Advances in Copper Coordination Polymers and Chemical Stabilizers for Enhanced Urease Inhibition in Agricultural Soils

Efficient nitrogen management is critical for sustainable agriculture, and urease inhibitors play a vital role in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency by reducing urea hydrolysis losses. Copper-based coordination polymers (Cu-CPs) have recently emerged as promising urease inhibitors due to their unique structural features, controlled copper ion release, and multifunctional inhibitory mechanisms. This review comprehensively discusses the interaction of Cu 2 + ions with urease active sites, the advantages of Cu-CPs over conventional inhibitors, and the influence of polymer architecture on inhibition kinetics. In particular, the synergistic effects of polymer design and chemical stabilizers in soil environments are highlighted for prolonging inhibitory activity and improving environmental compatibility. Challenges related to material cost, field-scale application, and ecotoxicity are also addressed. Finally, future perspectives emphasize green synthesis approaches, biodegradable ligand design, and smart responsive systems to advance the development of Cu-CP-based urease inhibitors for sustainable agricultural applications.