Revolutionizing Agriculture: Nano Fertilizers for Sustainable Crop Improvement

Abstract

The abundant metalloid element silicon (Si) is present in the crust of the Earth and is important for improving many aspects of plant characteristics. The potential of silicon in agriculture is examined in this article with particular attention to how it affects crop improvement, stress management, and plant growth. Under certain pH circumstances, plant roots absorb orthosilicic acid, the form of silicon that is accessible to plants in soil. The benefits of Si application, including improved vegetative growth, development, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, have been demonstrated by numerous studies. Additionally, silica plays a role in decreased transpiration, enhanced photosynthesis, and UV-B radiation protection. Agricultural crops encounter a multitude of difficulties, such as pathogens, pests, drought, flooding, salinity, and metal toxicity, which are frequently intensified by inadequate silicon availability in soils. To remedy this deficiency, si fertilizers are used, which improves plant function. It is further important to fertilize with Si because certain crops actively accumulate Si in their tissues. Applications of Si take into account the fertility of the soil, the amount of moisture present, and the uptake of nutrients, resulting in enhanced growth, productivity, and resilience to stress. Si increases stem strength, stress tolerance, and lodging resistance, for instance, in rice. Moreover, silica boosts water use efficiency in drought-stricken maize and modifies proline levels in upland rice in response to water restrictions. Eventually, Si-based compounds have a great deal of promise to improve crop yield and solve the problems facing contemporary agriculture. The numerous advantages of applying Si in supporting resilient and sustainable agriculture are highlighted in this review.