Nano-nitrogen Formulations for Enhancing Use Efficiency: A Review

Abstract

Commercial crop production has increased nitrogenous fertilizer consumption by two to three times. However, temporal changes and yield stagnation of major crops over three decades urge us to revisit the fertilizer use efficiency through nano-techniques with specific reference to nitrogen fertilizers. Although nanofertilizer technology is quite innovative, literature available in this field is very limited. In this review, literature pertaining to the losses of nitrogen (N) in agro-ecosystems, slow-release N fertilizers, nanofertilizer N formulations with synthesis, characterization and their application in agriculture and associated effects are elaborated. This review serves as a strong database to understand and gain insights into innovative nanotechnologies infusion with N fertilizers research and their benefits in agriculture. Nano fertilizers are capable of enhancing crop yield as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops and may be considered as one of the potential alternatives for soil fertility and plant nutrition for agricultural sustainability.