Green synthesis of nanomaterials used as nano-fertilizer for sustainability in crop production: A overview on recent advancements and future perspectives

Nano-fertilizers (NFs) have attracted a growing interest in the field of green farming. Materials ranging from 1 to 100 nm provide nutrients to different types of plants. NFs have been recognized as cost-effective alternatives for traditional chemical fertilizers to boost the global food supply in an environmentally friendly manner. These NFs constitutes macronutrients and micronutrients that work as carriers for different type of nutrients, and reduce the additional amount of chemical in plants. However, nano-coated materials with the size more than 10 nm manage to enter through the different parts of plants such as stomata, foliar and roots etc. Green synthesized materials-based NFs effect on productivity of different crops plants. For instance, ZnO based nanoparticles (NPs) NFs effect the productions of the crops such as cucumber, peanuts, cabbage and cauliflower. Rare earth oxides nanoparticles-based NFs effect the productions of various vegetables. Iron oxide along with calcium carbonate nanoparticles-based NFs effect the growth of cereals plant. Significantly, green synthesis of Zinc and copper with the extract of basil plant attributes as significant nano-fertilizers. This review research discusses the potential benefits of nanofertilizers in a variety of areas, including agriculture, production, the mechanism of entrance of nanofertilizers into plants, the process of action, and the impacts of nanomaterials in soil. Policymakers have established standard for regulating the dosage, frequency, and time duration of NF’s possible usage in food production.