Nanotechnology-based Sensors for Real-time Monitoring and Assessment of Soil Health and Quality: A Review
Puspa Parameswari
Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.
Ningaraj Belagalla *
Department of Entomology, Mysore University, India.
Bal Veer Singh
Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, India.
GJ Abhishek
Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
GM Rajesh
Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, KCAET, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, India.
Drishty Katiyar
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, CSAUA&T University, U.P.- 208002, Kanpur, India.
Bidisha Hazarika
Tea Husbandry & Technology Department, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India.
Shantonu Paul
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Assam Agricultural University) Dibrugarh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil health and quality are critical factors in maintaining sustainable agriculture, ecosystem stability, and global food security. Conventional methods for assessing soil properties are often time-consuming, labour-intensive, and lack real-time monitoring capabilities. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to develop advanced sensors for rapid, in-situ, and continuous monitoring of soil health parameters. This comprehensive review discusses the recent advancements in nanotechnology-based sensors for soil health assessment, their working principles, applications, challenges, and future prospects. We highlight the potential of various nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots, in fabricating highly sensitive, selective, and robust soil sensors. The integration of these nanosensors with wireless communication technologies and data analytics enables real-time monitoring and precision agriculture practices. Furthermore, we discuss the environmental and ecological implications of deploying nanosensors in soil and the need for standardized protocols and regulations. This review provides valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art and future directions of nanotechnology-based sensors for soil health monitoring, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, soil sensors, soil health, precision agriculture, sustainable agriculture