Nanofertilizers—synthesis, advantages, and the current status

The application of conventional fertilizers lacks efficiency. Using current practices, a large fraction of applied nutrients either never reaches their target or is not available for plant uptake. Nanotechnology and scientific advances in materials nanoscience offered the ability to manipulate, assemble, control, and manufacture matter at the nanoscale enabling the production of materials for more targeted spatial and/or temporal delivery of fertilizers. These strategies could significantly improve the efficiency of fertilizer delivery, while reducing their losses and preventing collateral environmental pollution. This chapter focuses on nanoparticles’ (NP) unique properties that enabled controlled release of nutrients at plants roots, seeds, and leaves. It describes design and synthesis approaches for nanofertilizers that allow better control of nutrient delivery, uptake, transport, and reactivity. It also provides insight into the physical–chemical properties of nanostructure needed to better control nano–bio interactions and the translocation of NPs in planta, thus increasing nutrients’ bioavailability, notably by leveraging nanotechnology advances in nanodrug delivery systems.