Summary
This narrative review examines biodegradable natural polymer hydrogels, particularly their degradation mechanisms and the ability to control degradation rates through design. The authors highlight dual applications: tissue engineering and controlled-release systems, as well as emerging agricultural uses such as water retention, nutrient delivery, and soil pollutant remediation, positioning hydrogels as sustainable soil amendment solutions.
Regional applicability
The review is not geographically specific and addresses materials science rather than location-dependent agronomic conditions. Applicability to United Kingdom farming would depend on local regulatory approval of hydrogel soil amendments, water scarcity context, and soil remediation priorities; further work would be needed to validate performance in UK soil conditions and climates.
Key measures
Hydrogel degradation mechanisms and rates; water-holding capacity; elemental carrier potential; pollutant adsorption capacity
Outcomes reported
The review examines biodegradable natural polymer hydrogels and their mechanisms of degradation, with emphasis on their potential applications as water reservoirs, macro- and microelement carriers, and pollutant adsorbents for sustainable soil amendment. It synthesises recent advances in hydrogel design for tuneable degradation rates and soil remediation applications.
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