Nanoparticles for Plant Growth, Soil Health, and Climate Mitigation

Chemical fertilizers have been vital to crop production since the Green Revolution, but they also pose significant environmental risks. Nutrient loss from agricultural fields through leaching and gas emissions significantly contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. To sustainably feed the growing population, it is crucial to enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental impact. Nanotechnology offers an innovative solution to improve NUE with a minimal ecological footprint, supply essential nutrients to plants, and promote sustainable food production without compromising crop yields. This chapter explores how nano-fertilizers enhance plant growth and development by improving nutrient uptake, transport, and utilization at cellular and molecular levels. It also examines their role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils and provides practical guidelines for their safe and effective application.