Nanotechnology: An Overview

Abstract

Chemical fertilizers boost the agriculture production, in spite of low plant uptake efficiency and high nutrient losses. Besides, due to price escalation of conventional fertilizers and other environmental constraints, research is now focused to exploit sustainable agricultural approaches. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of precision agriculture to make crop production cost-effective and eco-friendly. Many researchers foresee nanotechnology to develop high-tech agricultural fields, equipped with intelligent nano-tools that allow limited inputs to get higher outputs. It helps to develop novel and effective agrochemicals in the form of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides for plant protection and nutrition and thus aids in sustainable smart agriculture. This chapter is focused on methods of preparation of nano-engineered active ingredients of fertilizers and pesticides and their formulation to nano-carriers for their controlled release and targeted delivery. Attempt has been made to cover various benefits of these formulations over conventional fertilizers and pesticides besides discussing the possible threats posed by these chemical nano-formulations to the human and environmental health.