Organometallic Catalysis and Material Laboratory (OMCML)

Welcome to OMCML Research Group

OMCML is a member of the Inorganic and Materials and Catalysis Division (IMCD) of CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. Research at OMCML is mainly devoted in three different areas;

1. Organometallic and Catalysis for Fine Chemicals

2. Smart Materials for Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Reaction

3. Smart Materials for Agricultural Applications

Micronutrient deficiency is a major issue in agriculture. The deficiency of one or more micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and copper is fairly common in soils. Soils are generally treated with ferrous sulphate, manganese sulphate, and copper sulphate to increase their micronutrient content for enhanced uptake by plants. However, their prolonged use deteriorates soil fertility through acidification. To overcome this problem, chelating agents such as EDTA, EDDHA, and DTPA have been utilized to stabilize and protect micronutrients from oxidation and precipitation. However, their stability and release profile are pH dependent and often hampered by the presence of competitive ions such as calcium and magnesium ions. Further they are prone to leaching losses and their use has been questioned due to possible negative effects on the environment. The main object of the present research is directed to provide cost-effective smart Materials as soil conditioners for sustained availability of micronutrient in the soil for plant assimilation.