ROLE OF NANO-FERTILIZERS IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

With the growing shortage of arable land and water resources, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of resource use with minimal damage to the agricultural environment through the effective use of modern technologies. Among these technologies is nanotechnology that has the potential to revolutionize agricultural systems, environmental engineering, water resources, and many other fields. Nanotechnology is working with the smallest possible particles which raise hopes for improving agricultural productivity through encountering problems unsolved conventionally. In the management aspects, efforts are made to increase the efficiency of applied fertilizer with the help of nano clays and zeolites and restoration of soil fertility by releasing fixed nutrients. Nano structured formulation through mechanisms such as targeted delivery or slow/controlled release mechanisms and conditional release, could release their active ingredients in response to environmental triggers and biological demands more precisely. Studies show that the use of nano-fertilizers causes an increase in nutrients use efficiency, reduces soil toxicity, minimizes the potential negative effects associated with over dosage and reduces the frequency of the application. Hence, nanotechnology has a high potential for achieving sustainable agriculture, especially in developing countries.