The Role of Nanotechnology in Plant Nutrition . A Review

Nanotechnology is a type of science that deals with a tiny volume of material ranged from 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoscale materials (NSs) acquires new properties compared to the original form of the same material. These phenomena are attributed to a surface area dedicated to nanoparticles (NPs). Regarding this type of fertilizers, through which they are used as smart delivery systems, they are manufactured by chemical, physical or biological methods, for improving their properties and composition, which in turn improves crop productivity. Also, these nanometric fertilizers are superior than traditional fertilizers in the efficiency of their absorption (Nutrient Use Efficiency) and activation of the metabolic processes inside the plant due to the higher surface area of their molecules, use of less quantities with greater effectiveness and their supply to plants with their needs of nutrients for longer periods compared to the traditional forms of nutrients and positively improve the biochemical content of crop and its quality. Regarding the role of nano-fertilizers in the development of crops, several researchers have shown that the use of nano-fertilizers can deliver nutrients directly to the zone of roots by avoiding swift changes in the chemical composition of soil nutrients, thereby reducing loss of nutrients, and improving the efficiency of use. In addition, to preserving depression by reducing the loss of nutrients that cause pollution, but one must be careful in applying its rate. Based on the above, we may infer that nanotechnology has made a significant and effective contribution to plant nutrition, especially through the use of smart fertilizers such as NFs, which have been suggested to improve total nutrient usage efficiency (NUE) values by regulating and slowing nutrient release in order to help manage the long-term nutrient needs of crops.