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Versatile lignin valorization drives sustainable agriculture

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  • Shi, Tao
  • Liu, Zhi-Hua
  • Ragauskas, Arthur J.
  • Yuan, Ying-Jin
  • Li, Bing-Zhi

Abstract

Lignocellulose is one of the most abundant renewable resources for advancing sustainable agriculture. Contemporary agricultural practices face significant challenges, including water scarcity, soil depletion, and the overuse of agrochemicals. Lignin valorization has emerged as a promising strategy to address these issues. However, its implementation has been limited due to a poor understanding of the relationships between lignin's structure and function. This review highlights the diverse applications of lignin in agriculture, focusing on its roles in promoting plant growth, regulating soil nutrients and remediation, controlling the release of agrochemicals, and serving as mulch material. By summarizing current lignin applications, this work further explores the relationship between lignin's structure and its agricultural functionality. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing lignin's performance in various applications by specific structural modifications or the utilization of its inherent functional groups. Moreover, with the understanding of these relationships, this review discusses the future perspective of tailored lignin-based solutions toward agricultural needs. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive perspective of lignin's potential in agriculture, especially its ability to enhance ecosystem multifunctionality and contribute to sustainable practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi, Tao & Liu, Zhi-Hua & Ragauskas, Arthur J. & Yuan, Ying-Jin & Li, Bing-Zhi, 2025. "Versatile lignin valorization drives sustainable agriculture," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:215:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125003053
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115632
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