Application of Nanochitosan as Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Nanofertilizer particles are designed in a nanoscale so as to enhance the delivery of nutrient to the plant and improve crop production in order to meets the demands of the ever increasing global population for sustainable future. Nanofertilizers are a set of new-generation fertilizers that provide an efficient and sustainable method of improving crop yields and soil fertility through utilizing advanced nanotechnology and are classified on the basis of nutritional constituent, mode of action, and consistency. Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers produced from organic particulate of matter such as living microbial inoculants of bacteria, fungi, and algae or materials from plant and other animal sources. In the present context, agricultural significance of biofertilizers is overwhelming due to the increased cost of chemical fertilizers and their hazardous effects on soil health, particularly the soil texture, greenhouse effect, pollution, and deterioration of microbial communities. Chitosans are group of a linear hydrophilic biopolymeric compound with a random structural distribution of β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine and N -acetyl-D-glucosamine. They are abundant in nature and have a lot of agricultural, medical, and industrial potentials. In agriculture, nanochitosans are among the group of action-based nanofertilizers with numerous potential in enhancing and ensuring proper utilization of the nutrients. Several studies have described the used of chitosan and its nanoparticles in enhancing the nutrient uptake by plants and reducing the cost of and negative environmental impacts associated with the use of conventional fertilizers. This study provides an insight in the use of chitosan and its nanoparticles as a substitute for conventional fertilizers, in ensuring ecofriendly and in enhancing agricultural productivity for sustainable future.