Farmers around the world are facing several challenges in farming practices due to adverse climatic conditions and global warming. Some of the challenges are stagnant crop yield, low nutrient use efficiency, micronutrient deficiency, and declining organic matter in the soil.
The population explosion around the world has led to an increase in the consumption of mass-produced food. Reaching the target crop yield to feed the world population requires a high use of nitrogen. Despite several efforts to increase the N efficiency in agriculture, the results are vague. Less than 50% nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is achieved in commercial farming.
Nano fertilizers have emerged as a solution for sustainable agriculture with numerous benefits. It is used for soil or foliar application in farming. Some of the advantages of this nanomaterial are:
Controlled Nutrient Release
Nano fertilizers are nutrient carriers that ensure the slow release of nutrients into the soil. This helps in maintaining soil fertility. The nutrients are released in 40-50 days in comparison to 4-5 days by the conventional fertilizers. The nutrients are available for a longer period in the soil are beneficial for the overall quality and growth of the plant.
Higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency
This fertilizer increases the nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture through the slow release of nutrients. The nutrient uptake by the plant is higher which gives a high crop yield.
Reduced Loss of Nutrients from Soil
Nano fertilizers reduce the loss of essential nutrients from the soil through leaching, volatilization, and erosion. The controlled release of nutrients helps in reducing nitrogen loss through water and air.
Cost-Saving
Conventional fertilizers are used in large quantities in agriculture. They are expensive options that are not affordable by many farmers. Nano fertilizers are required in small quantities that reduce the cost of transportation and its application in the field.
Enhanced Stress Tolerance
These fertilizers can be used in combination with the microorganism to reduce the abiotic stress in the plants. Waterlogging, high levels of salinity in the soil, heavy metals, and ultraviolet radiation are some of the abiotic stresses that inhibit plant growth leading to stagnant crop yield.
The agriculture sector is yet to utilize Nano fertilizer in the full potential for sustainable farming. However, these fertilizers are opening doors to modern approaches in traditional farming practices.