The use of new advances in nanotechnology in agriculture
Subject Areas : Journal of Quality and Durability of Agricultural Products and Food Stuffs
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Savadkooh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Savadkooh, Iran
Keywords: Agriculture, Nanotechnology, Biosensors, Nano-fertilizers, Nano-herbicides,
Abstract :
Industries such as building, energy, textiles, and pharmaceutical products rely on agriculture for food and raw materials. Recently, agriculture has been facing a multitude of concerns, such as climate change, soil degradation, decreasing land availability, urbanization, unsustainable use of natural resources, excessive use of agrochemicals, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. These alarming issues require immediate interventions. Conventional agricultural practices are unable to effectively address these challenges due to their complexity, labor-intensive nature, time-consuming processes, inefficiency, and high demand for crop nutrients. Additionally, the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals poses a significant threat to the ecosystem. In order to cope with current challenges, scientists, farmers and policymakers are therefore always looking for new techniques. Nanotechnology, as a new savior of sustainable agriculture, is emerging. In addition to precision agriculture, nanosensors have been used to detect crop pathogens and chemically harmful analytes in agricultural fields. Furthermore, the use of nanorobotics and nano-barcodes has a significant impact on agriculture, increasing crop yields. The applications of nanotools in agriculture are vast, including bioimaging, sensing, photocatalysis, and agrochemical delivery. This study comprehensively discusses diverse tremendous applications of nanotechnology in overcoming the challenges of conventional agronomic practices and future prospects of nanotechnology in agriculture.