A comprehensive overview of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture

Summary

This comprehensive review evaluates nanotechnology as a tool for sustainable agriculture, focusing on nanofertilisers, nanopesticides, and combined nanobiofertilisers. The authors highlight potential agronomic advantages—including slow and sustained nutrient release, tailored crop applications, enhanced stress tolerance, and reduced transportation costs—whilst identifying significant knowledge gaps and environmental concerns, particularly the risk of nanoparticle bioaccumulation in soil and water systems and unknown effects on human health. The review suggests polymer-based biodegradable formulations may offer a pathway forward, though substantial further research is needed before widespread adoption.

Regional applicability

The review is geographically non-specific and presents a global perspective on nanotechnology in agriculture. Applicability to United Kingdom farming depends on UK regulatory frameworks for nanomaterial safety (which are presently restrictive) and climate adaptation priorities; the stress-tolerance benefits may be relevant to UK resilience strategies, but significant safety and environmental assessment would be required before adoption in UK food systems.

Key measures

Characteristics of nanomaterials in agriculture; agronomic performance of nanofertilisers and nanopesticides; environmental and health risk assessments; economic implications of nanotechnology adoption

Outcomes reported

This review examines nanomaterials (nanofertilisers, nanopesticides, and nanobiofertilisers) as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical inputs, evaluating their agronomic benefits, environmental advantages, and potential human health and ecological risks. The paper synthesises evidence on slow-release properties, stress tolerance, and cost-effectiveness whilst addressing concerns about nanoparticle accumulation and toxicity.

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