Innovations in Organo-mineral Fertilizers: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Practices, Controlled Nutrient Release, and Coating Strategies

Authors

  • Zakaria Asbai Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Hassan II University (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Faculty of Science and Technology, Casablanca, Morocco
  • Bouchaib bahlaouan Laboratory of Healthcare and Sustainable Development, Higher Institutes of the Nursing Professions and Techniques of Health, Casablanca (https://ror.org/007h8y788), Morocco
  • Said El Antri Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Hassan II University (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Faculty of Science and Technology, Casablanca, Morocco
  • Michael Brett-Crowther 1 rue des Albizias Queue d'Ageasse, 79190 Lorigné, Deux-Sèvres, France.
  • Nadia Boutaleb Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Hassan II University (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Faculty of Science and Technology, Casablanca, Morocco.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.458899

Keywords:

Organo-mineral fertilizers, Nutrient use efficiency, Circular economy, PRISMA

Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable agricultural inputs has accelerated research into organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs), which combine the agronomic benefits of mineral nutrients with the environmental advantages of organic matter. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent innovations in OMFs, with emphasis on sustainable production practices, biotransformation of organic waste, and advanced strategies for controlled nutrient release. A bibliometric analysis, conducted using the PRISMA framework across Scopus and Web of Science databases (2020–2025), identified 6,324 relevant publications, mapping current trends and highlighting research gaps. Particular attention is given to coating technologies and the role of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) in enhancing nutrient use efficiency while minimizing environmental losses. The integration of biowaste-derived materials as carriers or coatings in OMF formulations underscores a shift toward circular economy principles. This review supports the development of next-generation eco-efficient fertilizers aligned with sustainable agriculture goals and offers a roadmap for future innovation in nutrient management.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Asbai, Z., Boutaleb, F., Doublali, F.E., Mrabet, O., Hadidi, M., Bahlaouan, B., El Antri, S., & Boutaleb, N., 2024, Sustainable approach for nutrient release control in organic fertilisers by using phosphogypsum. International Journal of Environmental Studies 81(3), 808–825. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2024.2322882

Tilman, D., Balzer, C., Hill, J., & Befort, B.L., 2011, Global food demand and the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108 (50), 20260–20264. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1116437108

Maja, M.M., & Ayano, S.F., 2021, The impact of population growth on natural resources and farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change in low-income countries. Earth Systems and Environment 5(2), 271–283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00209-6

Louzizi, T., Chakir, E., & Sadoune, Z., 2024, A comprehensive review on solid waste management in Morocco: assessment, challenges and potential transition to a circular economy. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-024-00662-5

Ashitha, A., Rakhimol, K.r., & Mathew, J., 2021, Chapter 2 - Fate of the conventional fertilizers in environment. In: Lewu, F.B., Volova, T., Thomas, S., & K.r., R. (Eds.), Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture (London: Academic Press), pp. 25–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819555-0.00002-9

Shaviv, A., Raban, S., & Zaidel, E., 2003, Modeling controlled nutrient release from polymer coated fertilizers: diffusion release from single granules. Environmental Science & Technology 37(21), 2251–2256. https://doi.org/10.1021/es011462v

Asadu, C.O., Ezema, C.A., Ekwueme, B.N., Onu, C.E., Onoh, I.M., Adejoh, T., Ezeorba, T.P.C., Ogbonna, C.C., Otuh, P.I., Okoye, J.O., & Emmanuel, U.O., 2024, Enhanced efficiency fertilizers: overview of production methods, materials used, nutrients release mechanisms, benefits and considerations. Environmental Pollution and Management 1(1), 32–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epm.2024.07.002

Jariwala, H., Santos, R.M., Lauzon, J.D., Dutta, A., & Wai Chiang, Y., 2022, Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) for climate-smart agriculture practices: a comprehensive review on release mechanism, materials, methods of preparation, and effect on environmental parameters. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29, 53967–53995. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20890-y

Nath, S., Singh, K.K., Tangjang, S., & Das, S., 2024, Industrial solid wastes and environment: an overview on global generation, implications, and available management options. In: Anouzla, A., & Souabi, S. (Eds.), Technical Landfills and Waste Management: Volume 1: Landfill Impacts, Characterization and Valorisation (Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland), pp. 221–246. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52633-6_9

Wen, P., Han, Y., Wu, Z., He, Y., Ye, B.-C., & Wang, J., 2017, Rapid synthesis of a corncob-based semi-interpenetrating polymer network slow-release nitrogen fertilizer by microwave irradiation to control water and nutrient losses. Arabian Journal of Chemistry 10(7), 922–934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.03.002

Roy, A., Chaturvedi, S., Singh, S.V., Kasivelu, G., Dhyani, V.C., & Pyne, S., 2024, Preparation and evaluation of two enriched biochar-based fertilizers for nutrient release kinetics and agronomic effectiveness in direct-seeded rice. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery 14(8), 2007–2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-02488-z

Chew, K.W., Chia, S.R., Yen, H.-W., Nomanbhay, S., Ho, Y.-C., & Show, P.L., 2019, Transformation of biomass waste into sustainable organic fertilizers. Sustainability 11, 2266. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082266

Amadou, A., Song, A., Tang, Z.-X., Li, Y., Wang, E.-Z., Lu, Y.-Q., Liu, X.-D., Yi, K., Zhang, B., & Fan, F., 2020, The effects of organic and mineral fertilization on soil enzyme activities and bacterial community in the below- and above-ground parts of wheat. Agronomy 10, 1452. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101452

Bouhia, Y., Hafidi, M., Ouhdouch, Y., Zeroual, Y., & Lyamlouli, K., 2023, Organo-mineral fertilization based on olive waste sludge compost and various phosphate sources improves phosphorus agronomic efficiency, Zea mays agro-physiological traits, and water availability. Agronomy 13(1), 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010249

Teixeira, D. de O., de Castro, B., dos Santos, C.E.D., Ferreira, R.G.N., & Ferreira, D.C., 2024, Organomineral fertilization impact on lettuce development and yield. Revista Delos 17, e3239–e3239. https://doi.org/10.55905/rdelosv17.n62-126

Ahmad, W.A., Abd. Latif, N., Zaidel, D.N.A., Mohd. Ghazi, R., Terada, A., Aguilar, C.N., & Zakaria, Z.A., 2021, Microbial biotransformation and biomineralization of organic-rich waste. Current Pollution Reports 7(4), 435–447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-021-00205-4

Nogueira, F.G.E., Do Prado, N.T., Oliveira, L.C.A., Bastos, A.R.R., Lopes, J.H., De & Carvalho, J.G., 2010, Incorporation of mineral phosphorus and potassium on leather waste (collagen): A new NcollagenPK-fertilizer with slow liberation. Journal of Hazardous Materials 176, 374–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.11.040

El Idrissi, A., Tayi, F., Dardari, O., Essamlali, Y., Jioui, I., Ayouch, I., Akil, A., Achagri, G., Dänoun, K., Amadine, O., & Zahouily, M., 2024, Urea-rich sodium alginate-based hydrogel fertilizer as a water reservoir and slow-release N carrier for tomato cultivation under different water-deficit levels. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 272, 132814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132814

Abhiram, G., Bishop, P., Jeyakumar, P., Grafton, M., Davies, C.E., & McCurdy, M., 2023, Formulation and characterization of polyester-lignite composite coated slow-release fertilizers. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research 20(2), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-022-00670-6

Al-Enazy, A.-A., Al-Barakah, F., Al-Oud, S., & Usman, A., 2018, Effect of phosphogypsum application and bacteria co-inoculation on biochemical properties and nutrient availability to maize plants in a saline soil. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 64, 1394–1406. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2018.1437909

Burak, E., & Sakrabani, R., 2023, Novel carbon capture-based organo-mineral fertilisers show comparable yields and impacts on soil health to mineral fertiliser across two cereal crop field trials in Eastern England. Field Crops Research 302, 109043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2023.109043

Tropea, A., 2022, Food Waste Valorization. Fermentation 8(4), 168. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8040168

Maina, S., Kachrimanidou, V., & Koutinas, A., 2017, A roadmap towards a circular and sustainable bioeconomy through waste valorization. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 8, 18–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.07.007

Mirabella, N., Castellani, V., & Sala, S., 2014, Current options for the valorization of food manufacturing waste: a review. Journal of Cleaner Production 65, 28–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.10.051

Jafari, M., Mardani, A., & Aghaei, M., 2023, A comprehensive review on the development of eco-friendly and controlled-release fertilizers. Journal of Cleaner Production 411, 136685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.136685

Hadidi, M., Bahlaouan, B., El Antri, S., Benali, M., & Boutaleb, N., 2023, Biotransformation of food waste to bio-products: biogas and biofertilizer. International Journal of Environmental Studies 80(3), 672–686. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2022.2096953

Ozi, F.Z., Boutaleb, N., Hadidi, M., Bahlaouan, B., Bennani, M., Silkina, A., & El Antri, S., 2023, Production of bio‐fertilizer by biotransformation of poultry waste enriched with molasses and algae. Environmental Quality Management 32, 123–134. https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.21868

Glockow, T., Kaster, A.-K., Rabe, K.S., & Niemeyer, C.M., 2024, Sustainable agriculture: leveraging microorganisms for a circular economy. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 108(1), 452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-024-13294-0

Hilmi, Y.S., Tóth, J., Gabnai, Z., Király, G., & Temesi, Á., 2024, Farmers’ resilience to climate change through the circular economy and sustainable agriculture: a review from developed and developing countries. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 39, e15. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170524000097

Reis, M., Albuquerque, M., Villano, M., & Majone, M., 2011, Mixed Culture Processes for Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production from Agro-Industrial Surplus/Wastes as Feedstocks. In: Moo-Young, M. (Ed.), Comprehensive Biotechnology (Second Edition). (Burlington: Academic Press), pp. 669–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-088504-9.00464-5

Slepetiene, A., Volungevicius, J., Jurgutis, L., Liaudanskiene, I., Amaleviciute-Volunge, K., Slepetys, J., & Ceseviciene, J., 2020. The potential of digestate as a biofertilizer in eroded soils of Lithuania. Waste Management 102, 441–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.008

Rocha-Meneses, L., Zannerni, R., Inayat, A., Abdallah, M., Shanableh, A., Ghenai, C., Kamil, M., & Kikas, T., 2022, Current progress in anaerobic digestion reactors and parameters optimization. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-02224-z

Andrade Cruz, I., Chuenchart, W., Long, F., Surendra, K.C., Santos Andrade, L.R., Bilal, M., Liu, H., Tavares Figueiredo, R., Khanal, S.K., & Romanholo Ferreira, L.F., 2022, Application of machine learning in anaerobic digestion: Perspectives and challenges. Bioresource Technology 345, 126433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126433

Kabeyi, M.J.B., & Olanrewaju, O.A., 2022, Biogas Production and Applications in the Sustainable Energy Transition. Journal of Energy, 8750221. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8750221

Scarlat, N., Dallemand, J.-F., & Fahl, F., 2018, Biogas: Developments and perspectives in Europe. Renewable Energy 129, 457–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.03.006

Foughal, T., Doublali, F.E., Ozi, F.Z., Hadidi, M., Louanjli, F.A., Bahlaouan, B., El Antri, S., & Boutaleb, N., 2024, Biofertilization potential of products from biotransformation of organic waste in Morocco: comparing between aerobic and anaerobic mode. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery 14(11), 21729–21739. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04467-4

Houot, S., Clergeot, D., Michelin, J., Francou, C., Bourgeois, S., Caria, G., & Ciesielski, H., 2002, Agronomic Value and Environmental Impacts of Urban Composts Used in Agriculture. In: Insam, H., Riddech, N., Klammer, S. (Eds.), Microbiology of Composting. (Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg), pp. 457–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-08724-4_38

Oyetunji, O., Bolan, N., & Hancock, G., 2022, A comprehensive review on enhancing nutrient use efficiency and productivity of broadacre (arable) crops with the combined utilization of compost and fertilizers. Journal of Environmental Management 317, 115395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115395

Shilomboleni, H., & De Plaen, R., 2019, Scaling up research-for-development innovations in food and agricultural systems. Development in Practice 29(6), 723–734. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2019.1590531

Fu, J., Wang, C., Chen, X., Huang, Z., & Chen, D., 2018, Classification research and types of slow controlled release fertilizers (SRFs) used - a review. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 49(17), 2219–2230. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2018.1499757

Al-Rawajfeh, A.E., Alrbaihat, M.R., & AlShamaileh, E.M., 2021, Characteristics and types of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers. In: Lewu, F.B., Volova, T., Thomas, S., K.R., R. (Eds.), Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture. Academic Press, pp. 57–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819555-0.00004-2

Fertahi, S., Ilsouk, M., Zeroual, Y., Oukarroum, A., & Barakat, A., 2021, Recent trends in organic coating based on biopolymers and biomass for controlled and slow-release fertilizers. Journal of Controlled Release 330, 341–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.026

Li, X., & Li, Z., 2024. Global trends and current advances in slow/controlled-release fertilizers: A bibliometric analysis from 1990 to 2023. Agriculture 14(9), 1502. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091502

Singh, S., Singh, R., Singh, K., Katoch, K., Zaeen, A.A., Birhan, D.A., Singh, A., Sandhu, H.S., Singh, H., & Sahrma, L.K., 2024. Smart fertilizer technologies: An environmental impact assessment for sustainable agriculture. Smart Agricultural Technology 8, 100504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2024.100504

Tian, C., Zhou, X., Liu, Q., Peng, J., Wang, W., Zhang, Z., Yang, Y., Song, H., & Guan, C., 2016, Effects of a controlled-release fertilizer on yield, nutrient uptake, and fertilizer usage efficiency in early ripening rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B 17, 775–786. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B1500216

Qi, C., Yin, R., Gao, X., Chen, J., Wang, R., Xu, Z., Luo, W., Li, G., & Li, Y., 2022. Development of solid-state anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting hybrid processes for organic solid waste treatment and resource recovery: A review. Current Pollution Reports 8(3), 221–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-022-00223-w

Abdalla, M., Hastings, A., Cheng, K., Yue, Q., Chadwick, D., Espenberg, M., Truu, J., Rees, R.M.,& Smith, P., 2019. A critical review of the impacts of cover crops on nitrogen leaching, net greenhouse gas balance and crop productivity. Global Change Biology 25(8), 2530–2543. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14644

Moradi, S., Babapoor, A., Ghanbarlou, S., Kalashgarani, M.Y., Salahshoori, I., & Seyfaee, A., 2024. Toward a new generation of fertilizers with the approach of controlled-release fertilizers: A review. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research 21(1), 31–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-023-00817-z

Lawrencia, D., Wong, S.K., Low, D.Y.S., Goh, B.H., Goh, J.K., Ruktanonchai, U.R., Soottitantawat, A., Lee, L.H., & Tang, S.Y., 2021. Controlled release fertilizers: A review on coating materials and mechanism of release. Plants 10(2), 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020238

Gutiérrez, C.A., Ledezma-Delgadillo, A., Juárez-Luna, G., Neri-Torres, E.E., Ibanez, J.G., & Quevedo, I.R., 2022. Production, mechanisms, and performance of controlled-release fertilizers encapsulated with biodegradable-based coatings. ACS Agricultural Science & Technology 2(6), 1101–1125. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.2c00077

Beig, B., Niazi, M.B.K., Sher, F., Jahan, Z., Malik, U.S., & Khan, M.D., Américo-Pinheiro, J.H.P., Vo, D.-V.N., 2022. Nanotechnology-based controlled release of sustainable fertilizers: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 20(4), 2709–2726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01409-w

Firmanda, A., Fahma, F., Syamsu, K., Suryanegara, L., & Wood, K., 2022. Controlled/slow-release fertilizer based on cellulose composite and its impact on sustainable agriculture: Review. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 16(8), 1909–1930. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.2433

Abbas, A., Wang, Z., Zhang, Y., Peng, P., & She, D., 2022. Lignin-based controlled release fertilizers: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 222, 1801–1817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.265

Wang, Y., Guo, H., Wang, X., Ma, Z., Li, X., Li, R., Li, Q., Wang, R., & Jia, X., 2020. Spout fluidized bed assisted preparation of poly(tannic acid)-coated urea fertilizer. ACS Omega 5(3), 1127–1133. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b03310

Mansouri, H., Ait Said, H., Noukrati, H., Oukarroum, A., Ben Youcef, H., & Perreault, F., 2023. Advances in controlled release fertilizers: Cost-effective coating techniques and smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels. Advanced Sustainable Systems 7(6), 2300149. https://doi.org/10.1002/adsu.202300149

Kassem, I., Ablouh, E.-H., El Bouchtaoui, F.-Z., Jaouahar, M., & El Achaby, M., 2024. Polymer coated slow/controlled release granular fertilizers: Fundamentals and research trends. Progress in Materials Science 144, 101269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2024.101269

Ghumman, A.S.M., Shamsuddin, R., Nasef, M.M., Maucieri, C., Rehman, O.U., Rosman, A.A., Haziq, M.I., & Abbasi, A., 2022. Degradable slow-release fertilizer composite prepared by ex situ mixing of inverse vulcanized copolymer with urea. Agronomy 12(1), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010065

Sim, D.H.H., Tan, I.A.W., Lim, L.L.P., & Hameed, B.H., 2021. Encapsulated biochar-based sustained release fertilizer for precision agriculture: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production 303, 127018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127018

Röhrl, M., Timmins, R.L., Ghosh, D., Schuchardt, D.D., Rosenfeldt, S., Nürmberger, S., Bölz, U., Agarwal, S., & Breu, J., 2023. Green and scalable processing of water-soluble, biodegradable polymer/clay barrier films. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 140(17), e54418. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.54418

This study provides a concise synthesis of recent progress in organo-mineral fertilizers, focusing on sustainable production methods, nutrient release control, and coating technologies. Based on a rigorous bibliographic analysis of over 6,000 records from leading databases, it identifies key trends, knowledge gaps, and technical levers to improve fertilizer efficiency. The work supports the development of eco-efficient fertilizers aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2025-06-09

How to Cite

Asbai, Z., bahlaouan, B., El Antri, S., Brett-Crowther, M., & Boutaleb, N. (2025). Innovations in Organo-mineral Fertilizers: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Practices, Controlled Nutrient Release, and Coating Strategies . Natural Built Social Environment Health, 1(3), 67–99. https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.458899

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3 4