Chemical coordination and oxidation state of elements in environmentally friendly biostimulants

Purpose and goal:

The aim was to analyze the chemical coordination and the oxidation state of elements in novel, environmentally friendly biostimulants for use in forest nurseries or plant cultultivation. The biostimulants were synthesized using several different strategies by Arevo AB. Subsequent analysis such as by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements at Balder beamline, Max IV Laboratory identified that storage time displayed a small impact on oxidation state. Additionally, personal from industry was introduced to synchrotron techniques.

Expected results and effects:

The results show that the biostimulant precipitates as individual components and further that the targeted element for XAS is mainly present as an oxide, in a mix of oxidation state with small changes over 1-year storage time. This suggests that the product could likely be stored by customers without degradation for its intended use. The results produced at Balder beamline, MAX IV Laboratory will facilitate the REACH material classification process.

Besides, company representatives were introduced to the technology and trained to execute the measurements. Approach and implementation:

The project was conducted with novel, environmentally friendly biostimulants varying in synthesis strategy, composition and age, were analysed using XAS at Balder beamline, Max IV. This was complemented by laboratory studies for their crystalline content, functional groups, but also homogeneity in synthesized particles. The measurements included staff from Arevo AB and Umeå university for knowledge transfer from academia to the commercial sector.