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Nano-biofertilizers for sustainable soil and environment

(iii) Enhancing carbon sequestration, which contributes rate, right time, and right place), thereby enhancing
to mitigating the impacts of climate change. 19 productivity and resource-use efficiency. As such,
nano-biofertilizers are well-aligned with the evolving
Nano-biofertilizers help conserve soil biodiversity, framework of data-driven, smart agriculture. 68,69
promoting the sustainable management of soil fertility.
They support the development of a balanced soil 7.2. Balanced perspective: Agronomic benefits
ecosystem and ensure that soils remain productive and versus environmental risks
viable as a resource for future generations. Nano-biofertilizers offer clear agronomic benefits, but a

balanced analysis must also acknowledge their potential
7. Role of nano-biofertilizers in environmental drawbacks. On the benefits side, nano-biofertilizers can
protection and sustainability significantly improve nutrient use efficiency and crop

productivity. Studies indicate that nano-formulations can
Agricultural productivity and sustainability are increase plant nutrient uptake and yields by up to 30%
becoming increasingly important in light of rising compared to conventional fertilizers. For example,
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global food demand and growing environmental controlled nano-nutrient delivery has been shown to
degradation. While conventional chemical fertilizers boost chlorophyll content and root growth, translating
have been effective in boosting crop productivity, into higher biomass and grain yield. These fertilizers
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they pose significant environmental risks, including also enhance stress tolerance (e.g., drought and salinity)
land degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse and stimulate beneficial soil microbes, contributing to
gas emissions. In response, nano-biofertilizers have long-term soil fertility. In summary, nano-biofertilizers
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emerged as sustainable alternatives that enhance plant can maintain high yields with smaller doses, potentially
growth while minimizing ecological harm. This section reducing nutrient leaching and environmental pollution.
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discusses the role of nano-biofertilizers in promoting On the limitations and environmental risks side, it
environmental protection and long-term sustainability. is important to recognize that engineered nanoparticles
may pose ecological challenges. Unlike conventional
7.1. Integration with precision agriculture: Remote fertilizers, which typically dissolve or biodegrade, some
sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) nanoparticles are persistent and may accumulate in soil
The integration of nano-biofertilizers with precision with repeated applications. Persistent nanoparticles
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agriculture technologies – such as remote sensing, could affect soil health and ecosystem dynamics if
drones, and AI—represents a forward-looking they accumulate faster than they degrade. For instance,
approach to sustainable farming. Remote sensing tools excessive or improper use of nano-fertilizers can result
(e.g., satellites, drones, and field sensors) can detect in nanoparticle pollution, which may adversely impact
spatial variations in nutrient deficiencies, allowing plant growth and soil biota. Moreover, research shows
targeted application of nano-biofertilizers only where that nano-fertilizer applications can alter the composition
needed. This minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. of soil microbial communities, with both beneficial
For example, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and deleterious effects. Certain nanoparticles (e.g.,
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maps generated by drones can guide site-specific ZnO, copper [II] oxide) at high concentrations have
applications via smart sprayers, reducing both input cost been found to reduce microbial diversity and activity.
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and environmental impact. Additionally, sensors based A recent meta-analysis reported that nanomaterials
on the Internet of Things and AI systems can optimize reduced soil microbial biomass by ~14% on average
nutrient application timing and dosage by predicting and slightly decreased microbial diversity, highlighting
crop nutrient demands or stress conditions. Nanosensors this concern. Disruption of beneficial microbes (such
embedded in the soil can monitor nitrate levels in as nitrogen-fixers or decomposers) could negatively
real time, transmitting data to AI models that trigger affect nutrient cycling and soil health. Nanoparticles
precise foliar applications. Because nano-formulations may also harm non-target organisms (e.g., earthworms
are typically in liquid or fine particle form, they are and insects) and can enter water bodies through surface
well-suited for modern variable-rate applicators and runoff. Laboratory studies have noted phytotoxic effects
drone-based spraying systems. Countries such as India at high nanoparticle doses, including inhibited seed
have already piloted drone-based nano-urea applications germination and chlorosis in plants exposed to certain
with promising outcomes. This integration supports the metal oxide nanoparticles. Given these uncertainties,
“4R” nutrient stewardship strategy (right source, right researchers emphasize the need for thorough, long-term

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 23 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025160123