1Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
2Department of Agronomy, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Eachangkottai, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
3Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author’s E-mail Address: rambrose@purdue.edu
Online published on 7 March, 2025.
The imbalance in nutrient release from conventional fertilizers and plant nutrient uptake leads to a surplus accumulation of nutrients in the soil. A key approach to tackle this issue involves the engineering of nano-enabled fertilizers for the controlled release of nutrients to crops. In this context, it is important to understand the strategies for designing and utilizing nano-enabled fertilizers that can effectively regulate nutrient release and enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This review focuses on nano-structured materials that serve as nutrient carriers: nano-clays, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials. In addition, the nutrient release mechanisms in controlled release fertilizers (CRFs)/slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are discussed. The discussion and perspectives presented emphasizes the need for standardized and comprehensive fertilizer evaluation systems, design of multifunctional nanomaterials, and the creation of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers to improve NUE.
Coating materials, Nano materials, Nutrient release mechanism, Nano-clay, Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, Mesoporous silica
