Journal Article

Opportunities and challenges for nanotechnology in the agri-tech revolution

Lowry, Gregory V, Avellan Astrid, Gilbertson, Leanne M

2019

Overview

Current agricultural practices, developed during the green revolution, are becoming unsustainable, especially in the face of climate change and growing populations. Nanotechnology will be an important driver for the impending agri-tech revolution that promises a more sustainable, efficient and resilient agricultural system, while promoting food security. Here, we present the most promising new opportunities and approaches for the application of nanotechnology to improve the use efficiency of necessary inputs (light, water, soil) for crop agriculture, and for better managing biotic and abiotic stress. Potential development and implementation barriers are discussed, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to designing proposed nanotechnologies.Nanotechnology offers a range of opportunities for sustainable agriculture. Successful developments will need a systems approach to designing proposed nanotechnologies.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: Agricultural practices / Climate change / Farming systems / Food security / Green revolution / Nanotechnology / Soil water / Sustainable agriculture