**Abstract**

Most of the early uses of nanotechnology have come from material sciences, although applications in agriculture are still expanding. Due to a few comprehensive reviews, we described application of nanomaterials along with their fate in soil and interaction with soil and plant system. From synthesis to metabolism, nano-fertilizers like zinc, silver, selenium, titanium oxide have enhanced the physio-chemical characteristics of crop plants in every manner conceivable. On the other hand, it has the potential to minimize pesticide use by boosting reactivity and surface area of nanoparticles. Nanotechnology in pesticides will, without a doubt, replace the current way of pesticide application because of its efficacy. Nano-based approaches can readily overcome the constraints of conventional soil remediation technologies. While soil nanomaterials mobility has been investigated in a limited number of research studies, it's likely the most critical gap in knowing the real risk of their transport. As well as enhancing plant nutrient absorption, nanomaterials may also be used to regulate soil microbial activity and stimulate plant defenses. When it comes to shipping food, nanotechnology has made things easier by extending the shelf life of most foods. While it offers tremendous potential for agricultural applications, the health effects of nanoparticles on plants, animals, and humans must be thoroughly investigated.

**Keywords:** nanotechnology, nanomaterials, agriculture, pesticide, fertilizer, plant defense, soil remediation, agricultural waste

#### **1. Introduction**

Agriculture is the most important and reliable enterprise, as it provides food and raw materials for industries that require them. The depletion of natural resources and the increase in world population demand that agricultural production become more economically feasible, ecologically sound, and productive. Changes such as these are crucial to attaining a number of goals inside the last year. Therefore, environmental performance should be employed and involvement from food

chain ecosystems concerning agricultural foodstuff production must be incorporated. When it comes to eliminating poverty and hunger from today's world, the agricultural revolution is a must-have phenomenon. In this scenario, well-known lenders are living below the poverty line and are dispersed in rural areas where agricultural expansion has not been as successful. Therefore, we need to make a significant stride forward in agriculture. All these considered, the global food supply was increased enormously in recent farming techniques pertaining to the Green Revolution. The influence on the environment and on ecosystem services was also unanticipated and harmful, which highlighted the need for more sustainable agriculture techniques [1, 2]. Excessive and improper use of fertilizers and pesticides in soil and surface waterways has been well established to increase nutrients and toxins, incur health and water purification expenses and decrease fishing and recreational alternatives. Agricultural practices that contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats by degrading soil quality and may require increased fertilization, irrigation and energy expenses to maintain productivity in degraded soils. They also destroy profitable insects and wild animals.

Nanotechnology may be possibly the best solutions to eradicating the problems. Nanotechnology has got gained strenuous attention these days due to that will its diverse applications. Aside from that, there will be numerous future benefits, such as improved food quality and defense, a reduction in agricultural inputs, enrichment by absorbing nanoscale nutrients from your soil, etc. the usage of nanotechnology to be a persistent burden. For example, nanopesticides and nanofertilizers can assist in generating returns without decontaminating soils, water, and protecting against a few insect infestations and microbial issues [3]. As a result of nanotechnology, new agrochemical agents and totally new delivery methods are available to boost crop yield, and pesticide applications are expected to be reduced. Agriculture can benefit from nanotechnology in a number of ways, such as: nanoformulations of agrochemicals for the application of pesticides and fertilizers for crop progress, the use of nanosensors in crop protection with the identification of diseases, and nanodevices for genetically modifying crops and postharvest management, among other things [4, 5].

Nanotechnology has a lot of promise in agriculture, but there are still a few concerns that need to be addressed as part of the risk assessment. Nanoparticle attractants made from biopolymers such as proteins and carbohydrates have a low impact on human health as well as the environment in this regard [6]. When it comes to gardening products, nanotechnology may be used at every stage of the process, from manufacture to storage to labeling and distribution [7]. Because of its potential to enhance plant absorption of nutrients, detect disease, and manage pest infestations, nanotechnology can transform the agricultural and food sector.

## **2. Nanoparticles**

The word "nano" is derived from the Latin nanus, which means dwarf or little. Nanoparticles (NPs) are tiny particles with a diameter of 1–100 nm. When a particle has a diameter between 1 and 100 nm, it is classified as a primary nanoparticle [8]. Nanoparticles, whether or not regarding normal or perhaps made origins have got inside the array of 1–100 nm inside one or more dimensions. A nanometer (nm) is a SI unit of length equal to 10–9 meter. NMs are materials with a length of 1–1000 nm in at least one dimension; however, they are usually characterized as having a 1–100 nm diameter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) also describes NMs as "materials with an area of roughly one dimension and depending on dimensions of approximately 1 to 100 nm" [9]. To put it another way: according

*Potential Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Smart Tool for Sustainable Agriculture DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101142*

to International Organization for Standardization (ISO), NMs are "materials with any external or internal nanoscale dimension or surface structure at the nanoscale" [10].

Typically, nanometer will be a single billionth of the meter. Nanoemulsion, carbon dioxide nanotubes, quantum dots, nanorods, small and also nano- encapsulation and so forth. Morphology-aspect proportion or perhaps dimensions, hydrophobicity, solubility-release regarding dangerous types, surface or perhaps roughness, surface area types contaminations or perhaps adsorption, in the course of activity or perhaps historical past, reactive O2 types (ROS) O2 / H2O, ability to make ROS, construction, structure, competing holding web sites together with the receptor and also dispersal and also aggregation will be the crucial qualities regarding nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have several unique properties including a greater charge density and reactivity, considerably more strength, increased heat resistance, a lower melting point, and different permanent magnetic properties linked with nano-clusters. Distinctions inside the uncovered surface area regarding diverse nanoparticles cause differences inside atomic syndication throughout the nanoparticles, which often affect the particular electron exchange fee kinetics among metallic nanoparticles and also matching adsorbed types. These types of distinctive qualities provide the subsequent benefits to nanoparticles within farming, for example, greater solubility within the suspension, greater transmission associated with seedling jackets as well as consequently rising origins, much better bioavailability associated with substances towards the seedling radicals, supplying real focus as well as managed discharge associated with fertilizers or even pesticides within reaction to particular problems, enhanced specific exercise as well as eco-friendly along with security as well as calm transportation.

Nanoparticles tend to be seen as a distinctive bodily as well as chemical substance functions such as surface area, pore size, particle morphology, and reactivity because of their rigorous programs within the farming area. Nanoparticles are used in nano fertilizer, nano-pesticides as well as herbicides that are helpful to improve plants development, to manage extreme utilizes associated with chemical substances fertilizers as well as improve survivability towards biotic tension. The effects of various nanoparticles on plant development and phytotoxicity have been documented by a number of substances such as magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, alumina, zinc, and additionally zinc oxide in relation to seed germination [11]. Wheat can benefit from the addition of nanoparticles to their environment. The particular Zn takes on essential function inside place metabolic rate simply by influencing the actions regarding hydrogenase and also carbonic anhydrase, stabilization regarding ribosomal fractions and also activity regarding cytochrome. Place digestive enzymes stimulated simply by Zn get excited about carbs metabolic rate, servicing with the strength regarding cell filters, necessary protein activity, rules regarding auxin activity and also pollen creation. Magnesium (Mg) is involved with numerous physical as well as biochemical activities; it's an important component concerning growing development as well as improvement and performs a vital part within grow support systems within abiotic tension circumstances. The actual common perform associated with Mg within vegetation is most likely it's part since the main atom from the chlorophyll molecule within the lightabsorbing complicated associated with chloroplasts and it is a factor to photosynthetic fixation associated with CO2.

#### **3. Potential application of nanoparticles as fertilizer in agriculture**

Having the limited resources, development of agriculture for the higher growth now becoming the management practices, and fertilizer management has proved

the significant in a remarkable way [12, 13]. Considering the novel method of fertilizer application as a form of nanoparticles has stimulated the attributes of plant growth by the upgradation of soil system [14]. As the field condition, fertilizers variation, pH of soil etc. are being the major determinant but the slow-release mechanism of nutrients improves the efficiency of fertilizer use efficiency [15]. The activities of plant root system also accelerated by the use of nanoparticles [16]. Researchers [17] addressed chemical fertilizers as the prime factor for crop production while at the same time it also degraded the soil fertility. But the controlled use of nano-fertilizer has improved the physio-chemical attributes of the crop plants in every possible way from synthesis to metabolism. It has made more efficient practices to improve the system of agricultural practices with the new idea like precision farming involving with the technology like slow release, quick release, specific release, moisture release, heat release, pH release, ultrasound release etc. [18]. Although nanotechnology in agriculture has proved the blessings but it also has come with great risk for every living communities [19]. Therefore, to implement the advancement of agriculture sector for developing countries like Bangladesh need to grasp this huge potential of nanotechnology without delay.

## **4. Nanotechnology in pesticides use**

To meet the hunger of the over populated countries higher yield is the prime concern and to meet the yield potential use of pesticide has covered the whole system of farming [20]. Pesticides are chemical substances enormously used to eliminate and control the harmful organisms that cause economic damage to agricultural production [21]. Every year insect pests and plant pathogens cause significant crop loss, which is around 14% and 13%, respectively, with an approximate value of U.S. \$2,000 billion globally [22]. It has been reported that a minimal amount, approximately less than 0.1%, of pesticide reaches the sites of action due to loss of pesticide in the air during the application, and as run-off, spray drift, off-target deposition, and photo-degradation, the remaining bulk contaminates the surrounding environment [23, 24]. Again, these toxic chemicals are responsible for various health issues such as neurological effects, respiratory diseases, cancer, Parkinson's disorder, fetal diseases, infertility, diabetes, and genetic disorders [25]. With the rising demand for pesticides throughout the world to minimize the effects of pathogens and pests, measures should be taken to reduce pesticides' excessive application by finding appropriate alternatives. Due to the extensive use of conventional pesticides, bioaccumulation, which is caused due to biomagnifying of persistent organic pollutants and the development of resistance in the target pests, is a major concern in this generation [26, 27]. Therefore, a craze has already been started to minimize the excessive pesticide use. With the application of nanotechnology in manufacturing various nano-based pesticides, we can easily overcome these limitations [28]. Nanotechnology can reduce the application of high amounts of pesticides as nanomaterials have a high surface area with enhanced reactivity, thus lowering the cost with increasing yields [29]. Thus, the less frequent application is good for costs and human and environmental safety, ultimately a great asset for sustainable agriculture [30].

Nano based pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, nematicides, miticide, and nanoparticulated growth regulators are effective against various pests such as insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and mites [31–34]. They are also eco-friendly as they increase the formulation properties, including dispersion of water, chemical solidity, adhesion, permeability, and finally, controlled-release [35, 36]. The solubility rate of poorly soluble active ingredient can be increased with

#### *Potential Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Smart Tool for Sustainable Agriculture DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101142*

nano pesticide formulations, which ultimately helps the active ingredient release slowly and effectively. For example, nanoparticle formation like nanoencapsulation of agrochemicals such as insecticide or pesticide can increase the absorption rate and the slow and efficient release of various agrochemicals to a particular host plant for pest control [37, 38]. A small amount of nano-pesticides gives better crop protection because of their high reactivity at Nanoscale compared to their bulk counterparts [39]. For example, for the development of various nano-pesticides, we can use some effective chemical ingredients like silica, silver, carbon, and aluminium silicate [40].

Nanoparticles can be used effectively in pest control through the use of porous silica loaded with water-soluble pesticide for the ability to slow-release [41]. The cuticular lipid barrier is found in insect pests, which can be obstructed by the nano-silica component [42]. Nanoscale alumina has been used effectively against two insect pests: *Rhyzopertha dominica* (F.) and *Sitophilus oryzae* (L.), and these nano aluminium particles have shown high mortality [43]. *S. oryzae* (L.) can also be controlled with Ag NPs, synthesized from leaf extracts of *Euphorbia prostrate* with 100% mortality rate [44]. On the other hand, combinative applications of compounds like nanoparticles of silver-zinc combined were applied against one of the destructive pest, *Aphis nerii*, with a high level of mortality [45]. Ag NPs decrease the longevity of cotton bollworm (*Helicoverpa armigera*) upon treating larvae and pupae [46]. In addition, CuO NPs controls cotton leafworm larvae (*Spodoptera littorals*) with mortality of 100% [47]. The application of *Bacillus thuringiensis*-coated ZnO NPs is effective nano pesticides that delay the larval and pupal development period of cowpea weevil (*Callosobruchus maculatus*) [48]. A large number of chemical companies have started marketing nanoparticle-based pesticides in recent years, for example, Subdue M.A.X.X., Primo M.A.X.X., Banner M.A.X.X., Ospray's Chyella, and Penncap-M [49, 50]. Beyond any doubt, nanotechnology in pesticides is going to take over the conventional method of pesticide use for its efficiency. We also need to assess the credibility of nanomaterials in pesticide as it is totally new and directly related to the environment [51].

Nanotechnology is a significant research strategy which enables easy understanding of technology for the modern world. From the enormous efficiency of nanotechnology pesticide based on nanoparticles, encapsulation of nanoparticles or nanoparticle-based DNA transfer to enhance the pest resistant are some examples of smart and precision farming [52]. Because it can stimulate the improvement of farming by means of application in nanoscale strategies [53]. Which will enable the hazardous use of chemicals in farming sector by stimulating the approach of farmers to implement the precision farming. The present strategies of farming are the application of pesticide without considering the actual efficiency or persistent. That is why nanotechnology-based use of pesticides like nano-encapsulation, controlled release mechanism could be useful for the betterment of sustainable agriculture [54].

#### **5. Use of nanobiosensors**

The Advancement in the 21st century of agricultural science new ideas like nanotechnology evolved the system of cultural practices. Now a novel strategy for this aspect is the nano-biosensors. These nanoscale miniature devices are used to detect analytes at extremely low concentrations. It is a method of integrated approach with the combination of computer, electronics or nano-sciences in respect to the concern of biology [55, 56]. The sensors are being used to control moisture and pH level of soil, monitor temperature, crop nutrient status, insects, plant diseases, weeds etc.,

ion detection with the effectiveness of fertilizer or pesticide application strategy [57]. This real-time monitoring is accomplished by deploying wireless nanosensor networks over cultivated fields, which provide critical data for agronomic intelligence operations such as crop planting and harvesting at the appropriate times. The main strategy of this mechanism is to being the cost-effective production in agriculture by promoting the techniques of less input for the farming activities [58]. Nanobarcodes and nanoprocessing might potentially be used to track agricultural product quality. Scientists at Cornell University exploited the notion of supermarket barcodes to decode and identify diseases in a cheap, efficient, faster, and easy way. They developed minuscule probes, sometimes known as nanobarcodes, that may be used to track numerous diseases in a farm and be identified using any fluorescent-based equipment.

#### **6. Nanomaterials for soil remediation**

Soil is an inevitable medium for plant growth and food production; also, it operates planetary processes for the existence of life on earth. That is why soil is the most crucial component for the terrestrial ecosystem to flourish [59, 60]. Soil operates various vital events like biogeochemical cycles, water cycle, earth's climate, pollutant detoxification, biogenic gas regulation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity maintenance [61, 62]. Soil can be contaminated by various chemicals like heavy metals, pesticides, and POPs that can be remediated effectively with nanomaterials' help. For example, nano-based materials can be used to convert heavy metals to their less toxic forms, pesticide degradation, and bioremediation of contaminated soil. Besides, nano-based sensors are useful components for detecting harmful pesticide residue in the soil, like detecting Mn impurities with grapheme nanoribbon [63, 64].

For soil remediation, conventional physical and chemical methods are available, but there is a risk of secondary contamination due to these remediating agents' high quantity uses [65]. Again microbial-based soil remediation is eco-friendly but not sufficient for higher costs [66]. These limitations can be easily eliminated with nano-based techniques such as nano fertilizers, nano biosensors, nano pesticides, and different nano-remediation processes [55, 67, 68]. Conventional soil remediation methods are mainly in situ and ex situ types where nano-remediation is normally on-site method without transportation of soil, which makes this costeffective [69, 70].

Nanoparticles possess various mechanisms such as redox reactions, adsorption, ion exchange, surface complexation, and electrostatic interaction, which are useful for the adsorption and degradation of pollutants [71]. Moreover, other features include lower temperature modification, shorter interparticle diffusion distance, and multiple surface chemistry that make these materials appropriate catalysts for the remission of the concerned soil pollutants [72]. Nanoparticles are very much fruitful for the degradation of common industrial contaminants such as chlorinated organic compounds, petroleum nano aromatics, nitrates, heavy metals (arsenic (As) lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd)), insecticides, and dyes [73–76]. For instance, specific organic and inorganic compounds such as natural short-ordered aluminosilicate, the surface of titanium oxide, and humic acids can be coupled with Ni through a multiwalled carbon nanotube. These components are effective nano-bioremediation for the sustainable agricultural system [77, 78].

Nano-scale zero-valent iron (nZVI), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), fullerenes, bimetallic nanoparticles are widely used NPs for soil remediation because of their large surface area, high

#### *Potential Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Smart Tool for Sustainable Agriculture DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101142*

reactivity, and reduction capability [70, 79–81]. Surface-modified nano-scale carbon black can reduce the bioavailability of Cu and Zn; also, nanometer hydroxyapatite can remove Cd pollution from the soil, which promotes plant growth [82, 83]. On the other hand, nanometer zeolite can remove Cu and Pb; both are organic and heavy metal pollutants of soil [84]. Some researchers [85, 86] showed that Cd and Zn pollution could be repaired with the help of a ferric tetroxide nanometer.

Apart from all positive impacts, nanomaterials caused toxic effects on organisms dependent on soil [87]. For instance, copper nanoparticles negatively impact rats, as copper's toxicity is related to the particle size [88]. Again, some heavy metal ions can be dissolved with metal nanomaterials, which is toxic for the ecology. Nano-TiO2 and its byproducts affected the antioxidant system and oxidative stress reaction of earthworms, one of the essential soil organisms [89, 90]. For this reason, we should pay more to keep an eye on the biological toxicity of nanomaterials used in soil remediation. Though the development of the appropriate use of nanotechnology for remediation of polluted soils is essential with the help of numerous uses of nanomaterials, we also need a comprehensive understanding of the human and environmental risk–benefit balance by using these nanomaterials [91].
