A comprehensive review on starch: Structure, modification, and applications in slow/controlled-release fertilizers in agriculture

This comprehensive review thoroughly examines starch's structure, modifications, and applications in slow/ controlled-release fertilizers (SRFs) for agricultural purposes. The review begins by exploring starch's unique structure and properties, providing insights into its molecular arrangement and physicochemical characteristics. Various methods of modifying starch, including physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques, are discussed, highlighting their ability to impart desirable properties such as controlled release and improved stability. The review then focuses on the applications of starch in the development of SRFs. It emphasizes the role of starchbased hydrogels as effective nutrient carriers, enabling their sustained release to plants over extended periods. Additionally, incorporating starch-based hydrogel nano-composites are explored, highlighting their potential in optimizing nutrient release profiles and promoting plant growth.Furthermore, the review highlights the benefits of starch-based fertilizers in enhancing plant growth and crop yield while minimizing nutrient losses. It presents case studies and field trials demonstrating starch-based formulations' efficacy in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge on starch, its modifications, and its applications in SRFs, providing valuable insights into the potential of starch-based formulations to improve nutrient management, boost crop productivity, and support sustainable agriculture.

Automated summary

This comprehensive review examines the structure, modifications, and applications of starch in slow/controlled-release fertilizers (SRFs) for agricultural purposes. It provides insights into the unique structure and properties of starch. The review discusses various methods of modifying starch and emphasizes their ability to impart desirable properties such as controlled release and improved stability. It focuses on the applications of starch in the development of SRFs, including starch-based hydrogels and starch-based hydrogel nano-composites. The review highlights the benefits of starch-based fertilizers in enhancing plant growth and crop yield while minimizing nutrient losses, presenting case studies and field trials. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of starch-based formulations to improve nutrient management and support sustainable agriculture.