Utilization of Rice Husk-Derived Silica in Fertilizer and Pesticide Formulation

Rice husk, a by-product of rice production, is generated in significant quantities across rice-producing nations. Annually, over 150 million tons of rice husks are produced from rice fields worldwide. Utilization of rice husk or its derived silica in agriculture offers an eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative to traditional silica sources, promoting sustainable resource utilization and waste management. Silicon, a beneficial element for plant growth, exhibits growth-enhancing properties in plants. The application of nanoparticles in agriculture has emerged as an effective approach to crop production, addressing the escalating global demand for food. Rice husk, rice husk ash, and silica derived from rice husk have found extensive application in agriculture, serving as fertilizers, pesticides, and stress mitigators. This chapter explores various instances of their utilization in agricultural practices.