Nanotechnology in agriculture: Current status, challenges and future opportunities
Muhammad Usmana b✉, Muhammad Farooqc d, Abdul Wakeele, Ahmad Nawazf, Sardar Alam Cheemad, Hafeez ur Rehmand, Imran Ashrafd, Muhammad Sanaullahe
- aPEIE Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free Zones, Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman. Electronic address: muhammad.usman@squ.edu.om
- bPEIE Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free Zones, Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman
- cDepartment of Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman
- dDepartment of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
- eInstitute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
- fDepartment of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
- ✉Corresponding author
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Abstract
Nanotechnology has shown promising potential to promote sustainable agriculture. This article reviews the recent developments on applications of nanotechnology in agriculture including crop production and protection with emphasis on nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanobiosensors and nano-enabled remediation strategies for contaminated soils. Nanomaterials play an important role regarding the fate, mobility and toxicity of soil pollutants and are essential part of different biotic and abiotic remediation strategies. Efficiency and fate of nanomaterials is strongly dictated by their properties and interactions with soil constituents which is also critically discussed in this review. Investigations into the remediation applications and fate of nanoparticles in soil remain scarce and are mostly limited to laboratory studies. Once entered in the soil system, nanomaterials may affect the soil quality and plant growth which is discussed in context of their effects on nutrient release in target soils, soil biota, soil organic matter and plant morphological and physiological responses. The mechanisms involved in uptake and translocation of nanomaterials within plants and associated defense mechanisms have also been discussed. Future research directions have been identified to promote the research into sustainable development of nano-enabled agriculture.
TL;DRThe recent developments on applications of nanotechnology in agriculture including crop production and protection with emphasis on nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanobiosensors and nano-enabled remediation strategies for contaminated soils are reviewed. (Semantic Scholar)