Abstract

Nano-fertilizers represent a revolutionary approach to sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. This comprehensive review examines the complex interactions between nano-fertilizers and soil particles, analyzing recent advances in nanotechnology applications for crop nutrition. The study evaluates various types of nano-fertilizers including nano-NPK, nano-micronutrients, and slow-release formulations, investigating their behavior in different soil matrices. Key findings indicate that nano-fertilizers demonstrate superior nutrient retention, reduced leaching, and enhanced plant uptake compared to conventional fertilizers. The interaction mechanisms involve surface adsorption, electrostatic forces, and particle aggregation phenomena that significantly influence nutrient availability. Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering have revealed critical insights into particle-soil interactions. Despite promising results, challenges remain regarding environmental fate, potential toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies future research directions for optimizing nano-fertilizer technology in sustainable agricultural systems.