13-November-2024-Editorial

NANO-COATED FERTILISERS

Nano-coated fertilisers represent a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural technology, particularly in nutrient delivery.

Recently, Indian scientists developed nano-coated muriate of potash, a form of nano fertiliser, aimed at enhancing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of traditional fertilisers.

These nano-coated fertilisers not only support efficient nutrient absorption but also improve crop yield, soil fertility, and reduce environmental impacts.

About Nano Fertilisers

Nano fertilisers are traditional fertilisers coated with nanomaterials (particles in the 1–100 nanometre range).

These coatings allow for a controlled and sustained release of nutrients into the soil, enhancing nutrient availability to plants over a prolonged period.

Composition of Nano Fertilisers:

Inorganic Components:

• Metal Oxides:Common options include zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), and silver oxide (AgO).
• Silica Nanoparticles:Known for high surface area, compatibility with plants, and stability, aiding growth under challenging conditions.
• Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids:Provide essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.

Organic Components:

• Chitosan:A natural, biodegradable material that aids in effective nutrient delivery.
• Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Materials such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes boost seed germination and chlorophyll and protein levels.

Types of Nano Fertilisers

• Nanoscale Coating Fertilisers: Nutrients are encapsulated within a nano-layer for slow and controlled release, providing plants with a steady nutrient supply.
• Nanoscale Additive Fertilisers: Nutrients are bound to nano-sized materials to ensure gradual and stable availability to plants.
• Nanoporous Fertilisers: Nano-porous materials allow nutrients to release slowly, optimizing plant absorption and minimizing waste.

Applications in Agriculture

Precision Agriculture:

• Nano fertilisers enable precise fertiliser and water usage, reducing waste and conserving resources.
• With precision agriculture, controlled inputs lead to higher yields compared to conventional farming methods.

Soil and Plant Health:

• Nano fertilisers improve several physiological functions, including seed germination, nitrogen assimilation, photosynthesis, and tolerance to environmental stresses, leading to healthier crops.

Long-Term Soil Fertility:

• Slow release of nutrients from nano fertilisers aids in maintaining or enhancing soil fertility for sustained productivity.

Advantages of Nano Fertilisers

• Enhanced Nutrient Efficiency: Nano fertilisers minimize nutrient losses due to leaching, runoff, and degradation, boosting soil fertility and efficiency.
• Improved Crop Yields: The steady, controlled nutrient release promotes better plant growth, resulting in higher crop yields over time.
• High Surface Area and Deep Penetration: Nano fertilisers’ large surface area allows better uptake by plant roots and enhances nutrient penetration into the soil.
• Biofortification Potential: Nano fertilisers can improve the nutritional value of crops by supplying critical micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and iodine through biofortification.
• Environmental Benefits: Nano fertilisers reduce the harmful effects associated with traditional fertilisers, like runoff and soil pollution, supporting sustainable farming.
• Cost-Efficiency: While traditional urea has a low nutrient efficiency (about 25%), nano urea boasts an efficiency of up to 85–90%, lowering the need for frequent applications and reducing costs.
• Compatibility with Biofertilisers: Nano fertilisers support beneficial soil microorganisms, enhancing nitrogen fixation and fostering a healthy rhizosphere for plant growth.

Challenges in Using Nano Fertilisers

• Environmental Impact: Potential ecotoxicity of nano fertilisers to soil, water, and non-target organisms is a concern.
• Human Health Risks: Due to their small size, nanoparticles may easily penetrate biological systems, posing potential health risks.
• Effects on Soil Microorganisms: Metal-based nanoparticles might disrupt soil ecosystems by harming beneficial microbes essential for soil fertility.
• Lack of Regulations: Currently, there is inadequate legislation to regulate nano fertiliser usage, leading to uncertainties about their safety and effectiveness.
• Bioaccumulation Risks: Persistent use may lead to a build-up of nanoparticles in the food chain, which is a long-term environmental and health risk.
• Decreased Crop Yields in Some Cases: Studies have observed a decrease in crop yields, such as a 21.6% reduction in wheat and a 13% reduction in rice yields, associated with nano urea application.

Way Forward

• Support for Small Farmers: Leveraging abundant resources like phosphate rock can make nano phosphate fertilisers more accessible for small-scale farmers.
• Wider Access to Nano Fertilisers: Increasing farmer access to nano fertilisers through initiatives like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and training programs can promote adoption.
• Regulation and Standardisation: Clear regulations are essential to ensure the safe, effective, and sustainable use of nano fertilisers.
• Research and Development: Ongoing research on the interactions of nanoparticles with plants and soil, including potential toxicity, is vital for safe adoption.
• Biodegradable Nanomaterials: Using eco-friendly nanomaterials from plants or microbes can minimize potential toxicity and reduce environmental risks.

Conclusion:

Nano fertilisers present an exciting opportunity to advance agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm. By enabling controlled nutrient delivery, they improve crop yields, nutrient efficiency, and soil health. However, challenges such as environmental impacts, health concerns, and regulatory gaps must be addressed to fully harness their potential in sustainable agriculture.