Sustainable Agriculture Solutions: Biodegradable Coatings for Enhanced-Efficiency Fertilizers Using Cellulose and Lignin
Przemysław Boberski, Marek Główka, Kamila Torchała, Grzegorz Kulczycki, Nikodem Kuźnik
Abstract
Current challenges in sustainable development and environmental protection are driving scientists and engineers to innovate and mitigate the negative impact of human activities on ecosystems. Strict legal requirements in the European Union (EU) underscore the need for changes to materials used in fertilizers because all components must be biodegradable by July 2024. The EU has published new guidelines for biodegradable materials based on ISO 17556, which assesses degradability in soil. One of the main directions to meet these expectations is the use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers made from biodegradable materials. This review critically analyses recent advances in using natural raw materials as mineral fertilizer coatings, addressing a significant gap in the evaluation of their commercial viability. The properties of cellulose and lignin as coating materials and their modifications are discussed, including cellulose acetate, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, and phenolated and oxypropylated lignin. These findings provide practical guidance for fertilizer manufacturers seeking to comply with upcoming regulations while maintaining product efficacy.