Phosphorus fertilization using functionalized nano-hydroxyapatite: Soil dynamics and root interactions
PhD defence by Kicki Pauline Møs
Assessment Committee
- Associate Professor Dorette Sophie Muller-Stover, PLEN, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
- Private Lecturer Federica Tamburini, ETH Zurich
- Professor Erik Smolders, KU Leuven
Supervisors
Professor Søren Husted
Department
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Place
Building: 1-01, Room: Festauditoriet A1-01.01, Bülowsvej 17, 1870 Frederiksberg
Email address to gain access to the thesis: pauline.m@live.dk.
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Short description of the thesis
Phosphorus (P) inputs are essential for agricultural productivity worldwide. However, conventional P fertilizers are often inefficient, with much of the applied P becoming unavailable to plants, accumulating in soil or contributing to environmental pollution. This PhD project explored the potential of nano-hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral, as an alternative P fertilizer. The physicochemical properties of nano-hydroxyapatite were modified using citrate to alter its interactions with reactive soil constituents. Its behaviour in bulk soil and the rhizosphere was examined by combining soil transport experiments with studies of plant uptake and root responses. The findings may advance our understanding of how nanotechnology could contribute to more efficient and sustainable P fertilization.