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

Urea tends to be hydrolyzed by urease and then migrate to the environment, resulting in low utilization efficiency and severe environmental contamination. To solve this problem, a fertilizer synergist (FS) was developed using sodium humate transported by a nanonetwork through hydrogen bonds. FS could effectively inhibit the hydrolysis, reduce the loss amount, and enhance the UE of nitrogen. Furthermore, 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. FS could modify the microbial community in soil and increase the number of bacteria involved in nitrogen metabolism, organic matter degradation, the iron cycle and photosynthesis. Importantly, this technology showed high biosafety and great potential in reducing non-point agricultural pollution. Therefore, this work provides a promising method to manage nitrogen and support the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment.