Controlling the Hydrolysis and Loss of Nitrogen Fertilizer (Urea) by using a Nanocomposite Favors Plant Growth

Graphical Let it grow : A network-structured nanocomposite is fabricated and used as an excellent fertilizer synergist (FS), which could effectively inhibit the hydrolysis, reduce the loss, and enhance the utilization efficiency of nitrogen and thus decrease nonpoint agricultural pollution. The FS, which has high biosafety, exerted positive effects on the expression of nitrogen-uptake-related genes, ion flux in maize roots, crop growth, microbial communities, and organic matter in soil. Urea tends to be hydrolyzed by urease and then migrate into the environment, which results in a low utilization efficiency and severe environmental contamination. To solve this problem, a network-structured nanocomposite (sodium humate–attapulgite–polyacrylamide) was fabricated and used as an excellent fertilizer synergist (FS) that could effectively inhibit the hydrolysis, reduce the loss, and enhance the utilization efficiency of nitrogen. Additionally, the FS exerted significant positive effects on the expression of several nitrogen-uptake-related genes, ion flux in maize roots, the growth of crops, and the organic matter in soil. The FS could modify the microbial community in the soil and increase the number of bacteria involved in nitrogen metabolism, organic matter degradation, the iron cycle, and photosynthesis. Importantly, this technology displayed a high biosafety and has a great potential to reduce nonpoint agricultural pollution. Therefore, this work provides a promising approach to manage nitrogen and to promote the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment.