Exploring the potential of nanofertilizers for a sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionized almost every aspect of our lives, and agriculture is no exception. Introducing nanofertilizer (NF) technology in agriculture can transform how we grow our crops and increase yields while minimizing environmental impact. NFs can increase agricultural profits while lessening the environmental harm caused by conventional fertilizers. As it already has a robust infrastructure, the fertilizer sector is particularly positioned to gain from the development of NF manufacturing. Nevertheless, encouraging the industry to adopt this new technology is fraught with difficulties like the issue of regulatory obstacles. Governments must set regulations encouraging businesses to engage in nanotechnology research and development while safeguarding public health and safety from any dangers these products may bring. Nanomaterials can also be expensive since they require specialized storage facilities or shipping containers to be produced on a big scale. The small size of nanoparticles makes it challenging to transport or store them safely. NF production economics is crucial in persuading manufacturers of conventional fertilizers that investing in developing NF technologies will pay off financially. This is especially true since many of the raw materials used to make nanoparticles are more expensive than those used to make traditional fertilizers. Therefore, scientists working in NF development must aim to create procedures that would result in cost savings through higher yield rates obtained using nano-based fertilization techniques compared to existing bulk systems. This way, reducing the costs of creating nano-based fertilizer comparable enough to encourage wider involvement throughout the global agricultural industry.