Biofertilizers and nanofertilizers for sustainable agriculture: Phycoprospects and challenges

ABSTR A C T Increased food demands and ceasing nutrient deposits have resulted in a great shortfall between the food supply and demand and would be worse in the years to come. Higher inputs of synthetic fertilizers on lands have re-sulted in environmental pollution, persistent changes in the soil ecology, and physicochemical conditions. This has greatly decreased the natural soil fertility thereby hindering agricultural productivity, human health, and hy-giene. Bio-based resilient nutrient sources as wastewater-derived algae are promising as a complete nutrient for agriculture and have the potential to be used in soilless cultivations. Innovations in nano-fortification and nano-sizing of minerals and algae have the potential to facilitate nutrients bioavailability and efficacy for a multifold increase in productivity. In this context, various options on minerals nanofertilizer application in agricultural food production besides efficient biofertilizer have been investigated. Algal biofertilizer with the nanoscale appli-cation has huge prospects for further agriculture productivities and fosters suitable development. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Increasing food demands and inadequate nutrient deposits have created a significant gap between food supply and demand, leading to decreased natural soil fertility and impacting agricultural productivity and human health. Bio-based nutrient sources, such as algae derived from wastewater, are seen as promising options for agriculture and soilless cultivation. Innovations in nano-fortification and nano-sizing of minerals and algae show potential in improving nutrient bioavailability and effectiveness for increased productivity.