Excessive application of fertilizers
negatively affects soil health,
causes low nutrient utilization efficiency in plants, and leads to
environmental pollution. The application of controlled-release fertilizer
is gaining momentum to overcome this crisis. Engineered nanocomposites
(ENCs) have shown tremendous promise for need-based delivery of agrochemicals
(macro- and micronutrients, pesticides, and other agrochemicals).
This review provides comprehensive coverage of synthesis of nanocomposites,
their physical–chemical characterization, and techniques to
achieve sustained release and targeted delivery to the crops, emphasizing
their beneficial role in plant production and protection. Related
aspects like feasibility of the application, commercialization of
the nanoformulations, and biosafety concerns are also highlighted.
This will be helpful to develop a critical understanding of the current
state of the art in the controlled release of agrochemicals through
nanocomposites. The pressing issues like scale up production, cost
analyses, field-based trials, and environmental safety concerns should
be given greater attention in future studies.
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