From degradation to regeneration: nano-based solutions for global soil health and fertility challenges

Abstract Global food security and sustainability are at risk due to the startling decline in soil fertility and functionality brought on by industrialization, intensive agriculture, and climate stress. Because of its special qualities, including high surface-area-to-volume ratios, increased reactivity, and controlled-release capabilities, nanotechnology presents a revolutionary path for sustainable soil remediation and fertility enhancement. In order to remediate heavy metals and organic pollutants through adsorption, redox interactions, and photocatalysis, this review examines the uses of important nanomaterials, such as metal-based (such as FeO₄, ZnO), carbon-based (such as graphene oxide, CNTs), and natural polymeric composites. The paper also glances at how nano-fertilizers and nano-bioformulations can increase soil microbial activity, decrease losses, and improve nutrient-use efficiency. Concerns about field-level scalability, ecological hazards, regulatory ambiguities, and nanotoxicity still exist despite their potential. The review emphasizes that in order to responsibly integrate nanotechnology with precision agriculture and circular the bioeconomy models, strong risk assessment, policy frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration are required. This work promotes eco-innovative, field-validated, and socially acceptable nanotechnological approaches to restore soil health and accomplish sustainable agricultural intensification by combining recent research and highlighting important knowledge gaps. Graphical abstract