Development and Evaluation of Nanomaterials for Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials are increasingly utilized in agriculture due to their distinctive physical and chemical properties, which confer significant advantages over traditional agricultural practices. Nanofertilizers, for instance, offer a revolutionary approach to nutrient management by minimizing nutrient loss and enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. Their unique properties facilitate targeted and controlled nutrient release, thereby reducing the overall quantity of fertilizer required while improving its efficacy. In addition, nanobiochar and related nanomaterials are employed to ameliorate problematic soils and remediate contaminated soils, contributing to the restoration and enhancement of soil health. Moreover, nanopesticides present notable benefits, including enhanced chemical bioavailability, superior spray coverage, increased deposition rates, and improved delivery efficiency. These attributes collectively contribute to more effective pest control. However, the deployment of nanomaterials in agriculture necessitates careful consideration of potential risks. The absorption of these materials by plants could potentially alter cellular structures, disrupt metabolic pathways, and interfere with gene expression. Furthermore, there is a risk that nanomaterials could enter the human food chain, raising concerns about potential health implications.

This Special Issue aims to address these critical concerns by focusing on several key areas: (1) the development of novel nanomaterials for agriculture; (2) the environmental behavior and efficacy of nanomaterials within agricultural systems; and (3) the distribution characteristics and effect of nanoparticles (such as microplastics) in agricultural soils. We invite researchers from diverse geographical regions to contribute original research and comprehensive review articles that address local agricultural challenges and propose viable solutions. By fostering these contributions, we seek to advance the safe and effective application of nanomaterial nanotechnology in agriculture and support the development of sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Yulong Zhang
Dr. Yonglin Liu
Guest Editors

Dr. Huayi Chen
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fertilizers
• biochar
• clay
• pesticide
• environmental functional materials
• microplastics
• soil pollution
• wastewater