Nano-urea: The next-gen fertiliser for a greener future

Abstract

Cereals serve as a staple food source for more than 80% of the global population, making it essential to increase cereal production per unit area to meet the demands of the rapidly growing population. Nitrogen is an essential as well as primary nutrient for crop growth. Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen-based fertiliser, containing 46% nitrogen. However, the excessive application of urea can disrupt the natural composition of the soil, reduce its fertility and productivity and increase soil acidity. To address these issues, nano-urea has been recently developed as a step toward more sustainable and precise agriculture. Nano-urea has undergone biosafety and toxicity assessments in accordance with Indian regulations and internationally recognised guidelines. Nano-urea is a viable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable liquid nitrogen fertiliser that enhances nutrient availability to crops by ~80% and improves nitrogen use efficiency by 85–90%.