A review on nanofertilizers: Advancements, applications, and implications for agricultural sustainability

Nanofertilizers are a new approach to modern agriculture through specific and effective delivery of nutrients through nanoscale engineering. In comparison to conventional fertilizers, nanofertilizers offer higher nutrient use efficiency, prevent leaching, volatilization loss and make sustainable agriculture possible. In this review, the nature, properties, and production of nanofertilizers are thoroughly discussed with a focus on their controlled release and nutrient delivery capabilities. The article demonstrates their multifaceted use in agriculture, i.e., plant growth, crop yield, stress resistance, and symbiotic relationship with soil microbiota. Furthermore, the review indicates the environmental benefit of nanofertilizers like greenhouse gas mitigation and reduction of water pollution. However, it also poses the threat of environmental risk, nano-toxicity, and regulatory gap that need to be dealt with as a whole. Application of nanofertilizer with precision agriculture technology like IoT and intelligent sensors is proposed as a future technology to enhance resource usage. Finally, the paper suggests future lines of research, promoting long-term policy decision-making and research to render nanotechnology use in agriculture safe and scalable.