Preparation of K2O-CaO-P2O5 Eco-Glass Fertilizers and Effect in Crops

For the application of environment conscious glass-fertilizer, K2O-CaO-P2O5 glasses were fabricated by melt-quenching process, and the dissolution properties of these glasses were investigated using pH meter and ICP analyzer. Additionally, the fertilizer effects on rice culture were evaluated. The pH values depended on the glass compositions, and the ICP analysis confirmed that the dissolution amount was inversely proportional to the change of the K2O/P2O5 ratio, which was a main factor in controlling chemical durability, and which could be controlled by mother glass composition. The results of their application to rice plants indicated that the growth and quantity were similar to those used in chemical fertilizer. Therefore, the phosphate glasses are expected to provide the slow-releasing nutrient fertilizers that are easy to produce, environmentally safe, and widely applicable.