Nanofertilizer: Its potential benefits and associated challenges.pptx
- 1. Nanofertilizers in Agriculture: Its potential benefits and associated challenges Topic SOIL-591 (Masters Seminar) Presented By: Bikramjit Deuri IARICUT20242002 M. Sc. 1st Year, 2nd Sem Division of Crop Production Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack Course Leader – Dr. Debarati Bhaduri
- 2. Scheme of presentation INTRODUCTION TYPES OF NANO FERTILIZER MECHANISM OF DELIVERY POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF NANO FERTILIZERS CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH NANO FERTILIZERS FUTURE PROSPECTS CONCLUSION
- 3. INTRODUCTION Low fertilizer use efficiency Water pollution Soil acidification Nanofertilizer as an alternative approach
- 4. NANOFERTILIZER Nanofertilizers are nutrient carriers of nano-dimensions ranging from 30 to 40 nm and capable of holding bountiful of nutrient ions due to their high surface area and release it slowly and steadily that commensurate with crop demand. In most cases, clays and other aluminum silicates have been used as effective adsorbents to deliver nutrients. The top-down approach (reducing larger materials into nanoscale dimensions using techniques like ball milling) and the bottom-up approach (building nanoparticles atom by atom or molecule by molecule) increased the surface volume ratio.
- 5. Types of Nanofertilizers NanoFertilizers Action Based Nutrient Based Consistency Based Controlled release Targeted Delivery Inorganic Organic Surface coated Synthetic Polymer coated Biological Product coated Nutrient loss controlling Plant growth stimulating Source-Anurag et al., 2023
- 6. ACTION BASED Controlled Release Fertilizers • Encapsulate nutrients within nano scale carrier materials • e.g. Carbon based, Chitosan based, Clay based, Zeolite based CRF etc. Targeted Delivery Fertilizers Plant Growth Stimulating Fertilizers Nutrient loss controlling • Aptamer-nanoparticle complex binds to specific cell surface receptors. • This modification enables rhizosphere-signal-activated nutrient release directly into plant cells. • Carbon Nanotubes enhance plant growth by interacting with root systems and boosting hormone synthesis. • improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient storage capacity by blending with the soil • Urea coated with NPs of iron oxide, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, boron • Nanobeads and Nano Emulsions also control nutrient loss
- 7. NUTRIENT BASED Macronutrient Nanofertilizer Nitrogen Based • Nano zeolites and their blends have been widely used in the development of N-NFs. • Nanofertilizer releases nutrients for up to 1200 hours. (Rahale, S.,2011) Phosphorus Based • Nano formulations of hydroxyapatite are used to deliver phosphorus to plants (Tang et al., 2021) • Rock phosphate-based nano fertilizer encapsulated in a chitosan shell. (Yasmeen et al., 2022) Potassium Based • Lithovit, a K–NF, has been shown to boost photosynthesis (Attia et al., 2016). • Root elongation in garden pea was observed due to the application of chitosan and methacrylic acid NFs over conventional K-fertilizers (Khalifa and Hasaneen, 2018).
- 8. 1 3 2 4 • Borate is combined with humic acid, to create NPs. • They are then suspended in a liquid or solid form. (Davarpanah et al., 2016) • Zn and zinc oxide (ZnO) engineered nanomaterials are used in tomato and cucumber through soil as well as foliar application. (Moghaddasi et al., 2017). • Polyethylene glycol encapsulated CuO-NFs and Cu-NF encapsulated in chitosan polyvinyl alcohol (CSPVA) hydrogels are used in seed priming. ( Hernandez et al., 2017). • Iron oxide or sulfide are nano encapsulated in protective coating, such as biopolymer or lipid. • Nanocomposites combine iron particles and zeolites, clay, or humic acids. (Sharipova et al., 2020). Micronutrient Nanofertilizer
- 9. Organic Nanofertilizer Organic matter from plant waste, manure, and compost Natural polymers like xanthan gum, guar gum, seed polysaccharide, chitosan, pectin and modified clays Organic NPs are synthesized capsules, vesicles, micelles, liposomes, polymersomes, dendrimers etc. • Nano Max-NPK containing chelated N, P, K, amino acids, and organic carbon (Fatima et a;., 2021) • Ferbanat and nanonat are example of nano biostimulator.
- 10. CONSISTENCY BASED A. Surface-Coated Nanofertilizers Surface-coated nanofertilizers are made by coating fertilizer particles with gold(AuNPs), silver, carbon, and titanium dioxide. The coating facilitates the adherence of fertilizer particles to plant surfaces and their penetration into plant cells. B. Synthetic Polymer-Coated NanoFertilizers Such nanofertilizers contain a thin coating of synthetic polymer. The coating helps to protect the nanofertilizers from environmental degradation and facilitates better handling. E.g., polyethylene-coated urea, polyvinyl chloride- coated zeolite
- 11. C. Biological Product-Coated a) Organic compound-coated Out of the Biological product-coated nanofertilizers clay-based nanofertilizers are the most widely used. nano- clay-based fertilizer formulations (zeolite and montmorillonite with a dimension of 30–40 nm) are capable of releasing nitrogen for a more extended period (>1000 h). b) Microbe-coated (Nano biofertilizers) Biofertilizer (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida) is coated in nanoscale polymers (nano- encapsulation) in nano-biofertilizer formulation (Golbashy et al., 2017). Nano- encapsulation technology protect PGPR-containing biofertilizer components, improve their shelf-life and allow for regulated PGPR release.
- 12. Nanofertilizers in India Nano Urea Liquid, a pioneering product, has been developed domestically using proprietary technology at Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC), Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO) located at Kalol, Gujarat, India in 2021 1. In April 2023, IFFCO introduced nano DAP liquid fertilizer under the Fertilizer Control Order. 2. FY25 registered sales reaching 26.5 million bottles of Nano Urea Plus and 9.7 million bottles of Nano DAP. IFFCO also plans to launch Nano Zinc and Nano Copper. 3. Department of Fertilizers in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country 4.
- 13. Fo lia r Sp ra y Soil application Se ed pr im in g Mode of application
- 14. Foliar Spray Seed Priming Soil application Mode of application • Effective when nutrients are required quickly or in regions with low soil fertility. • Faster response, improved nutrient utilization, and reduced leaching and run-off • Enhances seed germination by eliminating reactive oxygen species. • Stimulates the expression of multiple genes related to plant resilience. • Broadcasting, banding, or localized placement. • Ensures the slow and controlled release of nutrients, reducing nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization.
- 15. Mechanism of Nutrient Delivery And Uptake Route of nanofertilizer entry in plants Nanoparticle entry in plant cell Mechanism of action of controlled nutrient release nanofertilizers in the field. (Step 1) (Step 2) (Step 3)
- 16. Absorption of NFs by plants through root 1. Initial Contact & Adhesion: NF adhesion to the root cuticle is influenced by NF surface charge and root exudates, with positive NFs (like gold nanoparticles) adhering better. 2.Epidermis Penetration: NFs penetrate the root epidermis, the outermost cell layer. 3. Apoplastic Pathway: NF move through non-living spaces (cell wall pores, intercellular gaps), but their movement is limited by pore size (5-20 nm, restricting NFs >20 nm) and the Casparian band in the endodermis, which blocks direct entry to the vascular system. 3. Symplastic Pathway: NFs move directly through living cells by passing through plasmodesmata (cytoplasmic connections between cells). 4.Entry into Vascular System (Central Cylinder): After traversing the cortex, NFs reach the central cylinder containing vascular tissues. 5.Long-Distance Transport: NFs enter the xylem and transported upwards with the water stream to the plant's aboveground parts.
- 17. Absorption of NFs by leaf Foliar-applied NFs land on the leaf surface, encountering the protective waxy cuticle layer. 1.Initial Contact & Cuticular Barrier 2.Entry Pathways into Leaf Lipophilic (Cuticular) Pathway: For non-polar NFs, direct infiltration through the cuticle (especially smaller NFs or aggregates). Hydrophilic (Stomatal) Pathway: For polar NFs, entry through stomata. 3.Entry into Leaf Apoplast: NFs enter the non-living spaces within the leaf tissues. 4.Long-Distance Transport Primarily use the phloem to translocate from leaves (source) to other plant parts, including roots (sink). e.g.,Carbon-coated Fe-NPs supports systemic distribution from leaves (Hu et al., 2017).
- 18. 1.Direct Permeation: NFs cross the cell membrane through passive diffusion with the help of existing transient or permanent pores in the membrane. e.g., some studies have shown that carbon nanotubes can induce pore formation in the cell wall, facilitating the entry of nanoparticles. 2. Endocytosis: Endocytosis is a process where the cell membrane invaginates to engulf nanoparticles, forming vesicles that carry them into the cell suitably for larger nanoparticles . 3.Transport Proteins: Nanoparticles bind to specialized protein channels or carriers embedded in the cell membrane, facilitating their regulated and selective passage into the cell's interior. Nanoparticle entry in plant cell
- 19. Why NanoFertilizer??? Properties NanoFertilizers Conventional Fertilizers Nutrient uptake efficiency Increases fertilizer utilization efficiency Less fertilizer utilization efficiency Control release modes precise control over the release of nutrients. e.g., chitosan-based nanofertilizers released nutrients for up to 45 days. (Ghormade et al., 2011) Excessive release results in toxicity and undermines ecological balance. Effective duration of release prolongs the plant’s nutrient acquisition rate During delivery, nutrients required by plants are lost as insoluble salts. Lower rate of fertilizer need Reduces nutrient losses High fertilizer levels are lost due to leaching, runoff, and drift. Figure: Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of using nanofertilizers containing nitrogen (a), phosphorus (b) with their bulk counterparts. (Natalia et al., 2024)
- 20. Effects of Nanofertilizers Effect on crop growth Enrich soil nutrient through nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone synthesis. Enhance seed germination, root elongation, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content. (e.g., CNTs, nano silver etc.) NFs can activate antioxidant enzymes, enhancing a plant's resistance to various stresses. (e.g., lower malondialdehyde content with ZnO nanoparticles) Source: Kizhaeral S. et al., 2015 Sustained release and increased stability improve nutrient uptake and bioavailability for plants throughout their growth stages. Chlorophyll content (+31%) Li et al., 2021 HA-NPs in Zea mays L. Total indoles (+32.4%) Abd El-Aziz et al., 2019 Type of NF Effect Source ZnO-NP In Zea mays L. var. PG2458 Germination percentage (+13%) Sharma et al., 2022 Fe3O4-NPs In Oryza sativa
- 21. Case Study Results of Multi-location multi-crop on-station and on-farm trials of IFFCO nanofertilizers Two foliar applications at critical growth stages led to increase in the yield in range of: 3-23% in wheat, 5-11% in tomato, 3-24% in paddy/rice, 2-15% in maize, 5% in cucumber, and 18% in capsicum.
- 22. Effect on soil health Adding Carbon based NFs to the soil at 20cm depth, increased both the infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration of water. (Zhou et al., 2017) This is partly due to composite NF materials and the ability of some NPs (e.g., ZnO-NPs with Bacillus subtilis) to improve soil aeration and moisture retention. Reduces nutrient losses from leaching and fixation. Potential for heavy metal reduction in polluted soils. (e.g. nZVI reduce Cr(VI) toxicity) Increase in activity of dehydrogenase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphorus-mobilizing enzymes. Enhance the population and activity Pseudomonas chloraraphis and Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Subhash et al.,2022 Compared to the blank treatment, the soil dehydrogenase activities with Nanofertilizer increased by 37.4%, 33.6%, and 22.9%. (Qing et al.,2018)
- 23. Limitation of Nano fertilizer High cost of application of nanofertilizers
- 24. Risks Associated with Nanofertilizers Ingestion of nano fertilizers can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys in experimental animals. H e a l t h R i s k NFs accumulated in the soil and leached into aquatic ecosystems can cause bioaccumulation and biomagnification within the food chain. Environmental risk NFs can cause adverse effects in non target organisms, including insects, fish, and birds interfering with organisms’ reproduction, growth, and development, potentially leading to population declines Ecological risk Source- Anurag et al.,2023
- 25. Case Study Objective: A two-year field study evaluated the impact of two foliar sprays of IFFCO nano-urea (4 ml/l) in combination with 0% and 50% recommended doses of N-fertilizer (RDN) on the performance of rice and wheat grown in rotation.. The application of two sprays of nano urea + 50% RDN reduced the grain yield of rice and wheat by 13 and 17.2%, respectively, compared with 100% RDN application to soil. Based on the results of the present study, annual yield reduction to a tune of 15.6 and 19 million tons in rice and wheat, respectively is anticipated.
- 26. FUTURE PROSPECTS RESEARCH Long term study on NFs effect and suitability for different agro-climatic zone. Standardization Optimum dose and suitable formulation. Regulation Laws for marketing and production. Safety assesment Potential health and environmental risks.
- 27. Conclusion •Nanofertilizers offer a revolutionary advancement in plant nutrition by improving nutrient use efficiency through controlled and targeted delivery mechanisms. •Their nanoscale size and large surface area enhance absorption, reduce nutrient losses, and support sustainable crop production (3-24% yield increase) •Recent studies indicate substitution of 25% conventional fertilizer with Nanofertilizer without any significant yield penalty. (Pravin et al., 2023) •However, the long-term effects of nanofertilizer application on soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, non-target biota, and potential human health risks remain insufficiently characterized and warrant comprehensive multidisciplinary investigation.
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