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EVEC Microgreens
Some Emerging Opportunities of Nanotechnology Development for Soilless and Microgreen Farming
Global food demand has increased in tandem with the world’s growing population, prompting calls for a new sustainable agricultural method. The scarcity of
Farhatun Najat Maluin, Mohd Zobir Hussein, Nik Nor Liyana Nik Ibrahim, Aimrun Wayayok, Norhayati Hashim
Agronomy · 2021 · https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061213
Abstract
Global food demand has increased in tandem with the world’s growing population, prompting calls for a new sustainable agricultural method. The scarcity of fertile soil and the world’s agricultural land have also become major concerns. Soilless and microgreen farming combined with nanotechnology may provide a revolutionary solution as well as a more sustainable and productive alternative to conventional farming. In this review, we look at the potential of nanotechnology in soilless and microgreen farming. The available but limited nanotechnology approaches in soilless farming include: (1) Nutrients nanoparticles to minimize nutrient losses and improve nutrient uptake and bioavailability in crops; (2) nano-sensing to provide real-time detection of p H, temperature, as well as quantifying the amount of the nutrient, allowing desired conditions control; and (3) incorporation of nanoparticles to improve the quality of substrate culture as crop cultivation growing medium. Meanwhile, potential nanotechnology applications in soilless and microgreen farming include: (1) Plant trait improvement against environmental disease and stress through nanomaterial application; (2) plant nanobionics to alter or improve the function of the plant tissue or organelle; and (3) extending the shelf life of microgreens by impregnating nanoparticles on the packaging or other preservation method.
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How to credit this work
Farhatun Najat Maluin; Mohd Zobir Hussein; Nik Nor Liyana Nik Ibrahim; Aimrun Wayayok; Norhayati Hashim (2021). Some Emerging Opportunities of Nanotechnology Development for Soilless and Microgreen Farming. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061213 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
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