Chemical Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture

This review examines current chemical advances in agriculture, with a focus on fertilizer and pesticide research to improve crop production, environmental sustainability, and global food security via new, interdisciplinary techniques.

I. Introduction to Agricultural Chemistry

Chemistry contributes significantly to agricultural productivity through a variety of means, including soil chemistry, nutrient management, and the creation of agrochemicals. Interdisciplinary collaboration between chemistry and agriculture is critical in tackling food security issues. Modern agricultural methods mainly rely on agrochemicals for insect control, disease management, and weed elimination (Jeschke, 2015). The use of nanotechnology in agriculture has created new prospects for increasing crop yield by developing nanopesticides and nanofertilizers. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems provide regulated release profiles that can improve the efficiency of pesticide applications (Chaud et al., 2021).

Furthermore, the development of nanoparticles has enabled targeted distribution of agrochemicals, resulting in accurate and efficient agricultural application (Wang et al., 2023). Polyphenols and metal-organic frameworks in pesticide formulations can enhance crop protection and promote growth (Wang et al., 2023; Rodríguez-Diéguez & Horcajada, 2022). Furthermore, the use of polymers in agriculture, such as controlled-release agrochemicals and superabsorbents, has aided technological progress (Milani et al., 2017).

However, indiscriminate use of agrochemicals endangers human health and the environment (Sekhotha et al., 2016; Ji et al., 2021). Studies have demonstrated that pesticide exposure can have negative health consequences, highlighting the significance of effective safety precautions and education for agricultural workers (Sekhotha et al., 2016; Kaewkerd et al., 2022). The development of sustainable agricultural techniques, such as the use of botanical insecticides and lignocellulosic-based nanopesticides, provides opportunities to reduce environmental effect while preserving agricultural output (Campos et al., 2019; Lima et al., 2021).

Integrating chemistry into agriculture is critical for tackling global food security issues. Advances in nanotechnology, polymer science, and material engineering have transformed the creation and application of agrochemicals, providing novel options for sustainable agriculture. To preserve the long-term survival of agricultural systems, the benefits of agrochemicals must be balanced against environmental and health concerns.

II. Innovations in Fertilizer Development

III. Pesticides and Crop Protection

Pesticide development has evolved from traditional chemical pesticides to biopesticides and genetically altered crops, driven by the desire for safer and more effective pest management measures to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. Biopesticides originating from natural sources such as plants, microbes, and animals are gaining popularity as alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their lower environmental effect and risk to human health (Czaja et al., 2014; Nascimento et al., 2021).

Chemical innovations have played an important part in the development of biopesticides, with studies focused on essential oils from Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens to create new biopesticides for postharvest control (Medina-Romero et al., 2021). Encapsulation techniques utilizing supercritical CO2 have been investigated as a means to improve the efficacy of biopesticides, with potential uses for pest management (Nascimento et al., 2021). Furthermore, microbial biopesticides, such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, algae, and nematodes, have showed promise in pest management tactics (Nidhi et al., 2022).

Despite the benefits of biopesticides, farmers face hurdles in adopting them. Cost and perceived effectiveness are important factors in farmers’ decisions to use biopesticides instead of chemical pesticides (Constantine et al., 2020; Guo et al., 2021). According to studies, improved knowledge and education among farmers about the benefits of biopesticides is required to boost their adoption and incorporation into pest control techniques (Guo et al., 2021).

The regulatory landscape for biopesticides differs widely, with places such as the European Union (EU) implementing special laws to assure their safety and efficacy (Ashaolu et al., 2022). The development of sustainable nano-pesticide platforms, such as those based on Pyrethrins II, offers the potential for innovative pest preventive and control solutions while reducing environmental effect (Liu et al., 2022).

To summarize, the advent of biopesticides represents a viable route for sustainable pest management in agriculture. Biopesticides, which leverage chemical research and technology breakthroughs, provide effective alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides, contributing to environmentally responsible and health-conscious pest management tactics.

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