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A new tool to screen biodegradable polymers as technically and commercially viable fertiliser coatings
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Researchers developed a screening tool to evaluate biodegradable polymers against technical and commercial viability criteria, enabling manufacturers and regulators to assess whether proposed biodegradable materials will genuinely perform as advertised in real-world disposal environments.
Polymer coated controlled release fertilisers can mitigate nutrient pollution by aligning nutrient release to plant demand, thereby reducing losses, fertiliser application and potentially increasing yields. However, most current commercial products use polymers that do not readily degrade. This use of non-degradable plastics to coat fertilisers is being phased out, opening new opportunities to develop and commercialise truly biodegradable coating alternatives. However, the technical challenge is substantial. The coating needs to eventually fully mineralise, leaving no microplastic legacy, yet it must also maintain good mechanical and barrier properties for extended periods. This work presents the first effort to develop a polymer material selection tool to guide biodegradable polymer selection for use as fertiliser coatings based on the polymers' known properties and commercial considerations. Using a new mechanistic model, a relationship was established between the elongation required to avoid coating rupture and the water vapour permeability (WVP) of the coating. Then, a broad list of commercially available biodegradable polymers was assembled and literature data on their WVP and elongation at break collated. By comparing this data and the model outcomes, the polymers most likely to achieve long term release were shortlisted. This list was further condensed by setting a maximum polymer price and minimum global production capacity for commercial viability. We have shortlisted polycaprolactone, biodegradable polyurethane and natural rubber as strong candidates for biodegradable fertiliser coatings. However, their rate of biodegradation requires further investigation. Flexible polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(butylene succinate) and poly(propylene carbonate) are technically promising, but not currently commercially viable.
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It is still too early to promote biodegradable mulch film on a large scale: A bibliometric analysis
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Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies on biodegradable mulch film as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in agriculture. The study found that despite growing research interest, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding biodegradation rates in real field conditions and potential ecotoxicity of degradation byproducts. The analysis suggests it is premature to promote large-scale adoption of biodegradable mulch film without further evidence of its environmental safety.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
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Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
On the quest for novel bio-degradable plastics for agricultural field mulching
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This review examined the challenge of developing biodegradable plastic mulch materials suitable for agricultural use, noting that plasticulture consumes about 6.7 million tons of plastic annually, most of which cannot be practically recycled. The authors assessed candidate biodegradable polymers based on their degradation rates in soil, mechanical performance, and cost.
Plastics of the Future? The Impact of Biodegradable Polymers on the Environment
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Biodegradable polymers are increasingly proposed as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, but their actual degradation rates and ecological impacts under real environmental conditions vary widely and are often misrepresented. Without rigorous standards for biodegradability claims, some alternatives may simply generate a different form of microplastic pollution rather than solving the underlying problem.
Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture
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Researchers designed and evaluated biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen-efficient agriculture, testing their performance in simulated tropical conditions and finding improved nitrogen retention compared to conventional fertilizers, though with some trade-offs in release kinetics.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.