Nano Sensors for Real-Time Soil and Crop Health Monitoring: A Review

Abstract

Agriculture is exposed to increased pressure to satisfy the growing food demands around the globe and also handle the decreasing land area, decreased soil fertility, and the effects of climate change. The paper aims to explore the nano sensors for real-time soil and crop health monitoring. Maintaining soil health and sustainable production of crops has thus become a big issue. One of the new opportunities brought out by nanotechnology is nanosensors, which provide transformational possibilities in real-time monitoring of soil and crop health. The devices allow for determining soil parameters (moisture, pH, nutrients, organic matter, salinity, and microbial activity) accurately and give farmers practical information on how to maximise inputs and enhance productivity. Various categories of nanosensors, such as electrochemical sensors, mechanical sensors, optical sensors and chemical sensors, have been found to be promising in improving precision agriculture. Additionally, nanomaterial-based systems such as carbon nanotubes, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots expand their scope in nutrient tracking, stress detection, and environmental monitoring. South Asia has recorded an excessive economic development within the last 20 years; however, there are over 25% of the hungry individuals in the world and half of all the malnourished kids and women in the world. However, despite their advantages of sensitivity, speed, and continuous monitoring, challenges remain, including high production costs, durability in harsh soil conditions, data management complexities, health and environmental safety concerns, and a lack of standardisation. This review highlights the potential of nanosensors to revolutionise soil and crop monitoring while also discussing the limitations and future prospects. With advancements in nanomaterials, integration with IoT and AI, and supportive policies, nanosensors hold significant potential to ensure sustainable agriculture, strengthen food security, and reduce environmental impacts. Considering these challenges, they require multiple efforts to improve the scalability, affordability, and eco-safety of nanosensor technologies.