Sustainable Approach of Carbon Nanodots: Agro-Applications for Soil Health

Carbon is an essential element for all living organisms. This element has unique properties which increased its potential day by day. The nano-form of such element can be found in several patterns such as carbon nanodots (CNDs). Carbon nanodots refer to quasi-spherical nanoparticles of carbon which mainly consist of an amorphous structural core. The current mini-review involves the carbon-based nanomaterials with focus on carbon nanodots, their synthesis (chemical and green pathways) and characterization, agro-applications, CNDs for soil health, nanotoxicity of CNDs. This study may answer many questions on the CNDs including; what is the potential of CNDs in sustainable agriculture? What are the main agricultural applications of CNDs for soil health? Due to their unique properties, CNDs have a distinguished potential in many agricultural applications, such as nanocarriers, sensors, light converters, seed treatments, nanofertilizers, and as a potential agent to control plant-pathogens. Several advantages of CNDs can be noticed including the increased microbial activity, better nutrient availability, and reduced soil pollutants. These nano-enabled methods also can be anticipated to play a pivotal role in the forthcoming agricultural techno-revolution by providing sustainable ways to manage biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture. The environmental dimension of the expected toxic of CNDs is a crucial global issue that needs more concerns. Further studies are needed for more discover and explanations on CNDs.