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Nano-biofertilizers for sustainable soil and environment

Various studies have also demonstrated that nano- exhibit faster and stronger impacts on crop growth, as
biofertilizers significantly enhance crop yield and nano-carriers provide immediate and efficient nutrient
productivity. For example, Meena et al. showed that delivery in addition to microbial benefits. For example,
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applying nano-biofertilizers to wheat increased grain field trials have reported that applying nutrients in nano
yield by 20 – 30% compared to traditional fertilizers. form (like nanourea) can achieve yields comparable
Similar trials conducted on maize and rice reported to or even higher than those achieved with standard
higher biomass, increased chlorophyll content, and fertilizer rates, despite using smaller quantities. In one
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greater grain yields following nano-biofertilizer study, foliar application of nano-urea allowed a 25%
application. 45,46 These findings clearly indicate that reduction in conventional urea usage with no yield loss
nano-biofertilizers can play a major role in improving in wheat and rice. Another experiment on soybeans
food security through sustainable agricultural practices. showed a ~20% higher seed yield when using nano-
Nano-biofertilizers combine nanoparticles with hydroxyapatite (a nano-phosphorus fertilizer) compared
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biological agents, including plant growth-promoting to traditional phosphate fertilizer. These results
bacteria, which have been widely observed to stimulate suggest nano-enhanced biofertilizers can outperform
plant growth and productivity (Table 3). traditional biofertilizers in terms of immediate yield
These studies indicate the potential for enhancing gains, owing to the controlled nutrient release and
certain plant parameters and yields by combining targeted uptake. However, recent evidence also cautions
biofertilizers with nanoparticles. However, in practice, that nanofertilizers are not a complete substitute for
the effectiveness of nano-biofertilizers may vary under bulk fertilizers in all cases. Adequate macronutrient
the same conditions in which conventional fertilizers supply is still required, and nano-formulations are most
often fail. Therefore, further organized research is effective as supplements to optimize efficiency rather
imperative to test formulations and application methods, than as replacements.
with the aim of optimizing their performance across When considering long-term soil health, nano-
different agroecological zones. biofertilizers offer additional advantages beyond
conventional formulations. Conventional biofertilizers
4.3. Comparison: Nano-biofertilizers versus are well-known for their contribution to long-term soil
conventional biofertilizers (yield and soil health) health. They help build organic matter, improve soil
The integration of nanotechnology with biofertilizers structure, and increase microbial diversity. Their effects
aims to overcome some limitations of traditional on soil fertility are cumulative over multiple growing
biofertilizers. In terms of crop yield under field seasons through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation
conditions, nano-biofertilizers demonstrate a clear or phosphorus solubilization, and they are valued for
advantage. Conventional biofertilizers (microbial being eco-friendly. Nano-biofertilizers aim to combine
inoculants) can improve yields by enhancing nutrient these long-term soil benefits with more immediate
availability and soil biological activity. However, nutrient delivery. As they incorporate beneficial
their effects are often gradual and variable, as they microbes and/or organic compounds, they continue to
rely on living organisms whose performance may be support soil biological health in much the same way as
inconsistent due to environmental stress or poor survival traditional biofertilizers. In addition, nano-carriers can
in the soil. In contrast, nano-biofertilizers typically protect microbes from environmental stress and ensure

Table 3. Summary of different types of nano-biofertilizers and their observed effects
Nano-biofertilizer composition Observed effects on plants References
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with Enhanced plant growth and nutrient uptake 47
Bacillus sp. CP4 and AHP3
Zinc oxide nanoparticles with Improved plant growth and nutrient absorption 47
Bacillus sp. CP4 and AHP3
Copper oxide nanoparticles with Increased plant growth metrics and nutrient uptake 47
Bacillus sp. CP4 and AHP3
Silicon dioxide nano-fertilizers Increased nitrogen and phosphorus content in plants; decreased 48
sodium content; improved plant growth and yield
Nano-biofertilizer capsules Enhanced plant growth physiology and yield 49

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 19 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123