Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, yield, and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-fertilizers, and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied to improve crop health and shelf-life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It also focuses on how the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014–2024) of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, yield and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, nano-fertilizers and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied to improve crop health and shelf life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. It also focuses on how the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014-2024) of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.
13 December 2024 in Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems
Biochar has been widely recognized for its potential to improve soil quality and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A field experiment was conducted in a temperate climate zone of Slovakia on Haplic Luvisol and evaluated the long-term impact of biochar on soil properties, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield. Biochar was applied in 2014 at rates of 0, 10, and 20 t ha−1 and reapplied in 2018 at the same rates, combined with nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 140, and 210 kg N ha−1). Measurements, conducted from March to October 2021, showed that biochar improved soil water content, increased soil pH, and enhanced soil organic carbon content. However, the concentrations of NH4+-N and NO3−-N generally decreased across all the treatments compared to their respective controls. Biochar reapplication rate at 20 t ha−1, especially combined with second level of N-fertilization, led to a significant reduction in cumulative N2O emissions by 38.40%. Winter wheat yield was positively correlated with both biochar application (10 and 20 t ha−1) and N levels (140 and 210 kg N ha−1), but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The positive effects of biochar on soil properties and yield declined over time, with no significant yield differences observed 7 years after the initial application and 3 years after reapplication. These findings suggest that while biochar can enhance soil conditions and reduce GHG emissions in the short term, its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. Further research is needed to explore alternative biochar feedstocks, application methods, and strategies to sustain its benefits in agricultural systems.