Development Prospective and Challenges of Nanotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable intensification in agriculture with novel techniques proposed to achieve food security of burgeoning population across the world. Existing practices of crop production are becoming unsustainable. In this regard, nanotechnology (NT) can be a crucial driver for the imminent agri-tech revaluation which promises the sustainable food production. It offers plentiful applications in agriculture sector which include nano-fertilizers (NFs), nano-pesticides (NPs), and nano-herbicides (NHs) etc. NT helps indetermining the soil quality of different land use system and thus it sustains the soil health. Use NPs minimizes the application dose of notorious pesticides and its exposure to human beings. It also has significantly positive influences on germination, growth and development of crop plant. Before exploiting the NT, extensive research is needed to ascertain the risk and environmental issues associated with this technique. In this book chapter, we have elaborated the most promising areas and strategies for the implementation of NT in agriculture to enhance the quality of natural resources (land, water, energy) through better use efficiency of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides). In addition, challenges and risk assessments along with future strategy are also discussed in order to present this technique more viable for sustainable agro-ecosystem. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.