Emerging trends and future perspectives of slow-release fertilizers for sustainable maize production
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world's most important cereal crops and requires substantial nutrient inputs, particularly nitrogen, to achieve high productivity. However, conventional fertilizers often exhibit low nutrient-use efficiency because of losses through leaching, volatilization, runoff, and denitrification, resulting in economic losses and environmental degradation. Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) have become a powerful tool for synchronising nutrient release with crop demand, thereby increasing fertiliser use efficiency and minimising nutrient loss. This review covers recent developments in slow-release fertilizer technologies for maize production including neem-coated urea, sulphur-coated urea, polymer-coated fertilizers, nano This paper discusses the impact of these factors on maize growth, physiology, yield attributes, soil fertility and nutrient recovery. It also talks about the environmental benefits of SRFs, including reduced nitrate leaching, lower GHG emissions and improved soil health, which support climate-resilient sustainable agriculture. Also, the economic benefits of less frequent fertiliser application, lower labour requirements, and increased profitability were considered. Although these benefits have been realized, widespread adoption is hindered by high initial costs, limited farmer awareness, variable nutrient release under different environmental conditions and the need for long-term evaluation of biodegradable coating materials. Future research should focus on cost-effective, environmentally safe formulations and integration of SRFs with precision-nutrient-management technologies. In summary, overall, slow-release fertilizers are a promising strategy to improve maize productivity while also optimizing resource use and sustainability.
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204276952