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Nanomaterials
Special Issues
The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants
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The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants

A Special Issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991) belonging to the section "Nanotechnology in Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 March 2027 | Viewed by 8075

Editor

Dr. Marta Marmiroli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 33/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Interests: biotechnology in plants; nanomaterials; nanofertilizers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials, due to their small size and high surface area, exhibit unique physicochemical properties that influence their behavior in soil and their interaction with plants. The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has led to increased use of nanomaterials (NMs) in agriculture, promising enhanced crop productivity, improved soil health, and more efficient use of agrochemicals. However, the interaction between plants, soil, and nanomaterials is complex, involving both beneficial and potentially harmful effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for harnessing the benefits of nanotechnology while minimizing environmental risks.

Scientists are developing nanofertilizers and nano-enabled soil amendments that enhance nutrient delivery, water retention, and crop yields, while also reducing environmental impact. Innovations like nano-irrigation systems and biochar-supported nanomaterials are improving soil remediation and pollutant immobilization. Advanced nanotechnologies also target soil structure, microbial health, and plant resilience, using materials such as carbon nanotubes, nano-silicon, and metal oxide nanoparticles. These breakthroughs offer precise control over plant nutrition and soil health; however, ongoing studies emphasize the need for careful assessment of long-term ecological effects.

This Special Issue will accept innovative research (full papers and short communications) and review manuscripts that cover (but are not limited to) the following topics:

Smart Fertilizers and Pesticides: Nanomaterials are being developed as carriers for nutrients and agrochemicals, enabling targeted delivery and reduced environmental impact.

Ecological Concerns: The persistence and accumulation of NMs in soil may pose long-term risks to soil health, plant productivity, and food safety.

General Problem: The interaction of plants and soil with nanomaterials presents both opportunities and challenges. While nanomaterials can enhance soil fertility and plant growth, their potential toxicity and impact on soil ecosystems warrant cautious application. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of NM interaction in the soil–plant system, optimizing their benefits and mitigating risks for sustainable agricultural development.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Marta Marmiroli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 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.

Keywords

  • nanobiotechnology
  • nanofertilizers
  • plant–nanomaterial interaction
  • nanomaterials in soil and their action on the soil microbiome
  • nanomaterials
  • plant rhizosphere

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2948 KB  
Article
Enhancing ZnO Efficiency: Humic Substances as Natural Carriers and Stabilizers for ZnO Nanoparticles for Sustainable Agriculture
by Tianyi Shen, Gleb N. Trishkin, Maria G. Chernysheva, Natalia A. Kulikova, Ivan V. Mikheev, Grigorii R. Chermashentsev, Sergey V. Maksimov and Gennadii A. Badun
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(18), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16181183 (registering DOI) - 19 Sep 2026
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient in agricultural systems, fulfilling vital roles in both plant physiology and modern fertilizer formulations. Despite its importance, zinc deficiency has emerged as one of the most prevalent micronutrient limitations in global agriculture. Humic acids (HA) can serve as [...] Read more.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient in agricultural systems, fulfilling vital roles in both plant physiology and modern fertilizer formulations. Despite its importance, zinc deficiency has emerged as one of the most prevalent micronutrient limitations in global agriculture. Humic acids (HA) can serve as effective transporters of trace elements for crops, including in foliar fertilization. Our investigation addressed two key aspects: (1) the synthesis of HA-stabilized ZnO nanoparticles, and (2) the assessment of nanoparticle efficacy as zinc sources for foliar fertilization. ZnO and HA-coated ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a chemical deposition method and characterized by FTIR, XRD, DLS, ELS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TEM. The penetration ability of the nanoparticles through plant leaves was investigated using wheat sprouts. After 24 h of saturation, the plants were dried, and their leaves and seedlings were dissolved in nitric acid; the solution was analyzed by ICP-AES. HA-coated ZnO nanoparticles showed competitive performance compared to conventional zinc chelates used in agriculture. Wheat leaf studies confirmed that nanoparticle accumulation and uptake are pH-dependent, with acidic conditions favoring HA-coated ZnO nanoparticles. These findings provide valuable insights for developing advanced zinc-containing formulations for foliar crop fertilization. The demonstrated effectiveness of HA-stabilized ZnO nanoparticles suggests they represent a promising alternative to traditional zinc supplements in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants)
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22 pages, 9834 KB  
Article
Different Magnetization Levels of Magnetite–Chitosan Nanocomposites for Co (II) Adsorption from Natural Waters
by Sergej Šemčuk, Živilė Jurgelėnė, Vidas Pakštas, Danguolė Montvydienė, Audrius Drabavičius, Kęstutis Jokšas, Martynas Talaikis, Jonas Mažeika, Kęstutis Mažeika, Karina Kuzborskaja and Galina Lujanienė
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(7), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16070393 - 25 Mar 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 834
Abstract
Biopolymers such as chitosan are considered important candidates for water purification due to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, natural origin, biocompatibility, and potential for modification to provide additional capabilities, such as incorporating nanomaterials for magnetism to enable rapid separation or adding functional groups to enhance [...] Read more.
Biopolymers such as chitosan are considered important candidates for water purification due to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, natural origin, biocompatibility, and potential for modification to provide additional capabilities, such as incorporating nanomaterials for magnetism to enable rapid separation or adding functional groups to enhance selectivity towards target adsorbates. This study investigated adsorption of Co (II), traced by Co-60 radionuclide, systematically evaluated in natural aquatic matrices selected according to water body type: seawater (Baltic Sea) and freshwater systems further distinguished as lentic (Lake Balsys) and lotic (Neris River) environments, using synthesized magnetite–chitosan nanocomposites (MCNs) with varying loadings of Fe3O4 (10–30 wt. %) nanoparticles providing different levels of magnetization. Comprehensive characterization (TEM, FTIR, AFM, XRD, and Mössbauer spectroscopy) confirmed successful integration of magnetite nanoparticles within the chitosan matrix and reproducible structural properties. An optimal magnetization of 11 emu/g was achieved at 20 wt. % Fe3O4, enabling rapid magnetic separation within <1 min without compromising sorption capacity. Adsorption isotherm models were applied to investigate the adsorption parameters, and sorption kinetics were studied, yielding a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.93 mg/g for MCN-10 in seawater and 11.95 mg/g for MCN-20 in freshwater with observed equilibrium within 120 min. These promising results indicate that the MCN is a suitable nanocomposite for the removal of Co (II) ions and the Co-60 radionuclide from aquatic media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants)
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16 pages, 6641 KB  
Article
Zn- and Cu-Doped MnFe2O4 Nanofertilizer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Role in Enhancing Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Growth
by Dipali R. Ingavale, Vithoba L. Patil, Chaitany Jayprakash Raorane, Sagar M. Mane and Panditrao D. Shiragave
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(7), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16070392 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 642
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies and low nutrient-use efficiency remain critical constraints to sustainable crop production. This study tested the hypothesis that Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles can function as an efficient multinutrient nanofertilizer to enhance fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) [...] Read more.
Micronutrient deficiencies and low nutrient-use efficiency remain critical constraints to sustainable crop production. This study tested the hypothesis that Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles can function as an efficient multinutrient nanofertilizer to enhance fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) growth and physiological performance. Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The nanoparticles exhibited a cubic spinel structure with an average crystallite size of 27 nm and uniform incorporation of Zn and Cu within the MnFe2O4 lattice. Foliar application at different concentrations (100–500 mg/L) significantly improved seed germination, seed vigor, plant height, leaf number, stem thickness, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll content compared with the untreated control. The 300 mg/L treatment consistently produced the greatest improvements, increasing plant height, biomass, and total chlorophyll content by more than 25–40% relative to control plants. Higher concentrations of T5 resulted in diminished benefits, indicating a concentration-dependent response. These findings demonstrate that Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe2O4 nanofertilizer provides a balanced and bioavailable source of essential micronutrients, offering a promising nano-enabled strategy for improving nutrient use efficiency and sustainable fenugreek production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants)
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Review

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34 pages, 2440 KB  
Review
Nano-Biotechnology in Soil Remediation: Use of Nanomaterials to Promote Plant Growth and Stress Tolerance
by Xunfeng Chen, Shuoqi Wang, Huijuan Lai, Linjing Deng, Qin Zhong, Charles Obinwanne Okoye, Qijian Niu, Yanping Jing, Juncai Wang and Jianxiong Jiang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(22), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15221743 - 19 Nov 2025
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5101
Abstract
Soil degradation and pollution pose significant threats to global agricultural sustainability and food security. Conventional remediation methods are often constrained by low efficiency, high cost, and potential secondary pollution. Nanobiotechnology, an emerging interdisciplinary field, offers innovative solutions by integrating functional nanomaterials with plant–microbe [...] Read more.
Soil degradation and pollution pose significant threats to global agricultural sustainability and food security. Conventional remediation methods are often constrained by low efficiency, high cost, and potential secondary pollution. Nanobiotechnology, an emerging interdisciplinary field, offers innovative solutions by integrating functional nanomaterials with plant–microbe interactions to advance soil remediation and sustainable agriculture. This review systematically elaborates on the mechanisms and applications of nanomaterials in soil remediation and enhanced plant stress resilience. For contaminant removal, nanomaterials such as nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes effectively immobilize or degrade heavy metals and organic pollutants through adsorption, catalysis, and other reactive mechanisms. In agriculture, nanofertilizers facilitate the regulated release of nutrients, thereby markedly enhancing nutrient use efficiency. Concurrently, certain nanoparticles mitigate a range of abiotic stresses—such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity—through the regulation of phytohormone balance, augmentation of photosynthetic performance, and reinforcement of antioxidant defenses. However, concerns regarding the environmental behavior, ecotoxicity, and long-term safety of nanomaterials remain. Future research should prioritize the development of smart, responsive nanosystems, elucidate the complex interactions among nanomaterials, plants, and microbes, and establish comprehensive life-cycle assessment and standardized risk evaluation frameworks. These efforts are essential to ensuring the safe and scalable application of nanobiotechnology in environmental remediation and green agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants)
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Other

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43 pages, 27126 KB  
Systematic Review
Insights into Salinity Stress-Induced Morpho-Physiological and Molecular Responses and Nanoparticle- and Nanobiochar-Mediated Tolerance Mechanisms During Seed Germination
by Abhishek Singh, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Mirela Alina Sandu, Veronica Ivanescu, Omkar Singh, Anuj Saraswat and Karen Ghazaryan
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(15), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16150948 - 31 Jul 2026
Viewed by 704
Abstract
Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that threatens global food security by significantly inhibiting seed germination and early seedling establishment. Salinity disrupts all three phases of seed germination: Phase I (imbibition), where reduced water absorption capacity reduces seed hydration and delays metabolic [...] Read more.
Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that threatens global food security by significantly inhibiting seed germination and early seedling establishment. Salinity disrupts all three phases of seed germination: Phase I (imbibition), where reduced water absorption capacity reduces seed hydration and delays metabolic reactivation; Phase II (lag phase), where ionic toxicity and oxidative stress impair enzyme activity, reserve mobilization, and cellular metabolism; and Phase III (radicle protrusion), where limited cell division and length prevent radicle emergence and seedling establishment. These disturbances reduce germination percentage, germination rate, germination index, germination energy, and plant vigor, while increasing average germination time. At the morpho-physiological level, salinity impairs water absorption, membrane stability, photosynthetic pigment accumulation, and root–shoot development. Biochemically, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) causes cellular damage and metabolic dysfunction. At the molecular level, salinity alters the expression of the aquaporin gene family (PIPs, TIPs, NIPs, and SIPs), suppresses starch mobilization by reducing α-amylase, enhances abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, and inhibits gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis, all of which cause inhibition of germination and early growth. As a result, an effective strategy is needed to improve seed germination under saline conditions. Therefore, the second focus of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanobiochar (NBC) as emerging tools to mitigate salinity stress during seed germination. Current evidence suggests that NPs and NBC enhance water absorption, maintain membrane strength, improve nutrient availability, promote antioxidant defense systems, and regulate osmotic adjustment in saline environments. Furthermore, these nanomaterials alter key molecular pathways involved in aquaporin expression, hormonal homeostasis, and reserve mobilization, thereby promoting successful germination and seedling establishment. By combining recent advances in physiological, biochemical, and molecular research, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of salinity-induced germination disruption and highlights the potential of NP- and NBC-based approaches to improve crop establishment under saline conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants)
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