Multifunctional applications of lignosulfonates in agricultural production

As an important class of lignin derivatives, lignosulfonates (LS) exhibit substantial value and potential across multiple agricultural applications. The presence of diverse active functional groups in LS, including sulfonate, hydroxyl, and aromatic moieties, confers favorable properties such as water solubility, dispersibility, and chelation capacity, making them key materials for multifunctional and high-value utilization in agriculture. In addition, LS are highly biodegradable, consistent with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development, and adaptable to a wide range of agricultural use scenarios. This review provides a detailed overview of the acquisition and characteristics of LS, offering an effective reference for their applications across various fields. Afterward, it systematically summarizes the multifunctional applications of LS in agriculture and the underlying mechanisms, with emphasis on recent advances in soil improvement, fertilizer enhancement, plant growth regulation, and pesticide formulations. Finally, the key challenges facing LS in agricultural deployment and their future development prospects are critically analyzed and discussed. This review is expected to provide foundational guidance for researchers seeking to advance the broader adoption of LS-based multifunctional applications in agriculture and to offer useful insights for the design and innovation of future LS-derived functional materials.