Advances in Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Climate Change Mitigation
Author(s)
Quintarelli, Valentina
Ben Hassine, Mortadha
Radicetti, Emanuele
Stazi, Silvia Rita
Bratti, Alessandro
Date Issued
2024
Type
article
Volume
16
Issue
21
Journal
Abstract
Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on
the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides
to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change
by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative
technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology,
which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles
can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals
to improve crop growth, yield, and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including
nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-fertilizers, and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied
to improve crop health and shelf-life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the
interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping
practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient
use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional
agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It also focuses on how
the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical
pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014–2024)
of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of
climate change.
Subjects