Nano-sized metal oxide fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: balancing benefits, risks, and risk management strategies

Abstract

This critical review comprehensively analyses nano-sized metal oxide fertilizers (NMOFs) and their transformative potential in sustainable agriculture. It examines the characteristics and benefits of different NMOFs, such as zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, calcium, titanium, cerium, and silicon oxide nanoparticles. NMOFs offer unique advantages such as increased reactivity, controlled-release mechanisms, and targeted nutrient delivery to address micronutrient deficiencies, enhance crop resilience, and improve nutrient efficiency. The review underscores the essential role of micronutrients in plant metabolism, crop growth, and ecosystem health, highlighting their importance alongside macronutrients. NMOFs present significant benefits over traditional fertilizers, including enhanced plant uptake, reduced nutrient losses, and decreased environmental impact. However, the review also critically examines potential risks associated with NMOFs, such as nanoparticle toxicity and environmental persistence. A comparative analysis of different metal types used in nanofertilizers is provided, detailing their primary advantages and potential drawbacks. The review emphasizes the need for cautious management of NMOFs to ensure their safe and effective use in agriculture. It calls for comprehensive research to understand the long-term effects of NMOFs on plant health, soil ecosystems, and human health. By integrating insights from material science, plant biology, and environmental science, this review offers a holistic perspective on the potential of NMOFs to address global food security challenges amid resource constraints and climate change. The study concludes by outlining future research directions and advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance sustainable agricultural practices and optimize the benefits of NMOFs.