Abstract: The overreliance on conventional synthetic fertilizers has contributed to severe environmental degradation, including soil depletion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In response, sustainable smart fertilizers have emerged as innovative alternatives that align nutrient delivery with plant needs while reducing ecological impact. This review examines various categories of smart fertilizers—such as nano-fertilizers, biofertilizers, slow- and controlled-release formulations, and recycled nutrient sources—and evaluates their mechanisms, efficiency, and environmental benefits. The integration of these fertilizers with smart agricultural technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and block chain, enhances precision in application and data-driven decision-making. Despite their potential, barriers such as high initial costs, lack of farmer awareness, and regulatory limitations hinder widespread adoption. This paper concludes that with continued innovation and supportive policy frameworks, sustainable smart fertilizers can play a pivotal role in achieving global food security and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Keywords: Fertilizer, Greenhouse, Nutrient, Biofertilizer, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Author: Aditya Kumar, Anabil Ghosh, Muskan and Devendra Chaudhary
Reference: Ju, X. T., et al. “Reducing Environmental Risk by Improving N Management in Intensive Chinese Agricultural Systems.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 106, no. 9, 2009, pp. 3041–3046 Subramanian, K. S., et al. “Nanofertilizers for Balanced Crop Nutrition.” Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, vol. 81, no. 4, 2015, pp. 767–779. Shaviv, Avi. “Advances in Controlled-Release Fertilizers.” Advances in Agronomy, vol. 71, 2001, pp. 1–49. Lehmann, Johannes, and Stephen Joseph. Biochar for Environmental Management: Science and Technology. Routledge, 2009. Vessey, J. Kevin. “Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria as Biofertilizers.” Plant and Soil, vol. 255, no. 2, 2003, pp. 571–586. Craigie, James S. “Seaweed Extract Stimuli in Plant Science and Agriculture.” Journal of Applied Phycology, vol. 23, no. 3, 2011, pp. 371–393. Edmeades, D. C. “The Long-Term Effects of Manures and Fertilizers on Soil Productivity and Quality: A Review.” Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, vol. 66, 2003, pp. 165–180. IFFCO. “IFFCO Nano Urea: A Game Changer in Indian Agriculture.” Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative, 2021. Liakos, Konstantinos G., et al. “Machine Learning in Agriculture: A Review.” Sensors, vol. 18, no. 8, 2018, p. 2674. Kamilaris, Andreas, et al. “Agri-Food Supply Chain Traceability Using Blockchain Technology.” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 233, 2019, pp. 147–162. Galloway, J. N., et al. “Transformation of the Nitrogen Cycle: Recent Trends, Questions, and Potential Solutions.” Science, vol. 320, 2008, pp. 889–892. Chen, Jianping, et al. “Slow-Release and Controlled-Release Fertilizers: Their Characteristics and Mechanisms of Nutrient Release.” Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, vol. 54, no. 2, 2008, pp. 237–243.
