Role of Nanoparticles and Nano-Biochar in Reducing Salinity Stress for Improving Soil Health and Sustainable Crop Production

In the era of climate change, land salinization is becoming a major hazard to soil conditions, leading to a significant reduction in crop productivity. It is estimated that approximately 10 million hectares of land per year are becoming unsuitable for agricultural practices due to salinity. Salinity not only affects plant development and efficiency by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting hormonal balance, and causing nutrient imbalances, but it also has adverse effects on soil properties such as organic matter and C:N ratio. Additionally, high soil salt concentration reduces microbial activity and alters microbial communities in the soil. Nanoparticles and nano-biochar, with their specific physical and chemical properties such as high surface area, strong zeta potential, and larger pore volumes, have the potential to improve soil conditions and alleviate salinity stress, thereby promoting crop production. The application of nanoparticles and nano-biochar enhances soil cation exchange capacity, organic matter content, and surface area under salinity stress. Furthermore, it helps limit the uptake of Na+ and promotes the uptake of other essential minerals in saline soil, which are crucial for enhancing plant growth. The application of nanoparticles and nano-biochar also improves the regulation of stomatal conductance and phytohormones. These advancements can be beneficial in increasing crop productivity to meet the demands of a growing global population and in rejuvenating agricultural land for sustainable practices.