Nano-calcium applications in modern agriculture: A review

Abstract

Nanofertilizers (NFs) have gained significant interest over conventional fertilizers in recent years due to their unique properties, including nanoscale size, enhanced solubility and bioavailability, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Among them, nano-calcium (nano-Ca) plays a crucial role as an essential nutrient, promotes plant growth and productivity, and provides stress tolerance to plants. However, the precise mechanism by which nano-Ca regulates plant development, stress responses, and its interactions with plant growth hormones and other nutrients remain largely unexplored. Additionally, optimizing the delivery methods of nano-Ca to plants is an ongoing area of research, with numerous studies being conducted to govern the most effective approaches. Calcium (Ca) is a macronutrient element required in large quantities, while nano-Ca is effective at much lower concentrations, making its optimal doses a key consideration for agricultural crops. This review explores the pathways through which nano-Ca enters plant cells, traversing various cellular barriers. It also examines the interactions between nano-Ca, phytohormones, and other essential nutrients, emphasizing its agricultural significance in promoting plant growth, development, and stress resilience. This review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers investigating the potentiality of nano-Ca in enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.