Analysis of Resin-Coated Fertilizers by FTIR: Analysis Conforming to “Identification Methods for Fertilizers (2020)”

Introduction

In Japan, official specifications and application standards for fertilizers are established in the Fertilizer Regulation Act (1) in order “to preserve the quality, etc. of fertilizers and to ensure fair trade in fertilizers and their safe application.” Analysis methods for fertilizers, which are important for preserving fertilizer quality, are provided in “Testing Methods for Fertilizers (2020)” and “Identification Methods for Fertilizers (2020).” “Identification Methods for Fertilizers” states that “unlike analysis methods for measuring the components, etc. in fertilizers, identification methods are used in observation of the morphology and estimation of the raw materials used” (2) and describes identification by microscopic observation, detection of fertilizer components by reagents and litmus paper, and identification by X-ray diffraction instruments, among other methods. Identification by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) was newly added to “Identification Methods for Fertilizers (2020).” Qualitative analysis by measurement of the infrared spectrum by FTIR can be completed in a short time without complex sample preparation. Application News No. A638 introduced an identification test of a urea-isobutyl aldehyde condensate compound fertilizer, which is known as chemical slow-release fertilizer. In this article, an analysis of the coating materials and fertilizer cores of resin-coated fertilizers was carried out, and their raw materials were identified.

January 26, 2021 GMT