Alginate-pectin-zeolite composites for controlled release of fertilizers and antifungal agents

Maximizing the advantage from controlled release techniques was achieved using alginate-pectin hydrogel micro particles by ionotropic gelation method to control the release for both of chemical fertilizer (urea) and antifungal (copper sulfate). The formula of hydrogel was supported by one of metals clay (Zeolite) in different ratios 1% and 5%. The release and swelling studies were investigated and the micro-particles were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the presence of zeolite elongate the time of release for urea and micro-particles gave good results as an antifungal through microbiology test.