Nanotechnology: its scope in agriculture

Abstract

The growth in human population is estimated to reach 9.8 billion by mid-2050. To meet the food requirements, reducing the judicious use of fertilizers, agrochemicals and their impact on environment, soil, water, humans and the surrounding biodiversity we have to shift towards sustainable methods. Nanotechnology is one such technology that will help in crop production by improving the input use efficiency by minimizing their losses, site-specific, controlled delivery of fertilizers or agrochemical as per the requirement, increases shelf life, efficiency of the agrochemicals and reduces their recommended dosage. Nanoparticles are organic, inorganic or hybrid materials whose dimensions may range from 1 to 100 nm. Nanosensors can detect environmental stress and enhance the plant’s ability to combat diseases, used in automation of irrigation; it is a rapid and accurate tool to detect insect and pest, which helps in timely application of agrochemicals. Nano-iron fertilizer was found to improve essential oil content, nano-zinc and boron fertilizers improved fruit yield and quality, nano zeolite can sustain the nutrients in the soil for long term and it enhance germination and plant growth. As nanoparticles enhances growth, they aid in early maturity of the crop, improves the plant’s ability to tolerate stresses, hence they are effective tools in drought and flood-prone areas, they detoxify harmful pollutants especially heavy metals, pesticide residues. As nanoparticles have greater persistence, they may have long-term effect on plants, humans and also environment, but it has less impact than that of the normal agrochemicals. Advanced research is required to conclude in this aspect.

New Advances in Nano-Enabled Weed Management Using Poly(Epsilon-Caprolactone)-Based Nanoherbicides: A Review

“…; (b) organic materials developed from active ingredients that have been encapsulated in an organic nanocarrier derived from protein, polymers, lipids, etc. ; and (c) hybrid nanomaterials encompassing both organic and inorganic materials [44][45][46]. Thus, nanomaterials for assembling nanoherbicides can be grouped into three types as discussed below.…”

Perspective Chapter: Application of Nanotechnology Solutions in Plants Fertilization and Environmental Remediation

“…Nanotechnology is regarded as an effective tool for managing a wide range of environmental stresses by providing novel and practical solutions. Nano-fertilizers (NFs) considerably increase plant growth efficiency, soil quality, and crop yield of high-quality fruits and cereals [59], and also, may serve as a sustainable strategy to promote agricultural yield in (semi-) arid regions [60]. NFs have the potential to improve nutrient absorption and plant output by modulating fertilizer availability in the rhizosphere, prolong stress tolerance by enhancing nutritional capacity, and raise plant defense mechanisms.…”

“…Stimulatory effects were seen on total chlorophyll (0.93 g/kg FW), shoot biomass (2168 kg/ha), and essential oil content (3.4 g/kg) and yield (7.4 kg/ha) as a result of sub-risky levels of Zn in nanoform absorption (amounted to an average of 152.6 mg Zn/kg after foliar application of 160 mg of zinc oxide nanoparticles) in comparison with ZnS treatment or control. Foliar application of 160 mg/L ZnO NPs is recommended for optimal micronutrient Zn biofortification, biomass production, and essential oil yield in dragonhead [60]. The researchers used many nanocomposites with different concentrations on different plant species to study their effect on their production and increase the yield [4].…”

Impact of Nano-fertilizers and Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Strawberry

“…This is a reason being their ability to synchronize the release of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, with increases in yield and production of crops, while simultaneously decline the amount of fertilization inputs [El-Bialy et al, 2023]. Due to the ability of consistent and slow release of nutrients, nanofertilizers can enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and help plants to uptake nutrients easily [Reddy and Chhabra, 2022]. Recent studies have reported significant improvements in crop production with 30% increases crop yield compared with conventional fertilizers input [Mandal et al, 2021;Weber et al, 2021].…”