Chapter 9
Nano-enabled Soil Amendments: Revolutionizing Soil Health
and Crop Productivity for Sustainable Agriculture
Adewale T. Irewale,
*,1,2
Elias E. Elemike,
1,3
Christian O. Dimkpa,
2
and Emeka E. Oguzie
1
1
Nanotechnology Research Department, Africa Center of Excellence in Future Energies and
Electrochemical Systems (ACEFUELS), Federal University of Technology, Owerri 460114,
Imo State, Nigeria
2
Department of Analytical Chemistry, e Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station,
New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
3
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun 330102,
Delta State, Nigeria
*
Email: irewale.adewale@acefuels-futo.org
© 2025 American Chemical Society
e global agricultural sector is facing a range of critical challenges that threaten its
sustainability and productivity. ese challenges extend beyond soil degradation
and suboptimal crop yields; many countries are struggling to sustainably meet
the escalating food demands of their rapidly growing populations. Conventional
agricultural practices, particularly the reliance on chemical fertilizers, have proven
insufficient, due to not only their limited nutrient-use efficiency but also because
of their detrimental environmental impacts. Nanotechnology has emerged as a
promising and innovative approach to improving crop production, particularly
through the development of nano-enabled soil amendments. A substantial body
of literature highlights the multifaceted benefits of this technology, including the
enhancement of soil health and the more efficient delivery of nutrients, both of
which are pivotal for improving crop productivity. Specifically, nanoscale
amendments involve the incorporation of nanomaterials or particles into soil
substrates or fertilizers, and offer several agronomic advantages. ey increase
nutrient use efficiency (NUE), which reduces the need for frequent chemical
applications and minimizes nutrient leaching and runoff. Additionally, nano-
amendments can improve soil porosity and water retention, which help crops
tolerate stress and adapt to challenging conditions like drought. Case studies from
various regions globally confirm that nano-enabled fertilizers, especially when
combined with biochar, can significantly increase crop yields. Furthermore, these
technologies are generally considered more environmentally sustainable
compared with conventional fertilizers. Despite these benefits, widespread
adoption of nanotechnology in agriculture is hampered by socioeconomic and
practical barriers, including limited infrastructure and accessibility. Overcoming
these obstacles requires investment in research and development, supportive
Downloaded via CHEVRON USA INC on October 8, 2025 at 19:10:59 (UTC).
See https://pubs.acs.org/sharingguidelines for options on how to legitimately share published articles.
Thakur; Application of Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Volume 2: Innovations in Pre- and Post-Harvest Crop Management
ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC.