Nano-calcium applications in modern agriculture: A review
Shalu Gupta, Krishan Kant, Navneet Kaur, Parnika Jindal, Akbar Ali, M. Naeem
Abstract
Nanofertilizers (NFs) have gained significant interest over conventional fertilizers in recent years due to their unique properties, including nanoscale size, enhanced solubility and bioavailability, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Among them, nano-calcium (nano-Ca) plays a crucial role as an essential nutrient, promotes plant growth and productivity, and provides stress tolerance to plants. However, the precise mechanism by which nano-Ca regulates plant development, stress responses, and its interactions with plant growth hormones and other nutrients remain largely unexplored. Additionally, optimizing the delivery methods of nano-Ca to plants is an ongoing area of research, with numerous studies being conducted to govern the most effective approaches. Calcium (Ca) is a macronutrient element required in large quantities, while nano-Ca is effective at much lower concentrations, making its optimal doses a key consideration for agricultural crops. This review explores the pathways through which nano-Ca enters plant cells, traversing various cellular barriers. It also examines the interactions between nano-Ca, phytohormones, and other essential nutrients, emphasizing its agricultural significance in promoting plant growth, development, and stress resilience. This review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers investigating the potentiality of nano-Ca in enhancing crop productivity and sustainability. • Nano-Calcium (Nano-Ca) boosts plant growth, productivity and stress tolerance. • Nano-Ca regulates enzymatic activities in plants. • Nano-Ca provides an economically viable alternative to traditional Ca sources for plants. • Nano-Ca is cost-effective, eco-friendly and revolutionizes farming technique.