Nano-fertiliser and its role in sustainable crop production–A review

Globally, the agricultural system faces an escalating challenge in providing food to the ever-growing population. Farmers are intensively using commercial synthetic fertilisers to increase agricultural production. Consequently, a larger quantity of applied fertilisers gets lost through leaching, runoff, gaseous emissions, and soil fixation, causing environmental pollution (soil, water, and air) and health issues. In this context, applying nano-fertilisers provides an efficient substitute for traditional fertilisers, which is environmentally sustainable. Nano-formulation of nano-fertiliser with less than 100 nm particle size supplies nutrients more precisely, and exploits plant unavailable nutrients in the rhizospheric zone. Stomatal pores at leaves allow deep penetration of nano-fertiliser due to its smaller size, resulting in higher efficiency in nutrient use. However, applying nano-fertiliser shows a beneficial effect on crops up to a certain level. It also adversely impacts crops, environment, and human health unless used appropriately. In the present investigation, we conducted a comprehensive review to study the application of nano-fertiliser in agriculture production as the best substitute for commercial fertiliser. We can reduce our dependence on commercial synthetic fertilisers, mitigate environmental pollution, and encourage sustainable agriculture practices by connecting the potential of nano-fertilisers. The outcomes propose that nano-fertilisers are a popular substitute nutrient source, suggesting a sustainable and efficient solution for agricultural production.