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Nano-biofertilizers for sustainable soil and environment

2.4. Advantages of nano-biofertilizers activities in the soil increased after nanobiofertilizer
Table 2 summarizes the various environmental and application, making nitrogen and phosphorus more
agricultural benefits of nano-biofertilizers compared to available. 25,26 Such improvements in nutrient efficiency
their conventional counterparts. directly contribute to increased agricultural output and
soil fertility.
3. The role of nano-biofertilizers in soil fertility
and health 3.2. Impact on soil microbial communities
Microbial populations are key determinants of soil
Soil fertility is a crucial factor influencing soil health health due to their diversity and functional roles.
and its capacity to support productivity. It has been Nano-biofertilizers elevate populations of beneficial
recognized that while conventional fertilizers have bacteria such as Rhizobium, which fixes nitrogen, and
been widely applied to improve soil fertility, over- Pseudomonas, which solubilizes phosphates. 27,28 The
reliance on them often results in soil compaction, which use of nano-biofertilizers has been shown to improve
can contribute to nutrient leaching and environmental microbial biomass and enzymatic activities critical
pollution. 20,21 Nano-biofertilizers, which combine for the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient
nanotechnology with biofertilizers, have therefore been recycling. In addition, nanoparticles such as nano-
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proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative that silica and nano-zinc have been reported to suppress
stimulates microbial activity and enhances overall soil pathogenic microbes while promoting the growth of
health. beneficial ones. This dual effect supports soil health and
reduces the incidence of soil-borne diseases. 30,31
3.1. Nano-biofertilizers and mechanisms in soil
fertility 3.3. Sustainability and environmental benefits
The use of nanoparticle-based formulations combined Conventional fertilizers, in addition to supplying
with biofertilizers to enhance nutrient availability nutrients, often cause nutrient runoff, leading to
and microbial activity in soil is referred to as nano- eutrophication. On the contrary, nano-biofertilizers
biofertilizers. Nanoparticles serve as carriers for enhance nutrient use efficiency, reducing nutrient
nutrients and beneficial organisms, improving their losses to the environment. Their slow-release properties
stability and efficacy. 22,23 For example, observed ensure that nutrients are supplied to plants over an
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increased nitrogen availability in soil through slow- extended period, reducing the frequency of applications
release techniques, which consequently decreased and minimizing environmental contamination. Nano-
dependency on chemical fertilizers. Nano-biofertilizers biofertilizers also promote microbial decomposition of
also stimulate soil enzyme activity, a primary factor in plant residues and organic fertilizers, thereby increasing
nutrient cycling. Specifically, urease and phosphatase soil organic matter content. This, in turn, improves soil

Table 1. Types and main functions of nano-biofertilizers with key references
Type Main function References
Nano-nitrogen biofertilizers Enhance biological nitrogen fixation and minimize Nitrogen losses 10
Nano-phosphate solubilizing bacteria Increase phosphorus solubilization and availability 9
Nano-potassium biofertilizers Improve potassium uptake and soil cation exchange capacity 16
Nano-zinc biofertilizers Boost enzyme activity and micronutrient absorption 15
Nano-silica biofertilizers Increase plant resistance to drought and pathogens 17

Table 2. Environmental and agronomic benefits of nano-biofertilizers compared to traditional fertilizers
Benefit Description References
Higher nutrient efficiency Reduces nutrient losses and improves plant uptake 5
Enhanced microbial function Promotes soil biodiversity and nitrogen fixation 18
Reduction in chemical fertilizers Decreases synthetic fertilizer dependency 12
Eco-friendly and sustainable Limits soil pollution and groundwater contamination 19

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 17 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123