Synthesis of struvite-enriched slow-release fertilizer using magnesium-modified biochar: Desorption and leaching mechanisms

Abstract

To improve the retention and slow-release abilities of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), an 82 %-purity struvite fertilizer (MAP-BC) was synthesized using magnesium-modified biochar and a solution with a 2:1 concentration ratio of NH₄⁺ to PO₄^3- at a pH of 8. Batch microscopic characterizations and soil column leaching experiments were conducted to study the retention and slow-release mechanisms and desorption kinetics of MAP-BC. The slow-release mechanism revealed that the dissolution rate of high-purity struvite was the dominant factor of NP slow release. The re-adsorption of NH₄⁺ and PO₄^3- by biochar and unconsumed MgO prolonged slow release. Mg²⁺ ionized by MgO could react with PO₄^3- released from struvite to form Mg₃(PO₄)₂. The internal biochar exhibited electrostatic attraction and pore restriction towards NH₄⁺, while magnesium modification and nutrient loading formed a physical antioxidant barrier that ensured long-term release. The water diffusion experiment showed a higher cumulative release rate for PO₄^3- compared to NH₄⁺, whereas in soil column leaching, the trend was reversed, suggesting that soil's competitive adsorption facilitated the desorption of NH₄⁺ from MAP-BC. During soil leaching, cumulative release rates of NH₄⁺ and PO₄^3- from chemical fertilizers were 3.55-3.62 times faster than those from MAP-BC. The dynamic test data for NH₄⁺ and PO₄^3- in MAP-BC fitted the Ritger-Peppas model best, predicting release periods of 163 days and 166 days, respectively. The leaching performances showed that MAP-BC reduced leaching solution volume by 5.58 % and significantly increased soil large aggregates content larger than 0.25 mm by 24.25 %. The soil nutrients retention and pH regulation by MAP-BC reduced leaching concentrations of NP. Furthermore, MAP-BC significantly enhanced plant growth, and it is more suitable as a NP source for long-term crops. Therefore, MAP-BC is expected to function as a long-term and slow-release fertilizer with the potential to minimize NP nutrient loss and replace part of quick-acting fertilizer.

Keywords: Biochar-based fertilizer; High-purity struvite; Microscopic characterization; Nitrogen and phosphorus; Nutrient release kinetics.