Chapter 13 - Emerging concept of nanofertilizers for sustainable crop plants growth and production

Abstract

After 1950, agriculture has undergone a green revolution due to technological developments, and there has been the emergence of chemical-based fertilizers for plant growth regulation and increased crop productivity. These developments have produced many positive effects on farming and food security; however, at the same time, they have raised several serious ecological and environmental threats. The eco-toxicological issues include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water contamination, and soil erosions. Over the last few decades, the concept of sustainable agriculture has emerged as an innovative alternative for higher agricultural productions with minimum negative impacts on the environment. Over the last decade, exceptional developments in nanotechnology have introduced nanomaterials as highly efficient nanofertilizers for accelerated plant growth and sustainable crop production. The engineered nanomaterials in the form of nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanodots, nanotubes, etc., have proved their potential role as controlled and sustained release agents for accelerated plant growth, biotic, and abiotic stress management for sustainable crop production. Herein, we present some latest examples of engineered nanofertilizers as smart delivery agents validating the concept of sustainable agriculture without posing ecological threats.