Polymer Based Engineered Materials for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

In quest of developing alternative technological solutions to increase agricultural production for feeding the growing population, extensive research is being performed in the agriculture area. In this regard, massive attention is being paid to develop polymer based engineered materials with a multitude of unique physicochemical properties using the concepts of modern polymer chemistry, materials technology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advancements in polymer based engineered materials for striving toward sustainable agricultural practices. Herein, we discuss both natural and synthetic polymer based materials such as nanocarriers, electrospun fibers, hydrogels, and sensors for controlled agrochemical release, promoting growth, soil conditioning, sensing of soil condition, and other combined multiple actions in agriculture. Polymeric nanocomposites have promoted the growth of plants via an increase in the release rate of loaded agrochemicals. Polymer based nanofibers with a fiber diameter of <0.5 μm have stimulated the germination and nutrient supply to the plant along with providing a better seed coverage. Hybrid hydrogels possess the characteristic features of both natural and synthetic polymers, thus providing a better solution for the sustained release of agrochemicals in an economical way. Although the polymer based engineered materials have provided a significant contribution toward sustainable agriculture, still challenges such as the overall cost of fabricated material and practical feasibility in the agriculture fields need to be addressed. The side effects of the degraded products on the environmentally friendly microorganisms and the contamination of our natural underground water resources are some of the research areas which need to be explored further in the future.

A robust and highly compressible polyacrylamide co-polymer hydrogel developed through g-C3N4 initiated photopolymerisation and its photocatalytic activity towards dye removal

“…[1][2][3][4] Moreover, the high water holding capacity and tunable physical and chemical properties of hydrogels have made them highly advantageous over other soft materials and they can be employed in a wide range of industrial applications, such as wastewater treatment, agriculture, oil recovery, and the food industry. 5,6 For many years, wastewater treatment has been an important part of water management as industries and factories have been releasing dyes and other toxic substances to water bodies at an alarming rate. Thus, efforts have been devoted to recycling water through the adsorption or degradation of pollutants.…”

Solid-State Encapsulation of Urea via Mechanochemistry-Driven Engineering of Metal–Phenolic Networks

“…Therefore, substantial efforts have been directed toward developing controlled-release urea (CRU) to improve utilization and ease the environmental impact of urea while maximizing crop yield. − The main strategies that have been used to encapsulate urea for use as CRU include spray coating of urea granules with a wide range of nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polysulfone, polyurethane, and polyolefins) and encapsulation of urea nanoparticles within a composite through mixing with biodegradable polymers (e.g., aliphatic polyesters and polysaccharides). − However, these strategies have limitations. For example, hydrophobic and impermeable polymers may cause soil contamination if they are not fully degraded, and encapsulation typically involves a multistep procedure, leading to high production costs. , Moreover, encapsulation of urea using liquid mixing protocols requires the use of organic solvents at 40–130 °C and cross-linking agents, which complicates the process and presents challenges for large-scale production. − Therefore, the development of simple processes, which can also be upscaled, for producing CRUs is required …”

Role of Phosphorus Type and Biodegradable Polymer on Phosphorus Fate and Efficacy in a Plant–Soil System

“…The efficiency of P-based fertilizers can be enhanced by integration into polymers that enable controlled delivery and tunable release . Biodegradable polymers are often used as coatings that release dry or pelleted fertilizers − based on conditions such as soil temperature and moisture, and the thickness and porosity of the polymer. , Alternatively, nutrients can be incorporated directly into polymers to create polymer composites, wherein nutrient release is triggered by either biophysical-edaphic factors or biodegradation by native soil microbes. Biodegradable polymer composites have been shown to significantly reduce nutrient losses in runoff , and can potentially improve plant nutrient uptake efficiency …”