Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4.2 Comparison of nanotechnology-based formulations and conventional fertilizers appli-
cations (Cui et al.
2010
)
Nano-fertilizers-enabled
technologies
S. no.
Properties
Conventional technology
1.
Solubility and
dispersion of
mineral
micronutrients
Nano-sized formulation of min-
eral micronutrients may improve
solubility and dispersion of
insoluble nutrients in soil, reduce
soil absorption and fixation, and
increase the bioavailability
Less bioavailability to plants
due to large particle size and
less solubility
2.
Nutrient uptake
efficiency
Nanostructured formulation
might increase fertilizer effi-
ciency and uptake ratio of the
soil nutrients in crop production
and save fertilizer resource
Bulk composite is not available
for roots and decrease
efficiency
3.
Controlled-
release modes
Both release rate and release
pattern of nutrients for water-
soluble fertilizers might be pre-
cisely controlled through encap-
sulation in envelope forms of
semipermeable membranes
coated by resin-polymer, waxes,
and sulfur
Excess release of fertilizers
may produce toxicity and
destroy ecological balance of
soil
4.
Effective dura-
tion of nutrient
release
Nanostructured formulation can
extend effective duration of
nutrient supply of fertilizers into
soil
Used by the plants at the time
of delivery, the rest is
converted into insoluble salts in
the soil
5.
Loss rate of fer-
tilizer nutrients
Nanostructured formulation can
reduce loss rate of fertilizer
nutrients into soil by leaching
and/or leaking
High loss rate by leaching, rain
off, and drift
site targeted delivery, reduction in toxicity, and enhanced nutrient utilization of
delivered fertilizers (Cui et al.
2010
). These attributes of nanoparticles are due to
their high surface area to volume ratio, high solubility, and specific targeting due to
small size, high mobility, and low toxicity (Sasson et al.
2007
).
4.5 Nano-fertilizer Formulations and Their Smart Delivery
Systems
The formulation of any nano-fertilizer should be in such a way that they possess all
desired properties such as high solubility, stability, effectiveness, time-controlled
release, enhanced targeted activity with effective concentration, and less
eco-toxicity with safe, easy mode of delivery and disposal (Tsuji
2001
; Boehm
et al.
2003
; Green and Beestman
2007
; Torney et al.
2007
). Nanoparticles have
great potential to deliver nutrients to specific target sites in living systems. The
