Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Fertilizer catalysis plays a crucial role in providing effective and sustainable agricultural solutions, addressing the global challenge of food security. Catalytic synthesis of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and their subsequent release to plants, promotes healthy crop growth. This session will cover catalysis efforts that enhance fertilizer production, with specific references to innovations improving efficiency, minimizing environmental impacts, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis is perhaps the most influential catalytic reaction in agriculture. Ammonia, a primary component in nitrogen-based fertilizers, is produced by converting nitrogen and hydrogen gases at high temperatures and pressures using iron-based catalysts. However, this process requires vast amounts of energy and emits substantial greenhouse gases. Recent advances in catalysis have sought to minimize these drawbacks, with newer materials like ruthenium-based catalysts enabling the process to work under milder conditions, thus reducing energy consumption and emissions.

Catalysis also plays a significant role in phosphorus-based fertilizer production. Catalytic methods have simplified the extraction of phosphorus from phosphate ores, increasing the supply of nutrients in a plant-available form. Improved catalytic processes support the development of slow-release fertilizers, which limit nutrient outflow and reduce runoff into water bodies. The slow and continuous release of nutrients enhances soil health, improves nutrient uptake, and supports more sustainable agricultural practices.

Incorporating renewable resources and green chemistry principles into fertilizer production is another important advancement. For example, enzymatic catalysis can convert organic waste into nitrogen-rich fertilizers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic fertilizers. Such innovations align with circular economy principles and present opportunities for more eco-friendly options in agriculture.