Nanotechnology in agriculture
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract
An overview is given of the application of nanotechnology to agriculture. This is an active field of R&D, where a large number of findings and innovations have been reported. For example, in soil management, applications reported include nanofertilizers, soil binders, water retention aids, and nutrient monitors. In plants, nanotechnology methods have been found to deliver DNA to plant cells, enhance nutrient absorption, detect plant pathogens, regulate plant hormones, and many other applications. In animal husbandry, nanocapsules have been devised to deliver vaccines and improve delivery of nutrients. Numerous postharvest applications have been reported, including the generation of nanocellulose from agriculture wastes, nanocomposites, silk, biochar, and nanosilver, among many others. It may be noted that most of the reported work in agricultural nanotechnology are in the developmental stages and not yet commercialized. Nonetheless, because of potential benefits, further progress in this field is expected in the future.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
ACS Symposium Series
First Page
233
Last Page
242
Recommended Citation
Cheng, H., Klasson, K., Asakura, T., & Wu, Q. (2016). Nanotechnology in agriculture. ACS Symposium Series, 1224, 233-242. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2016-1224.ch012