Toward a new generation of fertilizers with the approach of controlled-release fertilizers: a review

Coping with the growth of the global population and the necessity for food, the agricultural sector has been compelled to rely heavily on fertilizers as a means to enhance both the quantity and quality of agricultural products. The drastic depletion of these fertilizers (30-50%) poses a serious risk to both human safety and the environment. Researchers have introduced new-generation fertilizers (NGFs) to tackle these challenges. This study initially examined the pros and cons, nitrogen loss, and global usage of traditional fertilizers. Subsequently, it categorized different types of NGFs, with a particular focus on the utilization of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). Afterward, the research delved into studying the nutrient release mechanism, the type of coating materials, the techniques employed for coating, the advantages and challenges related to CRFs, and the impact of specific parameters on the mechanism of CRFs. In conclusion, we have presented a comprehensive overview of several commercially manufactured variants of CRFs. The utilization of CRFs is experiencing a notable upward trend, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.37%. Moreover, this growth includes active involvement from governments, farmers, and industries.