Metal Nanoparticles in Agriculture: A Review of Possible Use
Source abstract
Abstract
Deterioration of soils over the years has led to a decline in crop yields and nutritional qualities, resulting from the oversupply of conventional fertilizers, which are unsustainable, costly and pose a threat to the environment. Nanoparticles are gaining a reputation in the field of agriculture for the remediation of soil degradation in a sustainable way. Recently, they have been recognized as potential fertilizers with properties that make them more absorbable and readily available for plant use than their bulk counterpart. However, there is less literature elaborating on the use of nanoparticles as agro-inputs for crop nutrition and protection. This review, therefore, provides insights into the application of nanoscaled nutrient elements such as silver, zinc, copper, iron, titanium, magnesium and calcium as fertilizers. In addition, the review explains the need for utilizing green synthesized nanomaterials as one of the ways to palliate the use of environmentally toxic chemicals in the cropping system and discusses the various benefits of nanoparticles, ranging from plant growth stimulation to defence against pathogens.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Heavy metals in environment
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology College of Graduates Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
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