Using Nanomaterials for Sustainable Soil Fertilization

The increasing demand for food production under constrained natural resources has intensified the need for agricultural systems that combine productivity with environmental sustainability. In this context, nanotechnology has gained attention as an enabling approach for improving agricultural efficiency through the application of functionalized nanoparticles. These materials can influence plant performance through multiple pathways, including direct physiological effects, alterations in soil physical and chemical characteristics, and interactions with rhizosphere microbial communities. Beyond nutrient delivery, nanoparticles may modify soil structure, nutrient dynamics, and biological activity, thereby affecting plant, soil, and microbe relationships. This chapter provides an integrated overview of nanoparticle behavior in agricultural systems, focusing on their interactions with plants, soils, and microorganisms, and discusses their potential contributions and limitations in the development of more sustainable farming practices.