Nanofertilizers: A Promising Approach to Boost Plant Health and Yield

The excessive and mostly unregulated use of synthetic chemical fertilizers to cope with the rising global food demand has a constant detrimental effect on farming ecosystems as well as the quality of food supply through fertilized produce (various contaminants, loss of gross nutritional value, etc.). Hence, it’s vital to reduce the bioburden on farming ecosystems through sustainable alternatives without compromising food quality, produce yield, or comprehensively, food security. A nanohybrid solution like nanofertilizers (NFs) could be a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers. NFs have several proven advantages, including improved growth promotion in crops, ease of consistent delivery, enhancement of gross biomass, and aiding in the development of resistance against multiple stress factors. Furthermore, the implementation of nanomaterials in post-harvest processes through different bioprotectants and nanosensors can reduce petroleum footprints in the ecosystem. Hence, NFs seem to be a good alternative to chemical fertilizers. However, while the multi-faceted applications and advantages of NFs have opened new vistas to promote and incorporate them in sustainable agricultural practices, their dosage and toxicity concerns should be addressed before their full potential can be exploited with more certainty.