Table 4.

Emerging trends and future directions for nanotechnology in agriculture.

Research Area	Emerging Innovations	Expected Benefits	Current Challenges	References
Smart Nanomaterials	Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for the controlled release of agrochemicals	Improved efficiency and reduced wastage of fertilizers and pesticides	High production costs and scalability issues	[192]
Integration with Precision Agriculture	Drone-enabled nanosensors for real-time monitoring of crop health	Enhanced resource use efficiency and optimized farming practices	Integration of nanosensors with existing technologies	[193]
Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Nanomaterials	Green synthesis using plant extracts and microbes	Reduced environmental footprint and safer applications	Standardization of synthesis methods and regulatory acceptance	[194]
Multifunctional NPs	Hybrid NPs combining nutrient delivery, stress tolerance, and pest control	Simplified agricultural inputs, cost reduction, and enhanced effectiveness	Balancing multifunctionality with ecological safety	[195]
Long-Term Impact Studies	Field trials assessing the ecological and environmental impacts of nanomaterials	Better understanding of sustainability and safety in agricultural ecosystems	Limited availability of long-term ecological data	[50]