Nanotechnology support the next agricultural revolution: Perspectives to enhancement of nutrient use efficiency

The sustainability of agriculture is one of the most relevant issues if associated with the population increase expected in 2050. We need innovative strategies and tools far more effective compared to the current, to tackle this problem. Although the knowledge on the balance between the benefits and potential risk is under development, nanotechnology has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and promote food security by a number of pathways. Crop fertilization is one of the most promising ones. This literature overview presents the state of the art on the use of nanoscale materials for plant nutrition, developed over the last 15 years. The nanofertilizers are classified into four groups: (i) macronutrient nanofertilizers, (ii) micronutrient nanofertilizers, (iii) nanomaterial-enhanced fertilizers and (iv) plant growth stimulating nanomaterials. Each group is discussed for its achievements and perspectives in new nanofertilizer. Much still remains to be done for sustainable global food security; however, the development of nano-enabled agriculture will have a decisive role in this challenge.