Role of nano-bio-composites in the sustainable agriculture: a review

Abstract

Rapidlyincreasing population, the demand for food has increased substantially. To overcome food deficits, an increase in agricultural production is needed, and for sustainability, the qualities of crops as well as maintaining the fertility of the soil are challenging situations. Soil contains limited amount of macro, micronutrients and innumerable amounts of soil microflora, which helps in crop production. Since the mid-19th century, a plethora of chemical fertilizers have been extensively used to improve crop production, but over time, they have shown disastrous effects on the soil compositionand profile. In the current alarming scenario, a new technology arearising, namely nanotechnology, in the field of agriculture. Nano-chemicals can play a paramount role in sustainable agriculture. This reviewsummarizes a variety of nanomaterials as pesticide, fertilizers and control of attack of fungus and bacterial diseases. Here discussed a range of nanomaterials including Ag, Fe, Cu, Si, Se, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2 and carbon nanotubes non-propitious effectsof biomagnification. This review alsodiscussesthe several mechanisms which show how nanomaterials does work as nanofertilizer, nano pesticides, and control bacterial and fungal diseases along with the advantages and disadvantages in the sustainable approach of agriculture. Furthermore, it discusses the synergistic effect of nanomaterials and conventional approach involved in agriculture practices. Nano-fertilizers and nano-biofertilizers are new tools that have evolved for the sustainableagricultural and food security.