Nano technology based P fertilizers for higher efficiency and agriculture sustainability

Abstract

Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is a critical parameter for determining sustainability of crop production systems. Under the current fertilization practices involving conventional fertilizers, the NUE ranges 30–40% for N-fertilizers and 18–20% for P-based fertilizers. Apparently, only a fraction of these nutrients is available for crop growth and yield formation. In contrast, a relevant amount of fertilizers is released into the environment annually, resulting in eutrophication and groundwater contamination that threatens environmental resources, public health, and economic investments. Thus, it will be essential to introduce agro technological innovations and revolutionary agri inputs. Nanotechnologies have the potential to produce a significant boost in crop yield along with improvement of food production systems. This innovation can lead to more precise application of nutrients along with saving of the nutrients. This review provides a critical view of the latest advances in nano fertilizer research, mainly referring to nano-hydroxyapatite based nanoparticles and other alternative nanotech based nanofertilizers.