular bioeconomy in resource-constrained regions.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Preparation and characterization of encapsulated biochar-blended compost pellets with biopolymer coating for controlled nutrient release and water retention

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月29日

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  • Hadijah R. Nantambi,
  • Michael Lubwama,
  • Julia Kigozi

摘要

The continued use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to a decline in soil health and environmental degradation, necessitating sustainable alternatives that enhance nutrient efficiency and moisture retention. This study developed and evaluated a biodegradable encapsulated biochar-blended compost (EBBC) formulated from co-composted chicken manure, Tithonia diversifolia, and biochar coated with chitosan–starch films at varying ratios. Structural and physicochemical properties of the coatings were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and AAS. Results for nitrogen release in aqueous media showed that all coated samples released less than 70% of total nitrogen after 30 days, following Fickian diffusion (n = 0.4162–0.4582), while the uncoated pellet exhibited non-Fickian behavior. The optimized formulation (67% chitosan, 33% starch) demonstrated the most favorable performance, balancing structural integrity with moderate swelling (up to 188%) and sustained release. Soil moisture retention revealed that EBBC-treated sandy soils retained up to 4.4% water after 30 days, compared to 0% in controls. The chitosan–starch coatings biodegrade progressively in soil without compromising environmental safety. These findings highlight the potential of EBBC as a multifunctional input for climate-resilient agriculture, serving as a controlled-release fertilizer while advancing circular bioeconomy in resource-constrained regions.

Graphical abstract