The Role of Nanomaterials in Soils and Plants
A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology in Agriculture".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biotechnology in plants; nanomaterials; nanofertilizers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Nanomaterials, due to their small size and high surface area, exhibit unique physicochemical properties that influence their behavior in soil and their interaction with plants. The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has led to increased use of nanomaterials (NMs) in agriculture, promising enhanced crop productivity, improved soil health, and more efficient use of agrochemicals. However, the interaction between plants, soil, and nanomaterials is complex, involving both beneficial and potentially harmful effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for harnessing the benefits of nanotechnology while minimizing environmental risks.
Scientists are developing nanofertilizers and nano-enabled soil amendments that enhance nutrient delivery, water retention, and crop yields, while also reducing environmental impact. Innovations like nano-irrigation systems and biochar-supported nanomaterials are improving soil remediation and pollutant immobilization. Advanced nanotechnologies also target soil structure, microbial health, and plant resilience, using materials such as carbon nanotubes, nano-silicon, and metal oxide nanoparticles. These breakthroughs offer precise control over plant nutrition and soil health; however, ongoing studies emphasize the need for careful assessment of long-term ecological effects.
This Special Issue will accept innovative research (full papers and short communications) and review manuscripts that cover (but are not limited to) the following topics:
Smart Fertilizers and Pesticides: Nanomaterials are being developed as carriers for nutrients and agrochemicals, enabling targeted delivery and reduced environmental impact.
Ecological Concerns: The persistence and accumulation of NMs in soil may pose long-term risks to soil health, plant productivity, and food safety.
General Problem: The interaction of plants and soil with nanomaterials presents both opportunities and challenges. While nanomaterials can enhance soil fertility and plant growth, their potential toxicity and impact on soil ecosystems warrant cautious application. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of NM interaction in the soil–plant system, optimizing their benefits and mitigating risks for sustainable agricultural development.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Marta Marmiroli
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- nanobiotechnology
- nanofertilizers
- plant–nanomaterial interaction
- nanomaterials in soil and their action on the soil microbiome
- nanomaterials
- plant rhizosphere
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