Influence of Nanoparticles in Orchestrating Plant Growth and Development

Plants are crucial to Earth’s ecosystems, forming the base of food chains as primary producers. The need to feed increasing populations has driven the adoption of intensive farming practices, which have diminished soil fertility and prompted the use of fertilizers to restore it. Unfortunately, traditional fertilizers have low nutrient use efficiency and the chemical fertilizers have adverse impact on the environment. To enhance plant productivity without eroding our environment, it is necessary to develop new fertilizers that release mineral nutrients as per the needs of plants and have minimal or no impact on other aspects of ecosystem. Nanotechnology offers a promising solution to these limitations. Engineered nanoparticles can encapsulate essential nutrients and release them in a controlled manner, tailored to specific crops and soil conditions, thereby improving soil fertility. The careful market introduction of nano-fertilizers will support sustainable development goals by increasing agricultural productivity while protecting the environment.