Harvesting the Future: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Engineered Nanoparticles (NPs) – A Comprehensive Review
摘要
Climate change, coupled with a rapidly growing global population, has introduced unprecedented challenges to agricultural productivity and crop resilience. With an estimated population of 9.7 billion expected within the next three decades, the pressure to secure sustainable food production has never been more critical. To overcome challenges, innovative solutions are required to enhance food production while minimising environmental impact. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool in this regard, offering a wide range of applications in agriculture to address the evolving needs of modern farming. Moreover, nanotechnology has been subjected to other applications like nano fertilizers and nano pesticides, which can precisely manage nutrient levels and protect crops against pests and diseases. Various nanomaterials are used as sensors to monitor soil quality, crop health, and productivity while preventing soil and water contamination. This review discusses recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of various types of nanoparticles, including organic, inorganic and carbon-based nanoparticles, and their specific roles in enhancing crop growth and resilience. It highlights the significant strides made in the development of nanotechnology-driven solutions to boost crop yield, improve pest and disease management, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The review concludes by emphasizing the potential of engineered nanoparticles to contribute to global food security and the future of sustainable agriculture.