Shahzad Alam

Bio: Shahzad Alam is an academic researcher from Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Water content & Magnetic semiconductor. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 127 citations. Previous affiliations of Shahzad Alam include Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Synthesis and characterization of environmental friendly corncob biochar based nano-composite – A potential slow release nano-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture

Abstract: Use of agriculture waste to develop value-added products has helped in resolving the waste management concernsalong with addressing the cost-effectiveness issues. Utilization of bio-char derived from agriculture waste back to the agriculture field marks the new strategy to improve crop yield and reduce environmental issues of conventional fertilizers. In addition to that it helps in improving soil condition by balancing the soil organic carbon, pH, water holding capacity and soil ion exchange potential. The present research work is based on the development of nano-composite based on biochar derived from corn cob and to check the suitability of corncob biochar(CB) as support material for providing macro and micro-nutrients to the plants on slow release basis.CBand its nano-composite (BNC) were synthesized by pyrolysis and simple impregnation method, respectively and characterized by FT-IR,SEM/EDX, powder XRD,AFMand TGA/DSC. Proximate analysis and physical properties were also examined by standard procedures whilestudies on water retention, water absorbance, swelling ratio and equilibrium water content of pointed to increased values of BNC as compared to CB. Slow release studies indicated release pattern of nutrients for prolonged period which is helpful in improving plant growth and yield. The experimental results indicated that the synthesized nano-composite is eco-friendly material and can be used as slow release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Plant Growth and Crop Protection: A Review

Abstract: In the era of climate change, global agricultural systems are facing numerous, unprecedented challenges. In order to achieve food security, advanced nano-engineering is a handy tool for boosting crop production and assuring sustainability. Nanotechnology helps to improve agricultural production by increasing the efficiency of inputs and minimizing relevant losses. Nanomaterials offer a wider specific surface area to fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, nanomaterials as unique carriers of agrochemicals facilitate the site-targeted controlled delivery of nutrients with increased crop protection. Due to their direct and intended applications in the precise management and control of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides), nanotools, such as nanobiosensors, support the development of high-tech agricultural farms. The integration of biology and nanotechnology into nonosensors has greatly increased their potential to sense and identify the environmental conditions or impairments. In this review, we summarize recent attempts at innovative uses of nanotechnologies in agriculture that may help to meet the rising demand for food and environmental sustainability.

Biochar for agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, water treatment, soil remediation, construction, energy storage, and carbon sequestration: a review

Abstract: In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar has recently found many applications in various sectors as a versatile and recycled material. Here, we review application of biochar-based for carbon sink, covering agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, environmental remediation, construction, and energy storage. The ultimate storage reservoirs for biochar are soils, civil infrastructure, and landfills. Biochar-based fertilisers, which combine traditional fertilisers with biochar as a nutrient carrier, are promising in agronomy. The use of biochar as a feed additive for animals shows benefits in terms of animal growth, gut microbiota, reduced enteric methane production, egg yield, and endo-toxicant mitigation. Biochar enhances anaerobic digestion operations, primarily for biogas generation and upgrading, performance and sustainability, and the mitigation of inhibitory impurities. In composts, biochar controls the release of greenhouse gases and enhances microbial activity. Co-composted biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop productivity. Pristine and engineered biochar can also be employed for water and soil remediation to remove pollutants. In construction, biochar can be added to cement or asphalt, thus conferring structural and functional advantages. Incorporating biochar in biocomposites improves insulation, electromagnetic radiation protection and moisture control. Finally, synthesising biochar-based materials for energy storage applications requires additional functionalisation.