Biogenic metallic nanoparticles as biofertilizer: an emerging paradigm for sustainable agricultural practices

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionized many facets of human lives, the economy, health and the environment with their multifaceted and multifarious benefits. One of the most notable contributions to the wellbeing of the population is the agricultural sector. However, negative impacts from uncontrolled agrochemical applications adversely affect a sustainable environment. Nanotechnology engenders eco-friendly technology for agricultural upliftment and environmental management. Agriculture production systems have relied on chemical fertilizers indiscriminately to support the growing world population, which has created an environmental burden. This had a detrimental impact on ecosystems, food and environmental quality. It is therefore necessary to develop an alternative mechanism that enhances farm production and the sustainability of the environment in order to overcome the negative impacts of traditional chemical fertilizers. Nanofertilizers (NFs) are an excellent alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers because they provide smart-controllable and target-specific nutrient delivery to plants and are eco-friendly. Plants are better able to tolerate biotic and abiotic stress when NFs are applied through the foliage or roots. Due to their nanoranged structures, they are excellent for sustainable agriculture, climate mitigation, and environmental rebirth in comparison to bulky fertilizers. Although the use of NFs is not without challenges, their extensive use may create another set of emerging pollutants that may be difficult to remediate. In this chapter, the synthesis, type, advantages and demerits of NF application are reviewed for better understanding and comparison.