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Al-Juthery, et al.
typically leads to nutrient leaching, soil degradation, of nano-biofertilizers has emerged. These involve the
and water pollution. On the contrary, nano-biofertilizers combination of microbial inoculants with nanoparticles
release nutrients gradually and more efficiently deliver to improve nutrient uptake, stimulate microbial activity,
the specific nutrients that plants need. This approach and maintain healthy, living soils. 7
allows for reduced fertilizer application, thereby
significantly decreasing potential environmental harm. 2.1. Defining nano-biofertilizers
Garg et al. support the view that nano-biofertilizers Nano-biofertilizers represent a new generation of
1
enhance nutrient availability, resulting in improved fertilizers that include:
plant growth and yield. The inclusion of beneficial (i) Nanoparticles: Serve as nutrient carriers, enhancing
microbes in nano-biofertilizers likely contributes to bioavailability and enabling controlled nutrient
soil health, as these organisms are involved in nutrient release.
solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and suppression of (ii) Biofertilizers: These are microbial substances
soil-borne pathogens. According to Sambangi et al., containing beneficial microorganisms such as
2
the application of nano-biofertilizers containing plant Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Mycorrhizae, and
growth-promoting rhizobacteria improves microbial phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which play crucial
activity and soil fertility. roles in biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus
Another main benefit of the nano-biofertilizer is solubilization, and plant growth promotion. 8
environmental protection. They help reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and water pollution caused by nutrient 2.2. Mechanisms of action
runoff, as they lower the dependency on chemical Nano-biofertilizers function through multiple
fertilizers. Nanophosphorus fertilizers, for instance, mechanisms, including nutrient delivery, soil retention,
enhance plant growth with minimal environmental and plant uptake, which collectively make them superior
harm, as the applied doses are not excessive, an effect to conventional fertilizers. 9
demonstrated by Miranda-Villagómez et al. Separately, (i) Controlled nutrient release: Nanoparticles,
3
Madlala and Khanyile indicated that the physical particularly in nanofertilizers, enable a slow and
4
properties of nanoparticles, such as size, shape, and controlled release of nutrients, thereby reducing
crystallinity, significantly influence the efficiency of leaching losses and enhancing nutrient-use
nutrient utilization by plants. The study also confirmed efficiency. A critical aspect is the improvement
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that agglomeration and nanoscale loss could reduce of nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, as both
the effectiveness of nanofertilizers, highlighting the nutrients are commonly lost through volatilization
importance of standardizing preparation and analysis and runoff. 11
methods to ensure reproducibility. (ii) Enhanced microbial activity: Nano-biofertilizers can
In summary, nano-biofertilizers represent a improve the viability and effectiveness of beneficial
forward-looking approach to sustainable agriculture. soil microorganisms. For example, nano-silica
They enhance nutrient efficiency uptake, support soil and nano-chitosan support microbial safety and
microbial health, and are environmentally friendly, promote the growth of probiotic bacteria. Enzyme
12
positioning them as a vital component of future farming activity in soil, which contributes to enhanced
practices. nutrient bioavailability, is also improved by nano-
zinc biofertilizers. 13
2. The concept of nano-biofertilizers: A (iii) Improved plant nutrient uptake: Nanoparticles
scientific perspective promote better root penetration and improved
mobility of nutrients in the soil, leading to more
The ever-increasing demand for sustainable agriculture efficient uptake of essential elements by plants.
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worldwide has initiated a new trend: Nano-biofertilizers, Studies have shown that nano-biofertilizers increase
which combine nanotechnology with biofertilization root biomass and chlorophyll content, two effects
to improve soil fertility, enhance crop productivity, directly linked to enhanced crop yield. 15
optimize nutrient use, and minimize environmental
harm. Conventional fertilizers have been widely 2.3. Types of nano-biofertilizers
used for decades, but their overuse has led to soil Table 1 presents the development of nano-biofertilizers
degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. targeting different nutrient deficiencies and soil
5,6
In the context of nutrient management, the concept conditions.
Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 16 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123