Role of Chitin-Based Nanoparticles for Crop Nutrition and Fertilization Priti Pal, Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Maharudra Pratap Singh, Om Prakash, Anand Prakash, Brijesh Pandey, Vishnu Agarwal, Laxuman Sharma, and Rahul Gupta Abstract The escalating global demand for food production necessitates innova- tive solutions to enhance crop nutrition and fertilization while mitigating environ- mental impacts. This chapter explores the pivotal role of chitin-based nanoparti- cles in revolutionizing agricultural practices. Derived from the abundant biopolymer chitin, chitosan-based nanoparticles exhibit unique characteristics that make them promising candidates for improving nutrient delivery, controlled release, and fertil- izer efficiency. These nanoparticles facilitate targeted delivery by encapsulating essential nutrients, reducing environmental pollution and ensuring sustained nutrient supply to plants. Additionally, their inherent antifungal properties contribute to soil health, offering a natural solution to combat soil-borne diseases. This abstract encap- sulates the multifaceted contributions of chitin-based nanoparticles to sustainable agriculture, with the potential to reshape the future of crop nutrition. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of chitin-based nanoparticles in enhancing crop nutri- tion and fertilization. For instance, researchers encapsulated nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium within chitosan nanoparticles and observed a significant improve- ment in crop nutrient uptake. The controlled release provided by these nanoparticles enhanced fertilizer efficiency and minimized nutrient leaching, addressing concerns related to environmental impact. Furthermore, field trials revealed reduced soil-borne P. Pal Environmental Engineering, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial College of Engineering and Management, Tewariganj, Faizabad, Road, Lucknow 226028, India A. K. Singh (B) · M. P. Singh · O. Prakash · A. Prakash · B. Pandey Departments of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari 845401, Bihar, India e-mail: akhileshsingh@mgcub.ac.in V. Agarwal Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj 211004, India L. Sharma Department of Horticulture, Sikkim University, Gangtok 737102, India R. Gupta Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow 226028, India © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025 R. K. Bachheti et al. (eds.), Chitin-Based Nanoparticles for the Agriculture Sectors, Smart Nanomaterials Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0920-8_7 103