Abstract
In this work, urea/rice straw, coated by epoxidized natural rubber was produced as slow release fertilizer (SRF). Rice straw (RS) was grinded and sieved to obtain 63 mu m size. The RS was treated using Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) at 1 and 7 wt% concentration respectively. In order to formulate coating material, ENR-50/NaCl solution was prepared and Urea/RS composites were then immersed in the solution for 24 hours. The prepared samples bonding characterization and slow release study. Based on the results, the SRF at 7% NaOH showed better properties than SRF at 1% NaOH. 7% treated SRF showed higher urea concentration in 30 days through slow release study. This can be caused by the expanding of cellulose during treatment and became more volume for the urea uptake.