Preparation and characterization of encapsulated fertilizer.

A polymer encapsulated fertilizer, in urea-formaldehyde matrix, was prepared and tested. The fertilizer was obtained in solid form, through a two-stage process, and was tested for activity index and degree of leaching in soil. Analyses were performed using modern techniques, such as 1H-NMR, FT-IR or SEM. The process leads to high yields of microcapsules, both in terms of quantity of microcapsules and content of nutrients. The product presented very good characteristics for use in controlled fertilization.