Abstract

The extensive use of traditional agrochemicals leads to systemic inefficiencies with large proportion of active agrochemicals being lost to leaching, volatilization and photolysis. Precision agriculture needs advanced delivery systems that can match the demand of the crop to the release of agrochemicals. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as promising platforms for controlled delivery of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural systems. This review synthesizes the concept of biologically mediated degradation of MOFs, where framework disassembly is governed by biological processes rather than passive mechanisms. Microbial activity, rhizosphere acidification, and plant root exudates play key roles in regulating degradation behavior and nutrient release. These interactions enable enhanced release efficiency in soil environments while maintaining stability under non-biological conditions. Despite these advantages, challenges such as the low large-scale yields (∼27%) continue to limit practical application, and scalable and sustainable synthesis methods, especially aqueous-phase routes, are required. The development of biodegradable and biocompatible MOF systems should also be accompanied to safe soil integration. By aligning material design with biological functionality, MOFs offer a sustainable platform for nutrient management and precision crop protection.