Nanofertilizers in Modern Agriculture: A Technological Revolution in Plant Nutrition and Resource Efficiency

Agriculture as we know it today has been made possible by the modernization of management practices and technological advances in agricultural inputs. However, the excessive, continuous, and inappropriate use of these inputs has led to nutrient loss, negatively affecting the ecosystem and human health. Population growth and climate change have driven the search for alternative technologies that increase crop productivity and reduce environmental impacts. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool in agriculture, promoting better nutrient supply, controlled fertilizer release, and greater application and absorption efficiency. Nanofertilizers contribute to increasing crop yields, reducing nutrient losses, and promoting sustainability. This review aims to explore the current literature on nanofertilizers, their properties, synthesis methods, absorption and transport mechanisms, and the interaction between soil and microbiota. It provides an assessment of their agronomic benefits and potential environmental risks. In addition, we present a bibliometric analysis that identifies global trends in the scientific literature focused on nanofertilizers. This study highlights recent advancements and the existing perspective on nanofertilizers while emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks and long-term field evaluations to ensure their safe and effective implementation in agriculture.