Design of innovative agrochemical delivery system for sustainable agriculture and to alleviate environmental and health hazards

This article deals with formation of hydrogels encapsulated with agrochemicals for minimizing agrochemical-environmental pollution and health hazards. These copolymers as controlled release formulations (CRF) were designed by grafting reaction onto natural polymers starch-agar-gelatin and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid) (AMPS). Copolymers were characterized by SEM, AFM, and XRD along with FTIR and 13C NMR techniques. SEM and AFM confirmed the un-even morphology with surface roughness and XRD indicated the amorphous nature of the polymers after grafting. Controlled diffusion of thiophante methyl fungicide for 72 h occurred with diffusion non-Fickian type. It is useful observation for preventing leaching and evaporation loss of fungicide and to alleviate environmental and health hazards. After degradation CRF may improve micronutrients and soil quality.