Current Experience with Application of Metal-based Nanofertilizers

¹ MHI Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, B+H Solutions GmbH in 73630 Remshalden, Germany; also visiting professor Engineering Faculty, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania
² B+H Solutions GmbH in 73630 Remshalden, Germany
³ Engineering Faculty, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania

^* Corresponding author: j.jacome@bh-solutions.eu

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the many fields in which nanotechnology is currently applied. At the nano-scale, materials exhibit different properties mainly due to the reduced molecular size which allows different interactions between molecules. Nowadays, the agricultural sector demands methods that not only increase crop productivity, but are also sustainable and produce less environmental impact. Large-scale application of chemical fertilizers is common in farming with the aim of increasing productivity. The use of large doses of fertilizers, however, causes more harm than good. Chemically intensive agriculture disturbs the soil-mineral balance, pollutes soil, water and air, and makes lands less fertile in the long-term. Metal-based nanofertilizers allow effective and precise nutrient management due to their high reactivity, enhanced bioavailability and bioactivity. This paper presents the results derived from the application of metal-based nanofertilizers in different crops of economic relevance, displaying their importance in sustainable agriculture. The trials showed that the metabolic reactions in the plants are enhanced by providing them with the optimum amount of trace elements, which also improves the rate of photosynthesis, increases productivity, and prevents biotic and abiotic stress.