Slow-release fertilizer in the form of emulsion

A high concentration of fertilizers in the soil solution is detrimental to plants. On the contrary, soluble fertilizer compounds are leached out very quickly and can be entrained with the water during episodes of high rainfall, whereby nutrient uptake by the roots does not take place. To prevent these malfunctions, a slow-release fertilizer technology has been developed. This paper deals with the search for a type of slow-release fertilizer in the form of a "water in oil" emulsion. The main advantages associated with this fertilizer are: (a) an increase of the fertilization efficiency due to decrease of fertilizer losses during extensive rainfall and subsequent leaching, (b) a decrease of the pollution of the groundwater and (c) an answer to the problem of the "pasta de oleina" (a residual product resulting from the edible oils refining) disposal.