Glass Beads Offer Sustainable Fertilizer Solution: Researchers Develop Environmentally Compatible Sustained-Release System

Researchers in Brazil have developed an environmentally compatible, sustained-release fertilizer using glass beads. Published in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology on January 24, 2025, the study addresses the environmental challenges posed by excessive and inefficient use of traditional agricultural fertilizers. The glass beads, composed of micro- and macronutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, are designed for controlled nutrient release. "The results show that glass fertilizers can be tailored to plant needs, slowly and sustainably releasing nutrients to boost productivity without harming soil quality," says Danilo Manzani, a co-author of the study. Experiments showed that the glass beads steadily released nutrients over 100 hours. When applied to soil seeded with grass, the glass fertilizer sustained plant growth, unlike a nutrient solution that provided an initial boost but quickly diminished. Ecotoxicity tests on lettuce and onion seeds revealed that the glass fertilizer had no adverse effects on germination rate or cell health. The researchers suggest that these glass fertilizers offer an efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers, reducing environmental impact by minimizing leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.