Nanotechnology for improved carbon management in soil

Abstract

Agriculture today is at crossroads facing challenge of efficient food production due to a growing population burden and a shrinking arable land base and water resources. Current important challenges of agriculture include, but not limited to, food security, sustainability of natural resources, improving nutrient use efficiency, production of nutrient-enriched agriculture for maintaining human health and healthy life, and climate change. In the era of climate change, nanotechnology could be useful in mitigating climate change by trapping C in terrestrial pools. The nanomaterials due to their unique properties at nanoscale are reported to enhance carbon stabilization and its possible sequestration in soil. However, contradictory reports on the potential impact of nanomaterials on soil microorganisms are one of the major reasons to limit the adoption of this technology at large scale for mitigating climate change. Nevertheless, continuous efforts are needed to explore the possibility of nanotechnology in C sequestration without compromising ecosystem productivity for developing a climate smart agriculture. This chapter aimed at highlighting the potential of nanomaterials for improved C management in soil and the future research prospects in nanotechnology research pertaining to soil carbon study.