Nano fertilizers

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

India will be self-reliant in fertiliser production by 2023 as new units are being set up with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore to reduce dependency on imports. Addressing a webinar organised by cooperative IFFCO for farmers of Karnataka, the minister said the government is promoting nano fertilisers .

Concept:

• Nano fertilizers are being studied as a way to increase nutrient efficiency and improve plant nutrition, compared with traditional fertilizers.
• A nano fertilizer is any product that is made with nano particles or uses nanotechnology to improve nutrient efficiency.
• Three classes of nano fertilizers have been proposed:
  • nano scale fertilizer (nano particles which contain nutrients)
  • nano scale additives (traditional fertilizers with nano scale additives)
  • nano scale coating (traditional fertilizers coated or loaded with nano particles)
• Nano material coatings (such as a nano membrane) may slow the release of nutrients or a porous nano fertilizer may include a network of channels that retard nutrient solubility. The use of nanotechnology for fertilizers is still in its infancy but is already adopted for medical and engineering applications.
• Another promising application of nanotechnology is the encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms that can improve plant root health. These could include various bacteria or fungi that enhance the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the root zone. The development of nano biosensors to react with specific root exudates is also being explored.