Low nutrient use efficiency of conventional fertilizers

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and future work and limitations section and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 13 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps

• From Nanomaterials to Nanofertilizers: Applications, Ecological Risks, and Prospects for Sustainable Agriculture (2026) · Plants · cited 13× · doi

  Low nutrient use efficiency of conventional fertilizers. Limited understanding of the preparation routes and agronomic mechanisms of nanofertilizers. Need for sustainable agriculture practices that reduce environmental issues.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: low nutrient use efficiency conventional fertilizers limited understanding
• From synthesis to soil: the multifunctional role of nanofertilizers in sustainable crop production (2026) · Plant and Soil · doi

  Although NFs show strong potential to improve nutrient-use efficiency and crop productivity, further research is required before their widespread agricultural adoption. Future studies should prioritize multiseason field trials to validate NF performance under diverse soil and climatic conditions. Advances in nanomaterial engineering may also enable the development of next-generation smart NFs capable of controlled nutrient release and targeted delivery (Ul Ain et  al. 2023). In addition, standardized approaches for evaluating environmental fate, safety, and life-cycle impacts of nanomaterials are necessary to support regulatory approval and responsible use (Onyeaka et  al. 2022). Finally, improving scalable and cost-effective synthesis methods, including green production strategies, will be essential for translating NF technologies from experimental research to practical agricultural applications (Gilbertson et  al. 2020; Jha et  al. 2023).

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: nutrient safety show strong potential improve efficiency crop productivity further required widespread agricul tural adoption
• Smart Nano-fertilizers for Stress-resilient and Climate-smart Agriculture: A Green Growth Framework (2026) · BioNanoScience · doi

  The need for advanced nutrient management strategies to address the challenges of population growth, food security, and ecological sustainability. The lack of understanding of the mechanisms and effects of nano-fertilizers. The need for further research to fully understand the potential of nano-fertilizers to improve nutrient use efficiency and plant resilience.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: need advanced nutrient management strategies address challenges population
• Smart Nano-fertilizers for Stress-resilient and Climate-smart Agriculture: A Green Growth Framework (2026) · BioNanoScience · doi

  The potential accumulation of nanoparticles in soils and food systems is a concern. The long-term ecological impacts of nano-fertilizers are not fully understood. The limitations related to environmentally sustainable large-scale production methods need to be addressed.

  generallimitations sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: potential accumulation nanoparticles soils food systems concern long-term
• Smart Nano-fertilizers for Stress-resilient and Climate-smart Agriculture: A Green Growth Framework (2026) · BioNanoScience · doi

  Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of nano-fertilizers. The development of environmentally sustainable large-scale production methods for nano-fertilizers is needed. The potential accumulation of nanoparticles in soils and food systems needs to be investigated.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further research needed fully understand mechanisms effects nano-fertilizers

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