What are the common applications of starch in the agricultural field

Starch is widely used in the field of agriculture, involving various aspects of agricultural production. The following will provide a detailed introduction to the application of starch in the agricultural field from multiple aspects such as agricultural machinery, agricultural chemicals, plant growth regulators, feed, fertilizers, etc.

1、 The Application of Starch in Agricultural Machinery

Starch plays an important role in agricultural machinery manufacturing, mainly involving the following aspects:

Making wear-resistant materials: Starch, as a natural polymer material, has good wear resistance and chemical stability. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of agricultural machinery, starch is often used as a wear-resistant material, added to the easily worn parts of the machinery to improve its wear resistance and service life.

Making adhesive: Starch has good adhesion and can be used as an adhesive in the manufacturing of agricultural machinery. For example, when manufacturing agricultural machinery components, starch glue can be used instead of traditional chemical glue to improve adhesion and durability.

Making fillers: Starch can be added as a filler to certain parts of agricultural machinery, which can increase volume, reduce weight, and lower costs. For example, when manufacturing agricultural machinery gears, starch can be used as a filler to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the gears.

2、 Application of Starch in Agricultural Chemicals

Starch is also widely used in agricultural chemicals, mainly in the manufacturing of pesticides and fertilizers.

Manufacturing of pesticides: Starch can be used as a carrier and diluent for pesticides, and is used to manufacture various pesticide formulations. For example, starch can be mixed with pesticides to make wettable powders, suspensions, and other formulations, making pesticides easier to disperse and dissolve.

Fertilizer manufacturing: Starch can serve as a binder and filler in fertilizer manufacturing, bonding various fertilizer components together to form granular or strip-shaped fertilizers. Meanwhile, starch can also serve as a slow-release agent for fertilizers, controlling the release rate of fertilizers and improving their utilization efficiency.

3、 Application of Starch in Plant Growth Regulators

Energy storage: Starch is the main form of energy storage in plants. Plants convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis and store it in the form of starch. When plants require energy, starch is broken down into glucose molecules, providing energy for plant cells to carry out metabolic activities. This energy storage and release mechanism helps regulate plant growth and development.

Plant growth regulation: Starch plays an important regulatory role in the process of plant growth. The starch content in the growth points and storage organs of plants changes with the growth stage. For example, in plant seeds, starch plays a role in storing nutrients and providing energy during seed germination. The accumulation and consumption of starch in storage organs such as rhizomes and tubers of plants are closely related to the plant's growth cycle. Therefore, by regulating the synthesis and decomposition of starch, it can affect the growth and development process of plants.

In addition, starch can also serve as a carrier and diluent for plant growth regulators, by applying or spraying regulator solutions onto plant leaves or roots to regulate plant growth and development. For example, plant growth regulators such as gibberellin can be mixed with starch to make smears or sprays to promote plant growth and yield.

4、 Application of Starch in Feed

Starch is the main source of energy in feed and also the primary source of carbohydrates in animal bodies. The application of starch in feed is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

As an energy supplement: Starch is the main source of energy in animal bodies, providing the necessary energy and nutrients for animals. Adding an appropriate amount of starch to feed can ensure that animals receive sufficient energy and nutrients, improving the nutritional value and conversion rate of the feed.

Improving feed palatability: Starch can improve the taste and texture of feed, enhancing its palatability. For example, adding an appropriate amount of starch to pig feed can make the feed softer, taste better, and increase the appetite and feed intake of pigs.

Making starch paste: Starch paste is a commonly used feed additive that can be used as a binder, filler, and other purposes. Adding starch paste to feed can improve its uniformity and stability, as well as enhance its processing and preservation properties.

5、 The application of starch in fertilizers

Starch also has certain applications in fertilizers, mainly involving the production of organic fertilizers and biological fertilizers.

Organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer rich in organic matter, in which starch can be added as a part of the organic matter. For example, starch can be mixed with organic waste such as livestock manure to make organic fertilizers, providing the nutrients and organic matter needed by plants.

Biological fertilizer: Biological fertilizer is a type of fertilizer made through microbial fermentation, in which starch can serve as one of the substrates for microbial fermentation. By adding an appropriate amount of starch as a substrate, it can promote the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, improve the fertilizer efficiency and biological activity of biological fertilizers.