Nanotechnology has shown great potential in all spheres of life. With the increasing pressure to meet the food demands of rapidly increasing population, thus, novel innovation and research are required in agriculture. The principles of nanotechnology can be implemented to meet the challenges faced by agricultural demands. Major challenges include the loss of nutrients in the soil and nutrient-deficient plants, which result in a lower crop yield and quality. Subsequently, consumption of such crops leads to malnourishment in humans, especially in underprivileged and rural populations. One convenient approach to tackle nutrient deficiency in plants is via the use of fertilizers; however, this method suffers from lower uptake efficiency in plants. Another approach to combat nutrient deficiency in humans is via the use of supplements and diet modifications; however, these approaches are less affordably viable in economically challenged communities and in rural areas. Therefore, the use of nano-fertilizers to combat this problem holds the greatest potential. Additionally, nanotechnology can be used to meet other challenges in agriculture including enhancing crop yield, protection from insect pests and animals, and by use of nano-pesticides and nano-biosensors to carry out the remediation of polluted soils. The future use of nanomaterials in soil ecosystems will be influenced by their capability to interact with soil constituents and the route of nanoparticles into the environment includes both natural and anthropogenic sources. The last decade has provided increasing research on the impact and use of nanoparticles in plants, animals, microbes, and soils, and yet these studies often lacked data involving the impact of nanoparticles on biotic and abiotic stress factors. This book provides significant recent research on the use of nano-fertilizers, which can have a major impact on components of an ecosystem. This work should provide a basis to further study these potential key areas in order to achieve sustainable and safe application of nanoparticles in agriculture.

Nano-Bioremediation: Fundamentals and Applications explores how nano-bioremediation is used to remedy environmental pollutants. The book's chapters focus on the design, fabrication and application of advanced nanomaterials and their integration with biotechnological processes for the monitoring and treatment of pollutants in environmental matrices. It is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and environmental scientists who are looking to increase their understanding of bioremediation at the nanoscale. The mitigation of environmental pollution is the biggest challenge to researchers and the scientific community, hence this book provides answers to some important questions. As an advanced hybrid technology, nano-bioremediation refers to the integration of nanomaterials and bioremediation for the remediation of pollutants. The rapid pace of urbanization, massive development of industrial sectors, and modern agricultural practices all cause a controlled or uncontrolled release of environmentally-related hazardous contaminants that are seriously threatening every key sphere, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and anthroposphere. Explores the current and potential applications of nano-bioremediation in the remediation of hazardous pollutants Outlines the major properties and classes of nanomaterials that make them efficient bioremediation agents Assesses the major challenges of effectively implementing bioremediation techniques at the nanoscale

Discover the role of nanotechnology in promoting plant growth and protection through the management of microbial pathogens In Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection, distinguished researcher and author Dr. Avinash P. Ingle delivers a rigorous and insightful collection of some of the latest developments in nanotechnology particularly related to plant growth promotion and protection. The book focuses broadly on the role played by nanotechnology in growth promotion of plants and their protection through the management of different microbial pathogens. You’ll learn about a wide variety of topics, including the role of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture, how nano-fertilizers behave as soil feed, and the dual role of nanoparticles in plant growth promotion and phytopathogen management. You’ll also discover why nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the current agricultural landscape through the development of nano-based products, like plant growth promoters, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides. Find out why nano-based products promise to be a cost-effective, economically viable, and eco-friendly approach to tackling some of the most intractable problems in agriculture today. You’ll also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the prospects and impacts of using nanotechnology to promote the growth of plants and control plant diseases An exploration of the effects of titanium dioxide nanomaterials on plant growth and the emerging applications of zinc-based nanoparticles in plant growth promotion Practical discussions of nano-fertilizer in enhancing the production potentials of crops and the potential applications of nanotechnology in plant nutrition and protection for sustainable agriculture A concise treatment of nanotechnology in seed science and soil feed Toxicological concerns of nanomaterials used in agriculture Perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and research students of nanotechnology, agriculture, plant science, plant physiology, and crops, Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection will also earn a place in the libraries of professors and researchers in these areas, as well as regulators and policymakers.

In recent decades, agrochemicals have enhanced crop productivity to meet increasing global food requirements. However, prolonged and extensive use of agrochemicals has resulted in contamination that persists in the soil system which can be biomagnified in the food chain. Furthermore, toxic chemicals adversely affect important soil microbial biota, the key drivers of biogeochemical cycles. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective nano- and micro-biotechnology strategies to minimize the adverse impact of agrochemicals and pesticide residues on soil microbiota, soil fertility, and their biomagnification in food crops. Nano-bioinoculants - the combination of nano-compounds and bioinoculants - have been increasingly used as soil amendments. They can improve agri-potential and soil health by maintaining soil physico- and biological properties, microbial diversity, and the nutrient-solubilizing microbial population. They also aid in improving crop yields and reducing agrochemical and pesticide residues. Nano-bioinoculants are more efficient than other methods for removing contaminants due to their small size, high reactivity, and catalytic activities. Several types of nano-compounds (chitosan, zeolite, gypsum, and silicon dioxide) have been used in conjunction with beneficial microbes (bacteria fungi, actinomycetes & endophytic bacteria) as nano-bioinoculants.

Sustainable Plant Nutrition: Molecular Interventions and Advancements for Crop Improvement explores the significant opportunities for sustainable, eco-friendly approaches in plant nutrition and agricultural crop production. The book highlights the various prospects involved in optimizing plant nutrient uptake agriculture and includes chapters representing diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, nanotechnology, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics and metabolomics. This book is an ideal resource for those seeking to ensure a sustainable plant production future. While plants have evolved a set of elaborate mechanisms to cope with nutrient limitations, the traditional supplementation by the application of fertilizers to plant productivity may then lead to overfertilization which can actually reduce plant growth and have adverse effects on the environment. To tackle these issues, a detailed understanding of the responses of plants to nutrients and nutrient deficiency at the physiological, metabolic, transcriptome and epigenetic level is essential. - Illustrates the central role of sustainable plant nutrition to address current and future challenges - Presents global insights and research ranging from signaling to sensing and translational research - Provides a forward-looking perspective for future plans of action

Nanotechnology is an emerging, pivotal platform for enhancing plant health. On one hand, nanomaterials serve as crucial nutrients and nanofertilizers, while on the other, they have demonstrated their potential for diagnosing plant diseases, delivering fungicides and pesticides, and providing therapeutic solutions against diseases caused by pathogens and parasites. The book Nanotechnology in Plant Health explores the significance of nanomaterials in plant nutrition, nanofertilizers, and their role in managing plant pathogens, including the most formidable ones like quarantined strains. This unique publication represents a global team of contributors and stands out for its comprehensive coverage of plant nanonutrients, nanofertilizers, and nano-plant protectors.

Traditional agricultural practices face escalating environmental challenges and struggle to meet global food demands while ensuring soil health and sustainability. Soil degradation, exacerbated by factors like industrialization and urbanization, significantly threatens crop productivity and food security. Conventional remediation methods often need to be revised, requiring innovative approaches to restore soil health and fertility. Nanotechnology Applications and Innovations for Improved Soil Health presents a groundbreaking solution to this pressing issue, offering a comprehensive guide to leveraging nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture. This pioneering book explores the transformative potential of nanomaterials in enhancing soil quality and crop production. By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their high surface area and reactivity, researchers and practitioners can develop novel strategies to address soil degradation and improve nutrient availability. By systematically examining nanotechnology's role in soil health, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to revolutionize agricultural practices and ensure food security for future generations.