Abstract:
Since the beginning of the 21st century, significant challenges concerning China’s arable land resources have emerged. These include widespread soil quality degradation, the prevalence of medium-to-low-yielding fields, and concerning instances of soil contamination in certain regions. These multifaceted issues pose substantial threats to agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and food security. Concurrently, this period has witnessed a dramatic surge in the demand for soil amendments designed to counteract degradation, specialized pollutant passivators for mitigating contamination risks, and commercial organic fertilizers to enhance soil organic matter. Against this backdrop, functional fertilizers–products engineered to deliver benefits beyond basic nutrient supply–have emerged as a pivotal innovation within the fertilizer industry. This sector is exhibiting rapid development momentum, presenting significant new opportunities for the evolution of fertilizer technologies and markets. The core paradigm for the future development of functional fertilizers in China centers on a “trinity approach” integrating: 1) Enhanced nutrient use efficiency (NUE) to minimize losses and environmental impact; 2) Environmental Compatibility ensuring minimal ecological footprint; and 3) Improved Crop Stress Resilience and Yield Enhancement even under suboptimal conditions. Achieving this integrated vision necessitates profound interdisciplinary convergence. Future advancements will critically depend on leveraging cutting-edge research and innovation across diverse fields, including biotechnology (e.g., harnessing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and microbial consortia for nutrient solubilization and stress mitigation), materials science (e.g., developing novel controlled/slow-release coatings, nanocomposites, and sorbent materials), and smart agriculture (e.g., integrating sensors, data analytics, and precision application technologies). This comprehensive review systematically synthesizes the developmental trajectory of China's functional fertilizer industry. It provides a detailed analysis of the primary categories of functional fertilizers currently available or under development. Furthermore, it critically examines the key research priorities and emerging technological directions shaping the field. By consolidating this knowledge, the review aims to offer robust scientific guidance and strategic insights. Ultimately, the successful development and deployment of these advanced products are crucial for safeguarding national food and agricultural product security, ensuring ecological safety, and underpinning the transition towards green agricultural development in China.