Varanasi
A recent study conducted at the Department of Ceramic Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has unveiled a groundbreaking potential in utilizing glass-based fertilizers to transform barren and unused lands into cultivable ones. This research is poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing ‘agricultural transformation revolution,’ according to experts.
The scientific investigation successfully harnessed the chemical properties within glass, enabling the development of a fertilizer that not only renders barren land fertile but also enhances the fertility of cultivable soil. The soil comprises 19 chemical elements, including vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and various trace elements.
The study revealed that, except for nitrogen, all 18 elements could be incorporated into glass through a network and matrix, gradually releasing them into the soil over time. The resulting glass ceramic fertilizer proves to be a cost-effective, straightforward, and practical solution for reclaiming unused land.
The researchers suggested that if farmers transition from chemical fertilizers to glass ceramic fertilizers, the latter may only need application once every two to three years. This approach not only helps make barren land cultivable but also aids in soil conservation.
Considering the alarming reports from the United Nations and various government ministries about the impending global soil crisis, the application of glass ceramic fertilizers emerges as a crucial strategy for soil conservation. The researchers are in the process of obtaining a patent for the technology behind glass ceramic fertilizers, further underlining its potential significance in sustainable agriculture.
