Abstract

This invention is directed to an ecofertilizer comprising a granular organic urea-based controlled release nitrogen fertilizer using biochar as a renewable support matrix. It also relates to a process for the production of a controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer, such as, the ecofertilizer of this invention. Biochar is obtained by low temperature pyrolysis at 300°C of agricultural wastes; and is used as a renewable matrix for nitrogen impregnation. Subsequently, urea impregnated onto biochar is encapsulated using a biodegradable polymer. The encapsulation was carried out by a precipitation method. The controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer developed exhibited substantially complete nitrogen availability as plant nutrient.