Global trends in use of nano-fertilizers for crop production: Advantages and constraints – A review

Abstract

There is no question that the enormous increase in world food production is a direct result of greater use of inorganic fertilizers. However, a number of research studies indicate that the rising use of conventional fertilizers (CFs) has resulted in major environmental risks, including soil and water body contamination. Compared to other cropping systems, this is much true for global cereal-based cropping systems. Recently, healthier options have been developed through the use of nanotechnology and nano-fertilizers in agriculture (NFs). By utilizing unique qualities of nano-particles with a range of nano-dimensions from 1 to 100 nm, NFs aim to boost the nutrient utilization efficiency with the aid of nano clays and zeolites. In contrast to conventional fertilizers, NFs offer a number of benefits, including variable solubility, high consistency, effectiveness, time-controlled discharge, enhanced targeted activity with effective concentration, and less eco-toxicity with safe, simple delivery and disposal methods. NFs are swiftly and completely absorbed by plants, helping to conserve nutrients that would otherwise enter the system as waste and cause environmental degradation. Compared to conventional fertilizers, NFs feature formulations that have improved effects on crop growth and production with more efficiency and sustainability. This review summarizes the information that is currently available on the usage of NFs worldwide, showing their promise for sustaining crop output in an environmentally benign way.