Biomass-based coated controlled-release fertilizers: a sustainable solution for tropical agriculture

Biomass-based coated controlled-release fertilizers (BB-CRFs) offer a sustainable solution for enhancing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing the environmental footprint of agriculture, particularly in tropical regions. Utilizing biodegradable coatings derived from renewable resources like lignin and starch, BB-CRFs address challenges specific to tropical agriculture, including nutrient leaching due to heavy rainfall and nitrogen volatilization from high temperatures. While developed nations benefit from advanced research and supportive policies driving BB-CRFs adoption, developing tropical regions face challenges related to production costs, technology access, and market awareness. Realizing the full potential of BB-CRFs for tropical plants requires collaborative efforts focused on developing cost-effective, high-performing bio-based coatings tailored to tropical conditions, advancing intelligent controlled-release technologies suited to the needs of specific tropical crops, fostering international collaboration for knowledge and technology transfer, and implementing supportive policies and educational programs to promote wider adoption in these regions. This is crucial for optimizing nutrition for diverse tropical crops like rice, banana, oil palm, coffee, and cocoa, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and environmental sustainability in these sensitive ecosystems.