Benefits, risks, and future prospectives of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture: a review

Modern agriculture is under increasing pressure to meet the food demands of a growing global population while reducing the environmental and health impacts associated with intensive chemical inputs. This study aims to evaluate the role of nanotechnology in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on its applications in crop nutrition, crop protection, soil and water management, and post-harvest preservation. The review highlights that nano-fertilizers, particularly those containing essential nutrients such as zinc, phosphorus, and nitrogen, significantly improve nutrient use efficiency, enhance photosynthetic performance, and increase plant resilience to abiotic stress compared to conventional fertilizers. Similarly, nano-pesticides and nano-herbicides enable targeted and controlled delivery of active compounds, resulting in reduced agrochemical usage and minimized adverse effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. In addition, nanomaterials contribute to soil health by improving water retention, nutrient availability, and overall fertility, while their application in water purification enhances irrigation quality. Post-harvest technologies, including antimicrobial nano-coatings and smart packaging systems, have also been shown to effectively extend shelf life and reduce food losses along the supply chain. These findings suggest that nanotechnology offers a promising pathway toward improving agricultural efficiency while addressing environmental sustainability concerns. However, further research is needed to assess long-term ecological impacts, scalability, and regulatory frameworks. Overall, the integration of nanotechnology into agricultural systems has the potential to support resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable food production for the future.