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Al-Juthery, et al.

structure, enabling better water retention to support root enhancing crop productivity, their mechanisms of action,
growth and facilitating the gaseous exchange necessary and their advantages over conventional fertilizers are
for healthy crop development. 32,33 discussed.
A quantitative representation of the role of
nanobiofertilizers in sustaining soil fertility is shown 4.1. Mechanisms of action of nano-biofertilizers
in Figure 1. The chart illustrates six key functional The primary functions of nano-biofertilizers are
contributions: (i) “Improved nutrient absorption” (20%) improving nutrient use efficiency in crops, inducing
highlights the enhanced efficiency of nutrient uptake due beneficial microbial activity, and enhancing soil
to nanoscale delivery systems; (ii) “Enhanced microbial structure. Simply put, these fertilizers are engineered
activity” (18%) refers to the stimulation of beneficial to deliver nutrients to plants in controlled and targeted
soil microorganisms facilitated by nano-encapsulated manners at the nanoscale. 35,36 Due to their small size,
inoculants; (iii) “Soil structure enhancement” (17%) nanoparticles have a large surface area that allows close
includes improved soil porosity and aggregation contact with roots for more effective nutrient uptake by
resulting from increased microbial exudates; plants. In addition, biofertilizers contain beneficial
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(iv) “Long-term soil sustainability” (15%) reflects microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and
the cumulative effect of balanced nutrient release and phosphate-solubilizing fungi, which enhance nutrient
ecological compatibility; (v) “Reduction in chemical availability and absorption. 38,39
fertilizers” (15%) demonstrates how nano-formulations One of the most important mechanisms through which
reduce the need for synthetic inputs; and (vi) “Increase nano-biofertilizers act is by releasing essential nutrients
in organic matter” (15%) indicates the build-up of from otherwise inaccessible forms. For example, nano-
carbon and organic residues due to microbial and plant- encapsulated nitrogen fertilizers reduce nitrogen losses
soil interactions. These interconnected roles reinforce due to leaching and volatilization, ensuring a steady
the multifunctional benefits of nano-biofertilizers in supply of nitrogen to crops. Similarly, nano-phosphorus
improving soil health over time. fertilizers increase phosphorus solubilization and
uptake, promoting proper root growth and higher crop
4. The role of nano-biofertilizers in plant yields.
growth and yield
4.2. Advantages of nano-biofertilizers over
Over the years, nano-biofertilizers have attracted conventional fertilizers
mounting attention as a sustainable approach to Conventional fertilizers have a significant drawback
stimulate plant growth and improve agricultural output. compared to nano-biofertilizers: They are often highly
This is due to the synergistic effects of nanotechnology inefficient in nutrient delivery and can be detrimental
and biological fertilizers, which enhance nutrient to the environment, as well as less effective in helping
availability and strengthen plant growth and soil health plants cope with stress conditions. Conventional
while minimizing pollution from fertilizer applications. fertilizers frequently leach nutrients, causing pollution
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In this paper, the critical role of nano-biofertilizers in of both soil and water. In contrast, nano-biofertilizers
release nutrients in a controlled manner, thereby
reducing environmental degradation caused by nutrient
wastage. 40,41 Moreover, the microbial components
of biofertilizers improve soil organic matter and soil
fertility, providing long-term benefits for sustainable
agriculture. 42,43
Another major advantage of nano-biofertilizers
is their potential to increase plant tolerance to abiotic
stresses such as drought, salinity, and metal toxicity.
Studies have shown that plants treated with nano-
biofertilizers exhibit improved drought tolerance linked
to increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. This
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Figure 1. The role of nano-biofertilizers in sustaining effect is particularly important given the increasing
soil fertility impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 18 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123