Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2
Strategic Role of Nanotechnology
in Fertilizers: Potential and Limitations
Emily Mastronardi, Phepafatso Tsae, Xueru Zhang, Carlos Monreal,
and Maria C. DeRosa
Abstract The field of nanotechnology has seen tremendous growth over the past
decade and has had a measurable impact on all facets of our society, from elec-
tronics to medicine. Nevertheless, nanotechnology applications in the agricultural
sector are still relatively underdeveloped. Nanotechnology has the potential to
provide solutions for fundamental agricultural problems caused by conventional
fertilizer management. Through this chapter, we aim to highlight opportunities for
the intervention of nanotechnologies in the area of fertilizers and plant nutrition and
to provide a snapshot of the current state of nanotechnology in this area. This
chapter will explore three themes in nanotechnology implementation for fertilizers:
nanofertilizer inputs, nanoscale additives that influence plant growth and health,
and nanoscale coatings/host materials for fertilizers. This chapter will also explore
the potential directions that nanotechnology in fertilizers may take in the next 5-10
years as well as the potential pitfalls that should be examined and avoided.
2.1
Introduction
Agriculture today is faced with demands for greater efficiency in food production
due to a growing population and a shrinking arable land base and water resources.
Fertilizers are natural or synthetic products applied to soil-crop systems for satis-
fying the essential nutrient needs of the plants. Commercial fertilizers play a critical
role in improving crop yields, yet inherent inefficiencies in conventional fertilizer
management can lead to dire economic and environmental consequences. At least
half of the fertilizer nitrogen applied to farmland is lost to water, air, and other
processes, resulting in negative environmental impacts such as leached nitrates into
