The combination of nanotechnology and potassium: applications in agriculture

Potassium fertilizer is indispensable for ensuring crop production, which in turn supports global food supply and safe farming practices. Potassium resources are primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a current shortage of affordable potash and severe soil deficiencies in certain regions of the Southern Hemisphere. There is a shift away from mined salts in favor of locally available potassium resources. Utilizing potassium-rich silicates, for instance, could be a viable option to address this situation. The imperative of enhancing crop productivity and quality necessitates either increasing potassium availability or utilizing potassium more efficiently. Geneticists may find the development of plants that use potassium more effectively to be a valuable pursuit. Nanomaterials are increasingly becoming part of people's professional lives as a novel material category. This technology is gradually finding applications in agriculture to boost crop yields while reducing environmental pollution. This paper reviews the applications of common potassium-containing materials, explores the effects and mechanisms of nano-fertilizers on plants, and offers insights into future applications of nano-potassium fertilizers in agriculture. All in all, the application of nanotechnology in the production and utilization of potassium fertilizers is both necessary and effective. However, there are still many gaps in the current field of nano-potassium fertilizer application that require further research. It is hoped that this review can serve as a valuable reference for researchers working in this field.