A review of advances over 20 years on polysaccharide-based polymers applied as enhanced efficiency fertilizers.

Over the last 20 years, polysaccharide-based materials have garnered attention in the enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) research. Biodegradability, non-toxicity, water-solubility, swellability, and ease of chemical modification make these polymers suitable for agricultural applications. In this review, the polysaccharides-based EEFs advances are summarized over the polymer and co-materials selection, the methods, and the chemical/structure aspects necessary for an appropriate production.

Chitosan spray-dried microcapsule and microsphere as fertilizer host for swellable - controlled release materials.

A fertilizer delivery system based on chitosan (Ch) or chitosan/montmorillonite clay (Ch/MMt) was developed by spray drying technique using 2-fluid (2FN) and 3-fluid (3FN) nozzles. 2FN provided solid microspheres and 3FN formed microcapsules structures. Morphology is dependent upon formulation and the type of nozzle used.