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Introduction

One of the biggest challenges in modern agriculture is nutrient loss. Farmers apply fertilizers to boost crop growth, but a large portion of nutrients never reach the plant.
Nitrogen leaches into groundwater, phosphorus gets fixed in soil, and potassium is lost through runoff.

This is where gel fertilizers are changing the game. They are a new-generation fertilizer technology designed to improve
Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), helping farmers achieve better yields, lower costs, and sustainable farming.

What Is Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE)?

Nutrient Use Efficiency refers to how effectively a plant absorbs and uses applied nutrients to produce biomass or yield.

Higher NUE = More crop yield per unit of fertilizer applied

The Problem with Low NUE

• Only 30–50% of nitrogen is used by crops
• Phosphorus efficiency can be as low as 15–25%
• Remaining nutrients are lost through leaching, volatilization, fixation, or runoff

Effects of Low NUE

• Higher fertilizer costs
• Environmental pollution
• Soil degradation
• Lower profitability

What Are Gel Fertilizers?

Gel fertilizers are semi-solid, polymer-based formulations that hold nutrients within a gel matrix and release them slowly.

Key Characteristics of Gel Fertilizers

• Gel or jelly-like structure
• High water-holding capacity
• Controlled nutrient release
• Strong adhesion to soil and roots
• Reduced nutrient loss

How Gel Fertilizers Work in the Soil

1. Controlled and Slow Nutrient Release

• Swells when exposed to soil moisture
• Releases nutrients gradually over time
• Matches plant nutrient demand
• Reduces leaching and volatilization

2. Reduced Nutrient Loss

• Prevents nutrients from being washed away
• Keeps nutrients near the root zone
• Highly effective in sandy soils and high rainfall areas

3. Improved Root Zone Targeting

• Better root contact with nutrients
• Faster nutrient uptake
• Stronger root development

Role of Gel Fertilizers in Improving Nutrient Uptake

Enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency

• Reduces nitrogen release speed
• Minimizes ammonia loss
• Improves plant-available nitrogen

Improved Phosphorus Availability

• Keeps phosphorus in soluble form
• Reduces soil fixation
• Improves root access

Balanced Potassium Utilization

• Supports water balance
• Improves stress tolerance
• Enhances crop quality

Water Retention and Nutrient Efficiency

• Absorbs and retains moisture
• Reduces drought stress
• Maintains nutrient mobility
• Enhances root activity

Impact on Plant Growth and Crop Performance

Stronger Early Plant Establishment

• Faster seedling establishment
• Uniform crop stand
• Better early vigor

Improved Stress Resistance

• Better drought tolerance
• Reduced heat stress
• Lower nutrient deficiency

Higher Yield and Better Quality

• Increased crop yield
• Improved size and uniformity
• Better market value

Environmental Benefits of Gel Fertilizers

• Reduced groundwater contamination
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Improved soil health

Suitability of Gel Fertilizers for Crops

Field Crops

• Rice
• Wheat
• Maize
• Cotton

Horticultural Crops

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Floriculture

Plantation & High-Value Crops

• Sugarcane
• Banana
• Grapes

Conclusion

Gel fertilizers significantly improve nutrient use efficiency by reducing losses, improving root-zone targeting, and conserving water.
They allow farmers to grow more with less, ensuring higher profitability and sustainable agriculture.