SAU Researcher claims development of climate-resilient fertilizer

A lady scientist from Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has claimed to have performed a successful modification of commercial urea fertilizer, developing a climate-resilient formulation aimed at reducing nitrogen losses, improving nitrogen-use efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2026) A lady scientist from Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has claimed to have performed a successful modification of commercial urea fertilizer, developing a climate-resilient formulation aimed at reducing nitrogen losses, improving nitrogen-use efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. 

The spokesman of SAU informed here on Friday that Dr Saima Kulsoom Babar, a scientist at the varsity, shared her research at a seminar.

The researcher said she had developed the novel coated urea fertilizer which was designed to reduce ammonia volatilization losses and make fertilizer use more environmentally friendly. She added that the innovative formulation was based on urea-inhibiting technology and that it aimed to improve nitrogen retention in soil under changing climatic conditions.

Dr Babar informed the participants that researchers at SAU, with support from the Sindh Higher education Commission (HEC), had successfully developed a specialized urease-inhibiting urea fertilizer using nano silicon derived from rice husk. 

She explained that nearly 40 percent of the world’s food production depended on urea fertilizer, but almost half of it was lost to the environment annually, causing billions of Dollars in economic losses worldwide.

According to her contention, nano-silicon based fertilizer reduced the hydrolysis rate of urea, improved nitrogen retention in soil, in addition to enhancing climate resilience by reducing the risk of nutrient losses under harsh environmental conditions.

Presiding over the seminar, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal said Pakistan consumed nearly 6 million to 7 million tonnes of urea annually.

But, he added whiling citing a research, around 30 percent to 50 percent of applied nitrogen was lost through ammonia volatilization, nitrous oxide emissions, and leaching into groundwater. He explained that such losses not only affected agricultural productivity and farmers’ income but also contribute to environmental pollution and public health concerns.

He warned that nitrate-contaminated groundwater could lead to oxygen deficiency in blood, respiratory complications, stomach disorders, and blue baby syndrome” in children, while livestock may also suffer nitrate toxicity, digestive disorders, and reduced milk production.

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He urged farmers to adopt scientific fertilizer application methods and to promote the use of neem-coated and slow-release fertilizers to minimize nutrient losses and improve sustainable crop production.

Director General Agriculture Research Sindh Dr Mazaharuddin Keerio said agricultural innovation had become essential for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability under changing climate conditions.

He added that the newly developed urease-inhibiting technology slowed down the breakdown of urea and kept nitrogen available in the soil for a longer duration, thereby improving nutrient uptake, enhancing crop growth, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He appreciated the efforts of scientists, researchers, students, and industry partners working on practical and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Dean Faculty of Crop Production, Co-PI of the project, Dr Inayatullah Rajper said due to high temperatures, alkaline soils, and improper fertilizer management, nearly 40 percent to 60 percent of urea and other fertilizers were either lost or leached into groundwater. He warned that increasing nitrate accumulation in soil and water was becoming a serious threat to agriculture, the environment, and human health.

Rajper further said that ammonia volatilization intensified during hot weather conditions, reducing nitrogen availability to crops and ultimately affecting yields. He also advised farmers to promote coated, neem-coated, and slow-release fertilizers, particularly during periods of high temperature and water stress.

Chairman Department of Soil Science Dr Allah Wadhayo Gandahi briefed participants about the objectives and significance of the project and thanked the audience for their participation and support toward sustainable agricultural research initiatives.

Agricultural scientists, researchers, and environmental experts expressed serious concerns over the excessive and unscientific use of urea fertilizer in Pakistan, warning that large-scale nitrogen losses were reducing crop efficiency, increasing production costs, and causing environmental and health hazards.