Nanofertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture: Application, Mechanism and Challenges
Author : Kartik Mehra, Dipti Grover, Shivani Garg, Pooja Arora and Bhawna Dahiya
Abstract :
Global agriculture faces unprecedented challenges in achieving sustainability while meeting the growing demand for food. Conventional fertilizers, despite their role in agricultural intensification, contribute significantly to environmental degradation through nutrient losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem contamination. Nanofertilizers have represented a paradigm shift, offering a promising alternative through improved nutrient delivery, reduced nutrient losses, and enhanced bioavailability. This review examines cutting-edge application techniques and fundamental mechanisms of diverse nanofertilizer platforms, including smart nanocarriers, stimuli-responsive systems, and biohybrid formulations. Despite their potential, several challenges impede widespread adoption, including phytotoxicity, bioaccumulation in aquatic and plant systems, human health risks associated with nanoparticle exposure, regulatory uncertainties, production costs, and scale issues. Nanoparticle behavior in soil-plant systems, environmental fate, and long-term ecological consequences represent significant research gaps. Future research should prioritize the development of efficient regulatory frameworks, precise nanofertilizer formulations, sustainable production practices, and comprehensive evaluations of nanoparticle toxicity. Integration of nanosensors with precision agriculture techniques enables real-time monitoring of nanofertilizer performance and efficient resource utilization. Successful deployment requires coordinated efforts in stakeholder education, farmer training, and the establishment of standardized safety protocols.
Keywords :
Nanofertilizers, Nutrient Use Efficiency, Sustainable Agriculture, Bioavailability, Smart Delivery Systems, Precision Agriculture.
