Addressing Abiotic Stress in Agriculture Through Nanotechnology Solutions

Abstract

Drought, salt, temperature extremes, nutritional inadequacies, and heavy metal toxicity hinder worldwide agricultural output and food security. Using nanostructures' unique properties, nanotechnology offers various creative solutions to these issues. This chapter details how nanotechnology can reduce drought, salt, temperature, nutrient deficits, and heavy metal toxicity in agriculture. The chapter covers nanotechnology applications including water retention materials, sensors, fertilisers, plant growth regulators, seed coatings, adsorbents, and chelating agents. Case studies and research demonstrate how these methods boost crop stress tolerance and output. The chapter examines risks, toxicity, regulatory challenges, and commercialization limits of creating and exploiting nanotechnology in agriculture. Interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement are crucial to nanotechnology's agricultural potential, according to the chapter. Further research and development to solve knowledge gaps and promote responsible innovation are also supported. This chapter provides a comprehensive and current overview of nanotechnology applications for abiotic stress management in agriculture to motivate academics, practitioners, and policymakers. To solve global issues, it develops sustainable and resilient agriculture systems.