A Review on Sustainable Crop Production through Integrated Nutrient Management Using Nano-Fertilizers and Organic Inputs

Abstract

In order to ensure that the objective of feeding the ever-growing world population is fulfilled, crop production must be efficient and sustainable. It is important that crops preserve the soil quality and protect the environment. INM (Integrated Nutrient Management) is an interesting approach, which involves the use of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and nanotechnology. For example, the combination of chemical fertilizers with the organic fertilizers like farmyard manure, compost, and green manure leads to better soil conditions, improves microbial activities, and helps to retain water and nutrients. Also, they help to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon. The application of nano-fertilizers can be viewed as the most recent innovation in agriculture nutrient management due to its capacity to provide nutrients effectively and efficiently. Due to the smaller particle sizes, larger surface area, and higher nutrient uptake, nano-fertilizers allow plants to absorb nutrients more easily. As a result, there will be a decrease in the loss of nutrients due to leaching, volatilization, and runoff. However, their large-scale adoption is constrained by challenges such as high production costs, limited field-scale validation, regulatory uncertainties, and concerns regarding the long-term environmental and ecological impacts of nanomaterials. The integration of organic and nano-based inputs within an INM framework provides a balanced and efficient nutrient supply that addresses current crop nutritional requirements while supporting the long-term sustainability of agricultural production. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective nano-fertilizers, establishing standardized regulatory frameworks, and conducting long-term field studies to ensure their safe, practical, and sustainable adoption in modern agriculture.