STRATEGY OF CONTROLLED RELEASE OF AGROCHEMICALS USING POLYMERIC MATERIALS

Abstract

Continuous increase agricultural production with the application of agrotechnical means it has negative consequences on the environment and man. Improper and uncontrolled use agrochemicals in agriculture is one of the basic factors that negatively affect the state of environmental quality. To avoid unnecessary pollution of land and crops during agricultural production and to apply plant protection from diseases and pests, as well as supplying plants with nutrients that are needed for growth and development, is necessary controlled application of agrochemicals. One way of controlled release of agrochemicals is the application of specific polymeric materials that use as carriers of the active substance. The biological and chemical properties of agrochemicals and their physicochemical interactions influence the choice of a suitable system for slow or controlled release. The polymers most commonly used to encapsulate agrochemicals are acrylamide-based gels. Other polymers used are polyethylene, natural rubber, polysaccharides and cellulose-based materials, copolymers of VC-acrylic acid esters and copolymers of cyclopentadiene with glyceryl esters of unsaturated fatty acid. Originally, materials based on synthetic polymers were used as carriers for the controlled release of agrochemicals. However, the long period of degradation of synthetic polymers has led researchers to turn to the development of biodegradable polymer composites for the controlled release of agrochemicals.