Agriculture is an important sector for maintaining environmental sustainability and ensuring global food security. However, the sector faces significant challenges caused by soil degradation, water scarcity, and resource limitations. To overcome the challenges, several studies have shown that innovative materials, including hydrogels, have the ability to improve agricultural practices. Lignin, the sole polyaromatic biopolymer, and the second most abundant biopolymer, has been extensively explored for a wide range of applications. For example, lignin valorization represents a significant issue for lignocellulosic biorefineries as well as the pulp and paper industry. This has led to an increase in interest over the past decade in its utilization to create innovative, advanced smart materials. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the applications, advantages, and possibilities of lignin-based hydrogels in addressing the primary difficulties of contemporary agriculture to increase sustainability. The initial section of the study discussed the introduction of lignin and its isolation methods, followed by an in-depth examination of polymeric hydrogels, encompassing their composition and applications in agriculture. The third section focused on lignin-based hydrogels, detailing preparation procedures for their primary application in agriculture. This study also analyzed the progress in lignin-based hydrogels over the past decade and provided a relevant assessment of the promising material.

Centre of Polymer Systems Tomas Bata University in Zlin ZLin Czech Republic

Department of Fisheries Processing Technology Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science Padjadjaran University Jatinangor Indonesia; Research Collaboration Center for Marine Biomaterials Jl Ir Sukarno Jatinangor Sumedang Indonesia

Department of Mechanical and Biosystem Engineering IPB University Jalan Lingkar Akademik Kampus IPB Dramaga Babakan Dramaga Babakan Kec Dramaga Kabupaten Bogor Jawa Barat Indonesia

Department of Wood Industry Faculty of Applied Sciences University Technology MARA Pahang Branch Jengka Campus Bandar Tun Razak Malaysia

Faculty of Forestry Hasanuddin University Makassar Indonesia

Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts National Research and Innovation Agency Kawasan KST Soekarno JI Raya Bogor KM 46 Cibinong 16911 Indonesia

Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts National Research and Innovation Agency Kawasan KST Soekarno JI Raya Bogor KM 46 Cibinong 16911 Indonesia; Research Collaboration Center for Marine Biomaterials Jl Ir Sukarno Jatinangor Sumedang Indonesia

Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts National Research and Innovation Agency Kawasan KST Soekarno JI Raya Bogor KM 46 Cibinong 16911 Indonesia; Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences Tomsk Polytechnic University Russian Federation

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