Lignin-Based Hydrogels for Sustainable Agriculture: Extraction, Design, and Applications

growing environmental problems, especially in agriculture, where watermanagement and soil health are crucial. Eco-friendlymaterials that balanceperformance and environmental safety are desperately needed as sustainablealternativesremainunderstudied.Thisstudyemphasizesthepotentialof lignin,anaturallyoccurring, abundant, andunderutilizedbiopolymer, anditsconversioninto lignin-based hydrogels. Lignin hydrogels offer distinct benefits foragricultural applicationsdue to their inherent antibacterial, biodegradable, andbiocompatibleproperties. Their ability to swell improves soilwater retention,promotes plant development in drought-prone areas, and permits regulatedreleaseof fertilizer.Lignin-basedhydrogelscanpromotesustainableagriculturalmethodsandlessenthedependencyonsyntheticpolymersbycustomizingthesecharacteristics. This study points to potential advances in green polymertechnology by highlighting their capacity to bridge the gap betweenenvironmental stewardship and agricultural production.