Nano Fertilizers

Source: PIB
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What are Nano Fertilisers?

Why in News?

Recently Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has informed that trials were conducted at 20 selected locations in selected crops to study the effect of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited  (IFFCO) nano-urea (liquid) used as foliar spray.

News in Brief

• According to the study, nano-urea is a viable alternative to conventional urea when used as a foliar spray for top-dressing.
• By applying nano-urea on the leaves along with the recommended amount of conventional urea at the plant’s base, the crop yield can increase by 3-8% compared to using traditional fertilizers.
• Although the Indian government is not directly involved in establishing Nano Urea Plants.
• IFFCO has set up three such plants in Kalol, Phulpur, and Aonla, which have a capacity of 17 crore bottles.

What are Nano Fertilisers?

• It is also known as nano fertilizers, are a type of nanotechnology-based agricultural input designed to improve
• These fertilizers utilize nanoparticles, which are particles at the nanoscale (usually between 1 and 100 nanometers in size), to deliver nutrients more effectively to plants.

How does Nano Fertilizer differ from traditional?

• Traditional fertilizers, such as urea, phosphates, and potash, have been essential for increasing crop yields and ensuring food security.
• However, their efficiency in nutrient uptake by plants is not always optimal.
• Many nutrients can be lost through leaching, runoff, or volatilization, leading to environmental pollution and wastage.
• Nano fertilizers aim to overcome these limitations by enhancing nutrient delivery and absorption.
• They can be engineered to have specific properties that enable targeted and controlled release of nutrients to plants.

Key characteristics of nano fertilizers

1. 1. Increased Surface Area: Nano-sized particles have a larger surface area compared to conventional fertilizers, which allows for better contact and interaction with plant roots.
   2. Controlled Release: It can be designed to release nutrients slowly and steadily, matching the crop’s nutrient requirements throughout its growth stages.
   3. Nutrient Protection: Nanoparticles can protect nutrients from environmental factors that lead to their degradation or loss.
   4. Enhanced Mobility: It can improve nutrient mobility within the soil, making them more available for plant uptake.
   5. Reduced Environmental Impact: By increasing nutrient use efficiency, nano fertilizers can potentially reduce the amount of excess nutrients released into the environment, thereby lowering the risk of pollution.

Challenges

• Despite the promising potential of nano fertilizers, their adoption and commercialization are still in the early stages.
• Several challenges and concerns related to their safety, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed before their widespread use in agriculture.

Research and guidelines

• Regulatory agencies in various countries are working to establish guidelines and standards for the safe use of nanotechnology in agriculture, including nano fertilizers.
• Research is ongoing to understand their long-term effects on crops, soil, and the environment.
• It is essential to continue monitoring their performance and impact to ensure sustainable and safe agricultural practices.

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