Nanotechnology in agriculture

Research has shown nanoparticles to be a groundbreaking tool for tackling many arising global issues, the agricultural industry being no exception. In general, a nanoparticle is defined as any particle where one characteristic dimension is 100nm or less. Because of their unique size, these particles begin to exhibit properties that their larger counterparts may not. Due to their scale, quantum mechanical interactions become more important than classic mechanical forces, allowing for the prevalence of unique physical and chemical properties due to their extremely high surface-to-body ratio. Properties such as cation exchange capacity, enhanced diffusion, ion adsorption, and complexation are enhanced when operating at nanoscale.

This is primarily the consequence of a high proportion of atoms being present on the surface, with an increased proportion of sites operating at higher reactivities with respect to processes such as adsorption processes and electrochemical interactions. Nanoparticles are promising candidates for implementation in agriculture. Because many organic functions such as ion exchange and plant gene expression operate on small scales, nanomaterials offer a toolset that works at just the right scale to provide efficient, targeted delivery to living cells. Current areas of focus of nanotechnology development in the agricultural industry include development of environmentally conscious nano fertilizers to provide efficient ion, and nutrient delivery into plant cells, and plant gene transformations to produce plants with desirable genes such as drought resistance and accelerated growth cycles.

Nanotechnology in agriculture has been gaining traction due to the limitations that traditional farming methods impose at both the scientific and policy level. Nanotechnology aims to address productivity and mitigate damage on local ecosystems. With the global population on the rise, it is necessary to make advancements in sustainable farming methods that generate higher yields in order to meet the rising food demand. Although there are seemingly numerous advantages in using nanotechnology in this sector, certain sustainability and ethical concerns around the topic cannot be ignored. The extent of their transport and interaction within their surrounding environments, as well as potential phytotoxicity and bioaccumulation of nanoparticles in food systems are not fully known. Ethical considerations also arise when we consider public discourse and regulatory challenges. The accessibility and affordability of nanotechnology-based agricultural solutions could disproportionately benefit large-scale industrial farms, potentially widening socioeconomic disparities with smallholder and Indigenous farmers. Experts emphasize the need for low-cost, scalable innovations that make these technologies accessible to diverse farming communities.