In Sri Lanka, researchers are using nanotechnology to create more efficient fertilizer. They coated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, a mineral considered to be environmentally friendly, with urea molecules in order to more slowly release the nitrogen from the urea and lower the need for fertilizer in half.
Most fertilizers use urea which is high in nitrogen, but it becomes an environmental issue when it breaks down into ammonia and goes into waterways as runoff damaging aquatic life as well as polluting our drinking water sources. Eventually it turns into the dangerous greenhouse gas nitrogen oxide. Traditional fertilizers are also often too expensive for lower income populations and since fertilizers break down so quickly, more than one application is frequently needed. Researchers hope this new nanotechnology fertilizer will alleviate those issues and help lead a farming revolution to feed a growing global population with less environmental damage or cost to farmers.