Strategic applications of nano-fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: Benefits and bottlenecks

The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) is an emerging research field in agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1-100 nm that support the nutrition of the plants. It is a novel way to optimize the nutrient supply, either alone or in combination. NFs are an economical alternative to ordinary chemical fertilizers that can increase global food production in a sustainable way. NFs are made up of nutrients and micronutrients and may act as carriers for nutrients. The nanocarriers deliver the nutrients to the right place, reducing the additional amount of active chemicals deposited in the plant, besides a slow release. Although nano-coated materials manage to penetrate through the stomata with a size exclusion limit greater than 10 nm, the nanoparticles appear to be able to make holes and enter the vascular system. This review addresses the potential benefits of NFs to agriculture, synthesis, mode of entry, mechanisms of action, and the fate of nanomaterials in soil. Finally, policy makers will have the bases to regulate the dose, frequency, and time period of NF applications for food production. We suggest formulating the integrated risk management frameworks for the possible applications of NFs in agriculture.

Automated summary

Nano-fertilizers are emerging as a promising research field in agriculture, offering a novel way to optimize nutrient supply and increase global food production. The use of nanocarriers can reduce the amount of active chemicals deposited in plants and provide slow-release nutrients. This review addresses the potential benefits, synthesis, mode of entry, mechanisms of action, and fate of nanomaterials in soil for NFs in agriculture.