Polymer Based Engineered Materials for Sustainable Agriculture
Ankita Dhiman, Amit Kumar Sharma, Garima Agrawal
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.