AGRO SOLUTIONS: Scientists Make Groundbreaking Discovery To Secure Food Supply Using Technology
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- Agribusiness Africa
- February 4, 2024
- News & Analysis
“Scientists have discovered a greener technique for generating ammonia, the key ingredient in fertilizer, which traditionally contributes 2% of global warming pollution due to its high-energy production process. A Chinese and Australian team used a pulsing laser to create plasma, converting nitrogen into nitrate, which, with water assistance, is transformed into ammonia. This innovative method could reduce environmental impact. Additionally, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a copper-based hydrogel that captures excess nitrates from fertilizers, converting them into reusable ammonia. While not a complete solution, these advancements represent significant steps toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
Source: Daily Trust
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Scientists have discovered an eco-friendly method to produce fertilizer, a vital element in global food systems. Traditional synthetic ammonia production, crucial for fertilizers, requires high temperatures and pressures, contributing 2% to global warming annually. However, Chinese and Australian researchers have developed a novel technique using a pulsing laser to create plasma, converting nitrogen into nitrate, which is then transformed into ammonia using water. This method significantly reduces environmental impact.
In addition to this breakthrough, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a copper-based hydrogel that captures excess nitrates from fertilizers and converts them into reusable ammonia, preventing water contamination. While challenges remain, these innovations represent crucial steps toward mitigating the environmental impact of fertilizers.