# The Effect of Slow-Release Fertilizer on the Growth of Garlic Sports and the Soil Environment
As a new generation of fertilizers, SRFs offer extended nutrient release periods and significantly reduce nutrient loss [5,6]. In China, the widespread application of conventional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers often exceeds the maximum nutrient uptake capacity of crops [7]. Prolonged overuse of such fertilizers can inhibit vegetable growth, lower crop quality, and lead to several adverse effects, including reduced nutrient use efficiency, soil eutrophication, and disruption of the soil's microbial communities [8, 9, 10]. Slow-release fertilizer is a novel type of fertilizer designed to release nutrients gradually in a predetermined manner through specific regulatory mechanisms [4]. Its core feature lies in extending the nutrient release period and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency. In recent years, various classification approaches have been proposed, resulting in inconsistency and the absence of a unified, systematic classification method or comprehensive framework for slow-release fertilizers. [PERSON] et al. [11] proposed a classification method based on the release mechanism, integrating physical and chemical classification principles and, for the first time, introducing the concept of composite slow-release fertilizers. This approach divides slow-release fertilizers into three main categories to meet the scalability demands of classification. Among them, physical slow-release fertilizers are the earliest developed and most widely used, accounting for over 95% of the total [12]. These fertilizers utilize materials such as sulfur, resin, and bentonite to form physical barriers that regulate nutrient release and are further categorized into physical coating types and mineral types. Physical coating types: These fertilizers encapsulate nutrient granules with materials such as sulfur or resin, forming a coating that slows nutrient release. The release mechanisms include (1) rupture types, represented by sulfur-coated urea, which exhibits an inverted L-shaped release curve, and (2) diffusion types, such as polymer-coated fertilizers, which follow an S-shaped release curve consisting of an initial lag phase, a constant-rate release phase, and a decay phase. Mineral types: These types use inorganic materials such as bentonite to adsorb nutrients, forming a physical barrier that achieves slow release through adsorption and retention mechanisms [13,14]. Garlic is a member of the Liliaceae family and the Allium genus. The cultivation of garlic sprouts has a long history in China spanning nearly 2000 years. Garlic sprouts are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and protein, and their consumption can not only stimulate appetite but also provide various medicinal and health benefits [15]. At present, China holds the largest planting area and yield of garlic sprouts globally. However, the excessive application of chemical fertilizers in garlic production has severely impacted their quality [16]. Therefore, developing methods to cultivate high-quality garlic sprouts has become a critical research focus. Chemical fertilization remains one of the primary strategies for increasing crop yields [17]. Nevertheless, the prolonged and continuous use of conventional fertilizers often results in adverse effects, including soil compaction and nutrient leaching, which ultimately compromise crop yield and quality [18]. These issues pose significant challenges to the sustainable development of agriculture and environmental protection [19]. The controlled nutrient release characteristics of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) can effectively mitigate the drawbacks associated with traditional fertilization practices [20, 21, 22]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that substituting conventional fertilizers with SRFs can enhance the concentrations of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and vitamin C in vegetables, thereby improving their nutritional quality [23].