Hydrogel Alginate Seed Coating as an Innovative Method for Delivering Nutrients at the Early Stages of Plant Growth

Abstract

Seed coating containing fertilizer nutrients and plant growth biostimulants is an innovative technique for precision agriculture. Nutrient delivery can also be conducted through multilayer seed coating. For this purpose, sodium alginate with NPK, which was selected in a preliminary selection study, crosslinked with divalent ions (Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II)) as a source of fertilizer micronutrients, was used to produce seed coating. The seeds were additionally coated with a solution containing amino acids derived from high-protein material. Amino acids can be obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of mealworm larvae (Gly 71.2 ± 0.6 mM, Glu 55.8 ± 1.3 mM, Pro 48.8 ± 1.5 mM, Ser 31.4 ± 1.5 mM). The formulations were applied in different doses per 100 g of seeds: 35 mL, 70 mL, 105 mL, and 140 mL. SEM-EDX surface analysis showed that 70 mL of formulation/100 g of seeds formed a continuity of coatings but did not result in a uniform distribution of components on the surface. Extraction tests proved simultaneous low leaching of nutrients into water (max. 10%), showing a slow release pattern. There occurred high bioavailability of fertilizer nutrients (even up to 100%). Pot tests on cucumbers (Cornichon de Paris) confirmed the new method’s effectiveness, yielding a 50% higher fresh sprout weight and four times greater root length than uncoated seeds. Seed coating with hydrogel has a high potential for commercial application, stimulating the early growth of plants and thus leading to higher crop yields.