Biodegradable Polymers for Agricultural Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

The extensive use of conventional plastics in agricultural engineering, including mulch films, greenhouse coverings, agro-packaging, and controlled-release delivery systems, has raised significant environmental concerns due to their persistence and accumulation in soil ecosystems. Consequently, there is growing interest in biodegradable and bio-based polymeric materials that can provide adequate functional performance during use while undergoing environmentally compatible degradation after their intended service life. Biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and bio-based synthetic polymers offer promising alternatives for sustainable agricultural applications.

In this context, this Special Issue focuses on the design, modification, characterization, and biodegradation behavior of biodegradable polymers for agricultural engineering. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure–property–degradation relationships under realistic agricultural conditions, including soil, microbial, enzymatic, hydrolytic, and environmentally induced degradation. Contributions addressing polymer blends, composites, surface modification strategies, and green processing routes aimed at enhancing durability, functionality, and controlled biodegradation are especially encouraged.

Key application areas include biodegradable mulch films, seed coatings, fertilizer and pesticide controlled-release systems, soil-conditioning materials, and sustainable packaging for agricultural products. Studies integrating advanced characterization techniques, soil and field degradation assessments, life-cycle analysis, and sustainability metrics to evaluate environmental fate and end-of-life performance are also welcome. By consolidating interdisciplinary research across polymer science, materials engineering, and agricultural systems, this Special Issue aims to promote the development and practical adoption of biodegradable polymers that support sustainable agricultural engineering practices.

Dr. Ademola Monsur Hammed
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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