Nanotechnologies for Agriculture: Advances & Future Perspective comprises a diverse audience interested in the intersection of nanotechnology and agricultural sciences. This book is designed to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, scientists & academicians who seek to explore the latest advancements in nanotechnology and its applications in agriculture. With its comprehensive coverage of nanoscience fundamentals, analytical techniques & practical applications, provides a strong foundation for those engaged in cutting-edge research. Policy-makers and industry professionals will also find this book insightful, as it addresses the regulatory, ethical and environmental considerations of implementing nanotechnology in agriculture. The discussions on nano-based pesticides, fertilizers & water purification techniques offer practical solutions that can guide decision-making processes in agricultural development and sustainability initiatives. Agricultural practitioners, including extension workers and progressive farmers, will benefit from the book’s insights into precision agriculture, nano sensors & nanoparticle-based agrochemicals. By understanding the transformative potential of nanotechnology, they can adopt innovative techniques to improve crop productivity and environmental stewardship. Its aims to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice, promoting a more sustainable agricultural future
Mr. Sheikh Amjid, an agricultural Ph.D. research scholar, holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir and an M.Sc. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from SKUAST-Jammu. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Soil Science at the Faculty of Horticulture, Shalimar, SKUAST-Kashmir, he has over f ive years of extensive research experience. He was honoured at SKUAST Jammu’s 7th Convocation for achieving high academic standards in his M.Sc. programme. Mr. Sheikh represented SKUAST-Jammu in the 20th All India Inter-Agricultural Universities Sports and Games Meet, organized by ICAR at Sri Venkateshwara Veterinary University, Tirupati. His innovative idea, “Nano FerTek,” secured a grant for incubation and validation at SKUAST-Kashmir’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE). Mr. Sheikh has made notable contributions to academic research, publishing research papers, review articles, popular articles, and book chapters. He has 3 published books, with 1 under publication, serves as the Lifetime Assistant Editor for the international magazine Agri-Meet. He has showcased his work at national and international conferences, earning him academic awards. His proficiency in tools like Power BI, ArcGIS, Python and R further complements his multidisciplinary approach to address agricultural challenges involved in promoting agricultural education and research. Mr. Sheikh has delivered lectures at state and national-level training programs and skill development courses. His contributions highlight his dedication to advancing agricultural science and sharing knowledge. With a strong academic background, innovative research and active participation in academic events, he continues to make a significant impact in agricultural education and research.
Prof (Dr.) Subhash Chand is currently a Professor-cum- Chief Scientist of Soil Science at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar. Dr. Subhash earned his B.Sc. (Ag. Hons.) and M.Sc. (Ag. Hons.) in Soil Science from Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, in 1995 and 1997, respectively. He completed his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, in 2001. During his academic journey, he received the Best PG Coursework Seminar Award, Somani Book Award (ISSS Udaipur Chapter), and the PG University Merit Scholarship. He is a lifetime member of six esteemed scientific societies, including the Indian v About the Authors / vi Science Congress Association, Indian Society of Soil Science, and Indian Society of Remote Sensing. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension, Dr. Subhash has significantly contributed to the State Agricultural University (SAU) system. His expertise lies in soil fertility, plant nutrition, integrated nutrient management, potassium management, and environmental issues like soil, water, and air pollution. He has authored five books and published 143 works, including research papers, conference papers, and popular articles in Soil Science. Dr. Subhash has presented his research at national and international platforms, including Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany (2010). He has co-chaired technical sessions at GBPUAT, Pantnagar and RARI-Gurgapura and served as North Zone Councillor for the Indian Society of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (2014-15). Additionally, he was an elected member of the Association of Soil and Water Conservationists (2022-23). His academic achievements include editorial roles in reputed journals and awards, such as the Bhoominirman Award and Prashasti Patra (2011) for his contributions to Soil Science. With a lifelong dedication to advancing Soil Science, Dr. Subhash Chand continues to be a prominent figure in research, teaching, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Prof (Dr.) Muzaffar Ahmad Malik did his B.Sc. (Ag) in the year 1993 & M.Sc. (Ag) in the discipline of Soil Science in the year 1995 from Tashkent State Agricultural University, Tashkent Uzbekistan and Ph.D. in 1999 from Institute of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Academy of Sciences Republic of Uzbekistan. He joined Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST- K) as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist in the year 2001 in the Division of Soil Science, Shalimar Campus. In the year 2010, he was promoted as an Associate Professor-cum-Senior Scientist. He was promoted as a Professor cum-Chief Scientist Soil Science in the year 2016. Dr. Malik has served as a Deputy Director, Education, at Directorate of Education SKUAST-K from 2017 to 2019 and as an Associate Director, Education from 2019 to 2024. Currently he is serving as a Professor & Head, Division of Soil Science Faculty of Horticulture SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar. Besides this, Dr. Malik is holding the charge of Nodal Officer, ICAR for & on behalf of SKUAST- Kashmir. Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad Malik has been involved for the last 24 years in teaching, research and extension activities of the University. He has taught courses related to Soil Science at UG, PG and Ph.D. level. He has guided 2 M.Sc. and 4 Ph.D. students and member advisory committee of more than 50 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. His area of research interest is Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition About the Authors / vii and Integrated Nutrient Management. He is involved as a PI/Co-PI in many University level and externally funded projects. He has to his credit more than 50 publications in reputed national and international journals. He has provided technical guidance related to soil and plant testing and nutrient management to more than 2000 farmers and orchardists. He is actively involved in delivering talks through press and electronic media with regard to Soil Science. He has delivered more than 50 lectures in different scientific events organized by the university.
Dr. Shabir Ahmed Bangroo, an esteemed Soil Scientist, Educator, and Researcher, serves as an Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, India. With a Ph.D. in Soil Science, he has garnered over a decade of professional experience, including post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Guelph, Canada and the University of Twente, Netherlands. Renowned for his pioneering research in precision agriculture, soil pedology, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices, Dr. Bangroo’s contributions have been recognized with accolades, such as the National Geospatial Emerging Faculty Fellow Award (2024) and the Excellence in Geospatial Education Award (2024). He has spearheaded transformative projects like the J&K Soil Resource Information System and the Niche Agriculture Project, funded by prestigious national and international organizations. As an accomplished Educator, he imparts knowledge on soil fertility, GIS applications, and sustainable resource management, while serving as an Associate Editor for the SKUAST Journal of Research and a reviewer for high-impact journals. Dr. Bangroo’s prolific academic output includes publications on soil carbon dynamics, geostatistical modelling, and erosion in the Himalayas, underscoring his expertise in ecosystem modeling and natural farming. An active member of professional bodies, such as the Indian Science Congress and the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, he has also organized national seminars and workshops, emphasizing innovation in horticulture and resource management. His proficiency in tools like ArcGIS, Python, and R further complements his multidisciplinary approach to addressing agricultural challenges. Dr. Bangroo exemplifies dedication to scientific advancement and sustainable development, inspiring future generations to embrace climate resilient agricultural practices.
1 INTRODUCTION TO NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE ...................................................................................1 Sheikh Amjid, Javid Ahmad Sofi, N. A Kirmani, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Shaista Nazir, Sandeep Kumar, S. K. Raina
2 EXPLORING NANOMATERIALS: CLASSIFICATION AND ANALYTICAL METHODS ....................................................19 Sheikh Amjid, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Shaista Nazir, Amir Hassan Mir, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Mir Shareen Mehraj, Durakshan Sultan, Suheeba Fayaz
3 NANOSENSORS FOR SOIL MONITORING ..............................45 Sheikh Amjid, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Amir Hassan Mir, Sugandha Khajuria, Sunish Sharma, Hafsa Abdullah, Firdous Ashraf, Ravi Kumar, Haleema Banoo, Stanzin Khenrab, Tajamul Hussain Malik
4 NANO PESTICIDES: FORMULATIONS AND APPLICATIONS .................................................................................67 Durakshan Sultan, Javid Ahmad Sofi, Suheeba Fayaz, Mir Shareen Mehraj, Sumyrah Mukhtar, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Sunish Sharma, Sheikh Amjid
5 NANO FERTILIZERS: ENHANCING NUTRIENT EFFICIENCY .......................................................................................85 Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Shabir Ahmed Bangroo, Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Durakshan Sultan, Sugandha Khajuria, Sheikh Amjid, Subhash Chand
6 NANOMEMBRANES FOR WATER PURIFICATION .............109 Sugandha Khajuria, Sunish Sharma, Sandeep Kumar, S. K. Raina, Ravi Kumar, Govind Kumar Kapuriya, Firdous Ashraf, Sheikh Amjid
7 TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES IN NANOPARTICLE SYNTHESIS .......................................................................................127 Sheikh Amjid, Subhash Chand, Shabir Ahmed Bangroo, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Haleema Banoo, Firdous Ashraf, Tajamul Hussain Malik, Durakshan Sultan , Suheeba Fayaz, Mir Shareen Mehraj, Ravi Kumar
8 NANOCOMPOSITES FOR DELIVERING AGROCHEMICALS ........................................................................155 Sheikh Amjid, Subhash Chand, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Suheeba Fayaz, Mir Shareen Mehraj, Durakshan Sultan, Ravi Kumar, Haleema Bano, Amir Hassan Mir, Hafsa Abdullah
9 NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT ....167 Mir Shareen Mehraj, Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Durakshan Sultan, Suheeba Fayaz, Sheikh Amjid, Faraaz Farooq, Haziq Shabir Sugandha Khajuria, Sunish Sharma
10 NANOTECHNOLOGY - ETHICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS. ...............................189 Suheeba Fayaz, N. A. Kirmani, Durakshan Sultan, Mir Shareen Mehraj, Subhash Chand, Sheikh Amjid, Haziq Shabir, Faraaz Farooq, Stanzin Khenrab
11 ADOPTION & CHALLENGES IN NANOTECHNOLOGY ....201 Sunish Sharma, Sugandha Khajuria, Lovpreet Kaur, Rehana Rasool, Shahnawaz Rasool Dar,, Ravi Kumar, Govind Kumar Kapuriya, Sheikh Amjid
12 FUTURE PERSPECTIVES IN NANOTECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE ......................................................................223 Subhash Chand, Rehana Rasool, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Amir Hassan Mir, Sheikh Amjid, Neha Chandeliya, Raj Kasana, Simranjeet Kour, Muneer Ahmad Bhat, Ravi Kumar
