Narrative review demonstrates improved crop yield and growth from engineered nanomaterials, indicating potential for integration into sustainable crop management.
Key Points
To critically evaluate the effectiveness, limitations, and safety of nanotechnology interventions for nutrient delivery, crop growth, and protection compared with conventional agricultural inputs.
Synthesized findings from four focal studies evaluating nanofertilisers and nanoparticles (chitosan-silicon, zinc oxide, chitosan, and calcium-doped zinc oxide) across maize, wheat, and Capsicum species.
Assessed application routes—including seed priming, foliar spraying, and soil application—against plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant responses, yield, and pest infestation.
Developed a formulation-route-response-safety framework comparing short-term crop responses with requirements for real-world agronomic and regulatory deployment.
Chitosan-silicon nanofertiliser increased maize yield per plot by 43.4% at a concentration of 0.08% and enhanced test weight by 45% at 0.04% compared with standard SiO2.
Calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly improved measured vegetative growth parameters in both maize and wheat.
Efficacy strongly depended on nanoparticle composition, dosage, crop type, and delivery method, with current evidence limited by short-duration trials and lack of multi-season field safety validation.