Transformation of shrimp shell waste into biochar-nanochitosan slow-release fertilizer for enchanced maize productivity

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Gorontalo State University, Indonesia

2 Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Gorontalo State University, Indonesia

3 Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science: Gorontalo State University, Indonesia.

4 Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hassanudin University; Indonesia.

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a biochar-nanochitosan-based slow-release fertilizer (SRF-Bio Pjhonska Plus) derived from agricultural and fisheries waste, and to determine its optimal application dose for improving vegetative growth and yield of maize cultivated on degraded tropical soils. Specifically, the research investigated the effects of diffrerent SRF-Bio Phonska Plus dosages on plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and maize ear weight, compare to conventional Phonska fertilizer.
Materials and methods
The researh was conducted from June to September 2025 at the Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Gorontalo State University. Nanochitosan was synthesized from shrimp shell chitosan using the ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate as a crossliker, followed by spray drying. Biochar was produced from corn cob waste through pyrolysis at 500 °C under limited oxygen conditions. The ferilizer formulation was prepared by granulating Phonska fertilizer and biochar at 3:7 ratio using molasses as a binder, followed by surface encapsulation with a 1% nanochitosan solution to form SRF-Bio Phonska Plus granules. Nutrient release bahvior (N, P, and K) was evaluated using a static water immersion test. A completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications was applied to maize cultivation experiments, and data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at α = 0.05.
Result
Characterization result showed that the synthesized nanochitosan had a average particle size of approximately 552 nm with porous and near-spherical morphology, suitable for nutrient encapsulation. Biochar exhibition low moisture and ash content, indicating good structural stability and adsorption capacty. The SRF-Bio Phonska Plus demonstrate significantly slower and more controlled N, P, and K release compared to conventional fertilizer. In maize application, the 7.5 g SRF-Bio Phonska Plus treatment produced the highest plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and cob weight, outperforming both lower and heigher dosages as well as conventional fertilizer.
Conclusion
The integration of corn cob biochar and nanohitosan derived from shrimp shell waste into SRF-Bio Phonska Plus effectively enhanced nutrient use efficiency and maize productivity on degraded soils. The optimal dosage of 7.5 g provided synchronized nutrient release aligned with plant demand, supporting both vegetative generative growth. This formulation demonstrates strong potential as an environmentally friendly and sustainable fertilizer strategy for tropical agricultural systems.

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Biotechnology Journal
Volume 18, Issue 2
February 2026
Pages 449-466

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