attachment, (c) nanoparticulate polymeric shell encapsulation, (d) polymeric
nanoparticles entrapment, and (e) synthesis of nutrient-rich nanoparticles (Solanki
et al. 2015). Nanofertilizers when combined with nanodevices for synchronized
release of N and P fertilizer prevent unwanted nutrient losses to the environment
(DeRosa et al. 2010) by leaching and/or leaking (Veronica et al. 2015). As mentioned
in Table 9.2, nanofertilizers show controlled release of chemicals, site-specific delivery, reduced toxicity, and better nutrient utilization (Cui et al. 2010). Nanosized
mineral micronutrient formulation can increase solubility besides dispersion of
micronutrients in soil, diminishes absorption in addition to fixation, improves bioavailability which leads to increased NUE, and saves fertilizer resource (Naderi and
Danesh-Sharaki 2013).
Several studies have already proved the importance of nanofertilizers.
Nanoparticles with diameter lesser than the cell wall pores (5–20 nm) can pass
into the plant cells straightly through the sieve-like plant cell wall configurations.
After dissolution of nanofertilizer in water, soluble nutrient ions are released into the
soil. The soluble nutrient ions are like dissolved conventional fertilizers; thus plants
take up nutrient ions released from nanofertilizers. The proportion and range of
dissolution of nanofertilizers in aqueous medium and soil solution are greater (due to
considerable lesser particle dimensions and greater specific surface areas) (Liu and
Lal 2015). Corradini et al. (2010) assessed the relations and firmness of chitosan
nanoparticle solution comprising N, P, and K fertilizers and obtained improved
results. Kottegoda et al. (2011) prepared urea-modified hydroxyapatite
(HA) nanoformulation for steady release of nitrogen fulfilling crop growth demand.
Initially HA nanoformulation showed surge; however they could release nitrogen up
to 60 days of crop growth. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (150 nm) have been
reported to capture urea and had minimum fivefold greater release time (Wanyika
et al. 2012). It has been perceived that 15.5% urea was encumbered inside
mesoporous silica nanoparticles and exhibited a measured urea discharge in water
and soil. Milani et al. 2012 had characterized the solubility and dissolution kinetics
of urea and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) coated with ZnO nanoparticles and
bulk ZnO particles and found better performance of ZnO nanoparticles.
Precision Farming and Smart Delivery System
Precision farming is defined as performing exact management practices at precise
location, at the exact rate, and at perfect time to improve enduring site-specific crop
production efficiency and profitability with integrated targeted information and
sustainable farming system, whereas decreasing unintended environmental impacts.
The success definitely relies on precise assessment of localized crop environmental
conditions by identifying the input demands varied by location (Blackmore 1994). A
centralized monitoring system to determine crop development and soil conditions,
fertilizer, seeding, water, and chemical use can be refined to reduce costs and
maximize crop production. These monitoring systems empowered by nanotechnology and/or tiny sensors will have a huge impression on future precision farming
322
P. Pramanik et al.
nanoparticles entrapment, and (e) synthesis of nutrient-rich nanoparticles (Solanki
et al. 2015). Nanofertilizers when combined with nanodevices for synchronized
release of N and P fertilizer prevent unwanted nutrient losses to the environment
(DeRosa et al. 2010) by leaching and/or leaking (Veronica et al. 2015). As mentioned
in Table 9.2, nanofertilizers show controlled release of chemicals, site-specific delivery, reduced toxicity, and better nutrient utilization (Cui et al. 2010). Nanosized
mineral micronutrient formulation can increase solubility besides dispersion of
micronutrients in soil, diminishes absorption in addition to fixation, improves bioavailability which leads to increased NUE, and saves fertilizer resource (Naderi and
Danesh-Sharaki 2013).
Several studies have already proved the importance of nanofertilizers.
Nanoparticles with diameter lesser than the cell wall pores (5–20 nm) can pass
into the plant cells straightly through the sieve-like plant cell wall configurations.
After dissolution of nanofertilizer in water, soluble nutrient ions are released into the
soil. The soluble nutrient ions are like dissolved conventional fertilizers; thus plants
take up nutrient ions released from nanofertilizers. The proportion and range of
dissolution of nanofertilizers in aqueous medium and soil solution are greater (due to
considerable lesser particle dimensions and greater specific surface areas) (Liu and
Lal 2015). Corradini et al. (2010) assessed the relations and firmness of chitosan
nanoparticle solution comprising N, P, and K fertilizers and obtained improved
results. Kottegoda et al. (2011) prepared urea-modified hydroxyapatite
(HA) nanoformulation for steady release of nitrogen fulfilling crop growth demand.
Initially HA nanoformulation showed surge; however they could release nitrogen up
to 60 days of crop growth. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (150 nm) have been
reported to capture urea and had minimum fivefold greater release time (Wanyika
et al. 2012). It has been perceived that 15.5% urea was encumbered inside
mesoporous silica nanoparticles and exhibited a measured urea discharge in water
and soil. Milani et al. 2012 had characterized the solubility and dissolution kinetics
of urea and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) coated with ZnO nanoparticles and
bulk ZnO particles and found better performance of ZnO nanoparticles.
Precision Farming and Smart Delivery System
Precision farming is defined as performing exact management practices at precise
location, at the exact rate, and at perfect time to improve enduring site-specific crop
production efficiency and profitability with integrated targeted information and
sustainable farming system, whereas decreasing unintended environmental impacts.
The success definitely relies on precise assessment of localized crop environmental
conditions by identifying the input demands varied by location (Blackmore 1994). A
centralized monitoring system to determine crop development and soil conditions,
fertilizer, seeding, water, and chemical use can be refined to reduce costs and
maximize crop production. These monitoring systems empowered by nanotechnology and/or tiny sensors will have a huge impression on future precision farming
322
P. Pramanik et al.