A review of advances over 20 years on polysaccharide-based polymers applied as enhanced efficiency fertilizers

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 279; p. 119014
• Main Authors: Chiaregato, Camila Gruber, França, Débora, Messa, Lucas Luiz, dos Santos Pereira, Tamires, Faez, Roselena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2022
• Subjects: Agriculture; Alginates; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Chitosan; Fertilizers; Nutrient delivery; Plant nutrition; Polymers - chemistry; Polymers - metabolism; Polysaccharides - chemistry; Polysaccharides - metabolism; Soil - chemistry; Starch; Water - chemistry; Biodegradation; Nutrient delivery; Plant nutrition; Starch; Agriculture; Alginates; Chitosan
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.119014

Over the last 20 years, polysaccharide-based materials have garnered attention in the enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) research. Biodegradability, non-toxicity, water-solubility, swellability, and ease of chemical modification make these polymers suitable for agricultural applications. In this review, the polysaccharides-based EEFs advances are summarized over the polymer and co-materials selection, the methods, and the chemical/structure aspects necessary for an appropriate production. We also briefly discuss terminologies, nutrient release mechanisms, biodegradation, and future trends. The most used polysaccharides are chitosan, starch, and alginate, and the non-Fickian model most describes the release mechanism. It is dependent on the relaxation of polymer chains by the matrix swelling followed by the nutrient diffusion. EEFs-polymers-based should be designed as more packed and less porous structures to avoid the immediate contact of the fertilizer with the surrounding water, improving fertilizer retention. Furthermore, the preparation methods will determine the scale-up of the material. [Display omitted] •Polysaccharides application is an emergent and more sustainable option to prepare EFFspolymers-based.•In-water and in-soil release behavior and biodegradation is the challenge of EEFs-polymers-based design.•A crosslinked polymers in combination with NPK or KNO3 fertilizers showed the better release performance of nutrients.•Relaxation of the polymer chain after swelling boosts nutrient diffusion and sets the release mechanism.•Starch-based matrix is promising due to being easily degraded in soil.