The Impact of Various Nanomaterials and Nano-Agrochemicals on Agricultural Systems

Agriculture has always been one of the most important and stable parts of human life for thousands of years because agricultural activities produce and supply raw materials for the food industry and animal feed. With the rapid increase of the population on the planet, besides the need to increase agricultural production, mankind will face many limitations in the supply of resources such as land, water, soil, etc. Although various fertilizers and pesticides have been very beneficial in increasing the production of agricultural products, their residues in soil and water cause damage to the environment, vegetation, and living organisms. The use of various nano-based technologies in agriculture (for example, in the design of nano-fertilizers/nano-pesticides with controlled release, nano-sensors, nano-fuels, nano-based soil conditioners, water treatment systems, gene transfer to plants, etc.) can increase agricultural production and save costs reduce environmental risks due to the controllable amount of agrochemical release, the right time, and the target area of agrochemicals. Nanotechnology can be further used to detect diseases in a rapid manner, improve the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from the soil, enhance food quality and safety, and reduce agricultural inputs. However, the use of nanotechnology in agriculture is still in the early developmental stage, and more research is needed to understand the potential risks of nanomaterials. Nano-enhanced products should undergo the same thorough approval processes as conventional pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, it is crucial to exercise caution in their use to minimize the release into groundwater.