Segun Michael Abegunde, Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, Funmilola Ayodele Ishaya
The increasing global demand for food production, coupled with widespread soil micronutrient depletion, necessitates innovative nutrient management strategies. Conventional zinc fertilization is limited by low solubility, soil fixation, and environmental losses, which compromise crop productivity and sustainability. This review highlights the agronomic benefits, environmental considerations, and future research directions of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), providing a pathway toward their responsible adoption in sustainable agricultural systems. ZnO NPs have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique nanoscale properties, including high surface area, enhanced solubility, controlled Zn 2+ release, and superior bioavailability. These attributes improve nutrient-use efficiency, support enzymatic and physiological functions, and strengthen plant resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, ZnO NPs offer multifunctional benefits such as stress mitigation, pathogen suppression, and sustained nutrient delivery, positioning them as credible tools in precision agriculture. However, there are challenges regarding cost-effective large-scale production, standardization of application protocols, environmental safety, and public acceptance. Addressing these gaps through integrative approaches such as combining advanced synthesis, IoT-based smart farming, life cycle assessments, and supportive global policy frameworks will be crucial for realizing the full potential of ZnO NPs.