Citation:

Wang, N., B. Wang, Y. Wan, B. Gao, AND V. Rajput. Alginate-based composites as novel soil conditioners for sustainable applications in agriculture: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 348:119133, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119133

Impact/Purpose:

This paper reviews the preparation, characterization, and applications of alginate-based composites in agriculture. Alginate-based composites provide synergistic effects and exhibit great potential in agricultural applications, such as soil amendments, microbial carriers, and slow-release fertilizers, with practical implications in improving environmental quality. 

Description:

The development of alginate-based composites in agriculture to combat nutrient loss and drought for sustainable development has drawn increasing attention in the scientific community. Existing studies are however scattered, and the retention and slow-release mechanisms of alginate-based composites are not well understood. This paper systematically reviews the current literature on the preparation, characterization, and agricultural applications of various alginate-based composites. The synthesis methods of alginate-based composites are firstly summarized, followed by a review of available analytical techniques to characterize alginate-based composites for the attainment of their desired performance. Secondly, the performance and controlling factors for agricultural applications of alginate-based composites are discussed, including aquasorb, slow-release fertilizer, soil amendment, microbial inoculants, and controlled release of pesticides for pest management. Finally, suggestions and future perspectives are proposed to expand the applications of alginate-based composites for sustainable agriculture.

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