In the demesne of sustainable agriculture, diverse scientific disciplines contribute significantly, with nanotechnology taking center stage. Recent strides in precision agriculture with nanotechnology primarily emphasize real-time, environmentally conscious sensing of crop, water, and soil parameters to optimize crop yield. Nanotechnology's focus extends to the development of innovative nanomaterials, enhancing soil nutrient availability, seed germination, and seedling growth while concurrently addressing biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, the application of diverse nano-based fertilizers and pesticides directly onto crops at reduced dosages emerges as a key strategy, mitigating risks to both human health and the environment. The exploration of advanced nanodiagnostic systems and nanobiosensors plays a pivotal role in monitoring plant diseases, soil quality parameters, and stress, thereby offering a substantial advantage in precision agriculture. Nanosensors are composed of nanoscale particles such as nanoscale wires, carbon nanotubes, thin films, and nanoparticles.
Top1. Introduction
To enhance agriculture for increased productivity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, a departure from traditional methods is imperative (Rajput et al., 2021). Farmers, driven by yield concerns, have increasingly relied on agrochemicals. However, expanding agricultural land due to population growth has led to heightened agrochemical usage, causing pollution in air, water, and soil (Muhammad, Waheed, et al., 2024). Recognizing the harmful impact, the scientific community aims to enhance conventional farming for environmental protection. Global awareness is pressuring farmers to adopt modern methods, with precision agriculture standing out for its reduced agrochemical usage, offering crop-specific treatments to increase yields (Sangeeta Dash et al., 2023). Nanotechnology has emerged as a key approach, providing innovative solutions for environmentally friendly practices in precision farming. Nanomaterials, with unique properties, serve as the foundational building blocks. Precision agriculture incorporates various nano-based tools like nanosensors, nanofertilizers (NFs), nanoherbicides, nanoscale carriers, and nanopesticides, reducing reliance on diverse agrochemicals (Singh et al., 2022). Integrating nanotechnology has the potential to preserve soil and water health without compromising crop productivity (Goyal et al., 2023). Nano-biosensors play a crucial role in precise monitoring of crop growth and soil properties in precision agriculture.
Contemporary agriculture is undergoing a transformative shift to address feeding a growing global population while mitigating environmental impact. Precision farming, a departure from conventional methods, involves meticulous management guided by real-time data and site-specific conditions (Ghazaryan et al., 2018). Through information and communication technologies, precision farming optimizes crop yields, reduces environmental impact, and elevates overall farm sustainability (Sangeeta Dash et al., 2023). Nanoscale sensors in agriculture operate at molecular and atomic levels, revolutionizing various aspects. They offer novel capabilities for monitoring critical parameters like soil conditions, water quality, and crop health with unprecedented precision. The integration of nanoscale sensors into precision farming systems fundamentally transforms comprehension and management of agricultural processes (Yadav et al., 2023).
Figure 1.
Overview of nanosensor and its uses in precision agriculture
This integrated approach emphasizes the essential role of various nanosensors in water, soil, and plant systems. Exploring the application of biosynthesized nanoparticles in advanced agriculture provides a nuanced understanding of their potential. The chapter offers a comprehensive overview of nanosensors, addressing challenges and risks in real-time, emphasizing their key role in mitigating the environmental impact of conventional agrochemicals while ensuring increased agricultural productivity. As agriculture evolves, integrating cutting-edge technologies becomes essential to meet the demands of a growing global population while safeguarding the environment for future generations. These sensors detect changes in conductance when semiconducting carbon nanotubes interact with specific chemicals. The comprehensive compilation presented in this chapter delves into the multifaceted applications and roles of nanosensors in precision agriculture and crop protection. In summary, nanosensors emerge as indispensable tools, significantly contributing to crop protection and advancing the principles of precision agriculture.