Nanofertilizers in Wheat crop nutrition: A Review

Nutrient management is one of the important determinants of yield of wheat crop. The conventional practices of fertilizer management are characterized by intensive use and low efficiency which has impact on the ecological and economic cost of crop production. Nanofertilizers can prove as an efficient alternative to the present fertilizer management owing to their unique properties of smaller size, higher surface area and reactivity. The studies have indicated that nanoformulations of macronutrients as well as micronutrients are effective in enhancing yield, nutrient use efficiency and enables cost reduction. In addition, the nanofertilizers are effective in alleviating various abiotic stress as well as in increasing the chlorophyll and protein content in wheat. Nanofertilizers also hold potential for biofortification. The future of nanofertilizers lies in their further advancement to nanosensors and intelligent fertilizers. However, there is need to address certain challenges including their usage regulation and commercialization.