Formulation,synthesis and characterization of boron phosphate (BPO4) compounds as raw materials to develop slow‐release boron fertilizers |
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Authors: | Margaret Abat Fien Degryse Roslyn Baird Michael J McLaughlin |
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Institution: | 1. Adelaide University Fertilizer Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia;2. CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship, CSIRO Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia |
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Abstract: | We investigated the use of boron phosphate (BPO4) as a slow‐release boron (B) source. Boron phosphate compounds were synthesized by mixing boric acid (H3BO3) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and heating at temperatures of 25 to 1000°C for 1 or 24 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and chemical analysis confirmed the formation of BPO4. The crystallinity of these compounds increased with increasing temperature and heating time. The compounds synthesized at 300°C or less were hygroscopic and clumped together, while those synthesized at 500 to 1000°C were non‐hygroscopic and free‐flowing. The solubility of these compounds was assessed at different pH and P concentrations, and compared to the solubility of ulexite and colemanite. The solubility of the BPO4 compounds decreased with increasing synthesis temperature and with decreasing pH. The solubility and the kinetics of B release from BPO4 compounds synthesized at 500 and 800°C were slower than for most commonly used B sources. Given their slow dissolution, the BPO4 compounds may have potential to continuously supply B to crops in environments where B leaching is a problem. The compounds synthesized at 500 and 800°C show potential for co‐granulation with macronutrient fertilizers such as mono‐ammonium phosphate to produce slow‐release B‐enriched granules. |
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Keywords: | deficiency dissolution fertilizers nutrient release toxicity |
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