Nano-Fertilization as an Emerging Fertilization Technique: Why Can Modern Agriculture Benefit from Its Use?

Abstract

There is a need for a more innovative fertilizer approach that can increase the productivity of agricultural systems and be more environmentally friendly than synthetic fertilizers. In this article, we reviewed the recent development and potential benefits derived from the use of nanofertilizers (NFs) in modern agriculture. NFs have the potential to promote sustainable agriculture and increase overall crop productivity, mainly by increasing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of field and greenhouse crops. NFs can release their nutrients at a slow and steady pace, either when applied alone or in combination with synthetic or organic fertilizers. They can release their nutrients in 40–50 days, while synthetic fertilizers do the same in 4–10 days. Moreover, NFs can increase the tolerance of plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, the advantages of NFs over synthetic fertilizers, as well as the different types of macro and micro NFs, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the application of NFs in smart sustainable agriculture and the role of NFs in the mitigation of biotic and abiotic stress on plants is presented. Though NF applications may have many benefits for sustainable agriculture, there are some concerns related to the release of nanoparticles (NPs) from NFs into the environment, with the subsequent detrimental effects that this could have on both human and animal health. Future research should explore green synthesized and biosynthesized NFs, their safe use, bioavailability, and toxicity concerns.

Drought Stress Impacts on Plants and Different Approaches to Alleviate Its Adverse Effects

“…Si-NPs also enhanced the drought resistance in wheat plants [240,241]. Similarly, the salinity and drought stress in plants were also mitigated by ZnO nanoparticles application (235). During the early stage of growth, the application of ZnO NPs stimulated the seed reservoirs for sapling and enhanced the drought resistance in plants [242].…”

“…To improve drought stress in plants, other NPs such as silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) were used in lentil for mitigated drought stress negative effects. Nano-silica could also enhance the drought tolerance in different plants [235]. The increase of SOD and POD activity in wheat crop as drought resistance mechanism was observed through ZnO NPs.…”

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by its particle shape, tunable pore size, potential reactivity and high surface area [235]. In plants, the cellular organelles are targeted, and certain contents are released through the nanoparticle target [235,236]. The activity of antioxidants enzymes i.e., SOD, CAT and POD were regulated and enhanced (Table 8) by the application of nanoparticles [237].…”

“…In agriculture, different trace elements and their oxides of NPs were used for enhancing drought stress resistance in different plants (Table 8). The negative effects of abiotic stress such as drought, chilling stress, salinity and heavy metal toxicity were mitigated through silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) application [235,239]. Growth and physio-and biochemical traits such as proline, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, carotenoids and relative water contents were significantly improved in different plant species when NPs were applied such as silica and ZnO nanoparticles [235].…”

“…The negative effects of abiotic stress such as drought, chilling stress, salinity and heavy metal toxicity were mitigated through silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) application [235,239]. Growth and physio-and biochemical traits such as proline, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, carotenoids and relative water contents were significantly improved in different plant species when NPs were applied such as silica and ZnO nanoparticles [235]. Si-NPs also enhanced the drought resistance in wheat plants [240,241].…”