Cellulose- and lignin-based materials derived from Moroccan biomass have emerged as promising candidates for slow-release fertilizer (SRF) applications. Lignocellulosic resources such as agro-industrial by-products provide sustainable and locally available feedstocks for the development of biodegradable fertilizer coatings and functional matrices. Recent studies indicate that cellulose-based nanomaterials, hydrogels, and polymer composites improve water retention and nutrient use efficiency, while chemically modified lignin coatings enable controlled nutrient release, reduce leaching losses, and enhance agronomic performance. Advances in biomass extraction, material functionalization, coating technologies, and nutrient release behavior under laboratory conditions are discussed. Remaining challenges related to hydrophilicity, scalability, and production cost are also addressed, emphasizing the need for continued optimization to support climate-smart and resource-efficient fertilizer technologies.
Ablouh et al. (2026) studied this question.