Thesis co-supervised by Prof. J-L. Six (LCPM), Dr. K. Ferji (LCPM) & M. Lahcini (IMEDLab/Morocco) & R. Beniazza (UM6P/Morocco)
"I am currently preparing my PhD on the development of stimuli-responsive polymers for controlled-release fertilizers. Traditional fertilizers often suffer from nutrient losses due to poor synchronization between crop demand and nutrient availability. My research aims to design a new generation of fertilizers that can release nutrients in a more intelligent and eco-compatible manner.
"I am currently preparing my PhD on the development of stimuli-responsive polymers for controlled-release fertilizers. Traditional fertilizers often suffer from nutrient losses due to poor synchronization between crop demand and nutrient availability. My research aims to design a new generation of fertilizers that can release nutrients in a more intelligent and eco-compatible manner.
The strategy relies on polymers that respond to environmental stimuli such as pH variations near plant roots, or light irradiation for foliar applications. By exploiting controlled polymerization techniques, I am able to design polymers with tailored architectures that modulate nutrient release in response to these signals. This approach could significantly improve nutrient use efficiency in agriculture, while reducing environmental impact."
M. Khouloud, K. Ferji, J. Six, R. Beniazza, Mohammed Lahcini
Emergent Materials, 2025