Effect of Engineered Nanoparticles on Soil Attributes and Potential in Reclamation of Degraded Lands

Rapid upsurge in the discipline of nanoscience and technology has led to emergence of myriads of nanoparticles. Apart from substantial application in medicine, textile, food science, and environmental technology, nanoparticles have received considerable application and immense opportunities in agricultural practices. Given the inherent potential, nanoparticle based on zinc, iron, manganese, copper, titanium, and mixtures thereof has been successfully employed in agricultural lands. Although negative consequences of nanoparticle application are well recognized, the judicious application of various nanoparticles in agriculture could improve the soil productivity in a better way in contrast to currently used strategies. Therefore, assessment of soil attributes may provide important insight on possible threats of nanoparticles in agro-ecosystem. The modulation in characteristics like pH, moisture content, soil organic matter, nutrient and mineral composition, microbial attributes, fauna and enzymatic activities to a great extent after the introduction of nanoparticle in agroecosystem is documented. Unprecedented rise in agricultural technologies and accelerated application of agrochemicals are the important phenomena responsible for massive degradation of agricultural lands worldwide causing decline in crop productivity. Nanotechnology could provide important platform for efficient restoration of degraded land areas. This chapter has reviewed on application of engineered nanoparticles in (a) improving agricultural productivity, (b) important techniques for nanoparticle quantification, (c) impact on soil characteristics, and (d) potential in management of degraded lands.