Nano-fertilizers made from marine waste might soon be applied to New Brunswick potato fields
By Mark Rickard
New Brunswick potato farmers were told a potential solution to the problems of fertilizer runoff and nitrogen from fertilizer releasing into the atmosphere could be found at the bottom of the ocean using nanotechnology at the Potatoes New Brunswick Conference and Trade Show held at the AYR Motor Centre in Woodstock on Feb. 6.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Selopal, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, explained to potato growers and industry officials how research into nano-fertilizers made from oyster shells could boost potato production and make crops more sustainable.
“Our (global) population is growing exponentially, and this growing population will need more food…. Roughly 10 per cent of the global population doesn’t have enough food,” Selopal said. “We have to tackle this challenge… by boosting crop production while retaining our sustainability.”
The promise of nano-fertilizer takes advantage of the unique properties of nanoparticles, objects measuring less than 100 nanometres (a nanometre is one billionth of a metre). Selopal said the nano-fertilizer developed in his lab hinders the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, one of the deadliest greenhouse gases attributed to climate change.
“We use marine waste to develop our nano-fertilizer. Researchers based their fertilizer on oyster shells, a plentiful and affordable byproduct of the marine food industry,” Selopal said.
Oyster shells are ground into a powder, and organic nutrients are added to the mixture. Researchers engineer their shape, size, and composition to tailor a fertilizer to individual fields. Organic nano-fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, reducing run-off and nitrous oxide production while providing plant nutrients throughout the growing season.
The naturally sourced fertilizer also improves soil health after harvest by inhibiting nitrogen release. The lab is developing nano-fertilizers for both soil and foliage applications.
The researcher said leaching tests using New Brunswick soils in the lab showed the nano-fertilizer exhibited better control of leaching and needed much lower applications than traditional fertilizers to produce optimal yields. Crops fertilized with nanotechnology can be consumed immediately.
“We are now ready to test our nano-fertilizer in the field,” he said. “It’s completely eco-friendly… It’s a promising tool to boost crop production in a sustainable way.”
Expanding markets and customers
Potatoes New Brunswick will continue to work to expand its market reach and diversify its customer base, Ryan Culberson, PNB chairman, said in his chairman’s report during the association’s annual general meeting at the trade show.
“Our team has worked diligently to strengthen and promote the potato industry in New Brunswick… 2024 was a year of growth, resilience and accomplishments for PNB. With the unwavering dedication of our members and stakeholders, we are confident in our continued journey to support and project the New Brunswick potato industry,” the report said.
Culberson said Potatoes New Brunswick will strengthen sustainable farming practices, promote environmentally responsible solutions, and invest in research and innovation to boost quality and productivity.
“We successfully expanded our market reach (in 2024) which led to increased sales and new export opportunities… creating a growing demand for New Brunswick potatoes,” Culberson said in his report. “Potatoes New Brunswick continued its advocacy efforts to represent our members at the provincial and federal levels. We worked closely with policymakers to address industry concerns and needs.”
Culberson acknowledged the industry had to contend with a new provincial government, weather issues, market fluctuations and regulatory changes.
The N.B. Potato Shippers Association, N.B. Seed Potato Growers Association, Processing Advisory Committee, and Agricultural Certification Services Inc., all part of Potatoes New Brunswick associations and committee network, presented annual reports at the meeting.
The 2025 Potatoes New Brunswick board executive includes Ryan Culberson, chairman; Jan Rademaker, vice-chairman; and Charles Culberson, treasurer. Directors include Gilles Godbout, Denis Levesque; Andrew Givskud, Louis Laforge, Robert Culberson and Richard Strang.
