Nanoagrotechnology : Nanoparticles and Biogenic Nanomaterials for Agroindustrial Applications

Given the rapid advancements in nanotechnology and its applications in various sectors, including agriculture, a book like this will likely remain relevant for several years. This book addresses agricultural problems by contributing solutions through nanotechnology-based approaches, tools and materials for precision agriculture.

Agricultural growth is significantly beneficial in reducing poverty and increasing per capita income. In low-income communities, agriculture contributes two to four times more effective growth than other sectors. However, agriculture-based growth is at high risk as climate change and other anthropogenic impacts reduce crop yields globally. Advanced development in the agricultural sector is needed to overcome intense poverty and poor agricultural practices to meet food demand for the projected population of around 9.7 billion by 2050. Sustainable strengthening of the agricultural sector aims to produce more and higher-quality yields without adverse impact on the environment. This concept creates a space to examine the quality and feasibility of different advanced techniques and approaches to improve the agricultural sector, taking into account the present biophysical status of the land, environment, community, and economy. In this context, nanotechnology is an advanced technique and the subject of intense research in both institute and industrial levels. Nanotechnology has potential applications in agriculture such as nanopesticides and nanofertilizers to increase crop yield; nanozeolites, nanoclays, and hydrogels used to improve the quality of soil by enhancing water holding capacity and reducing the hydric shortage during crop seasons; nanobased materials used to stimulate plant growth; and wireless device nanosensors which provide smart communication and monitoring in fields. Nanomaterials synthesized by various methods such as vapor phase, liquid phase, and solid phase techniques can be used to increase plant production and protection. Carbon and silicon nanotubes, as well as nanomaterials of gold, silicon and other oxides can enhance the development of agricultural products by improving plant uptake, use, and recycling of nutrients. This book explores the intersection of nanotechnology and agriculture, a topic of current interest due to its potential to revolutionize sustainable farming practices. The interest in this field is likely to continue and increase as the need for sustainable agriculture becomes more pressing in the face of challenges such as climate change and increasing global population. Given the rapid advancements in nanotechnology and its applications in various sectors, including agriculture, a book like this will likely remain relevant for several years. This book addresses agricultural problems by contributing solutions through nanotechnology-based approaches, tools and materials for precision agriculture. This book is an asset for professionals, researchers and students in the field of nanotechnology, biotechnology, agriculture, plant science and life science to broaden their understanding and knowledge about nanotechnology application in sustainable agriculture.