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Al-Juthery, et al.

fertilizers have a long history of providing essential In addition, studies have shown that nano-
nutrients to crops; however, their overuse has led to biofertilizers improve microbial diversity, leading to
soil degradation, disruptions to microbial activity, and better soil aggregation and more efficient decomposition
environmental pollution. In contrast, nano-biofertilizers of organic matter, both of which are key indicators of
offer a sustainable alternative by maximizing sustainable soil fertility. 9
nutrient efficiency and promoting microbial activity,
ultimately enhancing soil health. These advanced 6.3. Improvement of soil structure and organic matter
fertilizers combine nanotechnology and biofertilization Nano-biofertilizers may also indirectly improve soil
approaches to optimize nutrient delivery and ensure structure, porosity, and aggregation. Increased porosity
ecological sustainability. 17 and aggregation result in reduced soil compaction and
enhanced root-zone aeration. This, in turn, contributes
6.1. Nanotechnology innovations in nano- to higher organic matter content by stimulating
biofertilizers for improved nutrient use efficiency microbial-driven carbon and nitrogen cycling. Nano-
The high surface area of nano-phosphorus helps control based amendments can help sustain long-term fertility
and reduces leaching and volatilization losses of the by reducing soil erosion, improving water-holding
applied phosphorus source. The slow and steady capacity, and enhancing the stability of organic
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release of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, matter. For instance, nano-clay and biochar-enhanced
and potassium improves plant uptake efficiency biofertilizers have reduced erosion while improving
while minimizing environmental contamination. water retention and organic matter stability, leading to
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For example, nitrogen nano-capacitated fertilizers greater long-term fertility sustainability. 62
can deliver nitrogen slowly and in a targeted manner,
reducing nitrogen losses commonly associated with 6.4. Reduction in chemical fertilizer dependency
conventional mineral fertilizers. Reducing the A key objective of sustainable agriculture is to reduce
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frequency of source material application can lead dependency on synthetic fertilizers. This goal is
to significant cost savings by minimizing resource increasingly being achieved through the use of nano-
wastage, a common issue with traditional fertilizer use. biofertilizers due to the following factors:
This enhances resource efficiency and is considered an (i) Enhanced nutrient retention and the requirement for
attractive investment factor, as optimal resource use is lower application rates of fertilizers. 19
one of the most important determinants of successful (ii) Reduced environmental pollution due to decreased
and sustainable agricultural investment. 61 nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions,
thereby minimizing ecological harm. 63
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6.2. Healthy soil microbiome (iii) Improved resistance of plants to abiotic stresses
Nano-biofertilizers also play a crucial role in promoting such as drought and salinity, though not necessarily
a healthy soil microbiome. Conventional chemical heavy metal toxicity.
fertilizers often harm beneficial microorganisms in the For example, nano-zinc biofertilizers have been
soil, leading to soil degradation and nutrient imbalances. shown to mitigate zinc toxicity – commonly observed
Gold nanoparticles doped with essential elements such with conventional zinc sulfate fertilizers – while
as zinc, iron, and silica have been shown to enhance simultaneously promoting plant growth. Another
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microbial growth, enzyme activities, and nitrogen example is nano-silica biofertilizers, which enhance
fixation. Microbial strains such as Azotobacter spp., resistance to disease and drought in crops by
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Rhizobium spp., and Bacillus spp. are commonly strengthening plant cell walls and improving water
included in nano-biofertilizers to promote healthy soils retention, as reported by Lateef et al. 65
and support plant growth. These strains contribute to
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the soil by: 6.5. Long-term soil fertility and sustainability
(i) Biological nitrogen fixation, which reduces reliance Nano-biofertilizers have the potential to sustain long-
on synthetic nitrogen sources. term soil fertility through several mechanisms:
(ii) Phosphate solubilization, which increases the (i) Maintaining soil pH at an equilibrium level by
availability of phosphorus to plants. gradually releasing nutrients into the soil solution.
(iii) Supporting the plant in initiating and developing (ii) Reducing salinization, thereby preventing the rapid
roots, enhancing nutrient uptake. buildup of chemical residues.

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