Cutting-edge nanotechnology will drive a new generation of fertilisers aimed at addressing UK food security by improving the nutritional value, performance and health of crops and plants.

Scientists at Nottingham Trent University are working with the company Micromix Plant Health as part of the three-year knowledge transfer partnership, being funded by Innovate UK.

It will involve incorporating nanotechnology-enhanced formulations to plant feed, allowing targeted and increased absorption of essential nutrients directly into plant roots and through the leaves.

This ‘precision agriculture’ approach is expected to result in increased yields, reduced harvest times, and prevent against pests, as well as reducing reliance on imported chemicals often used in less effective traditional fertilisers.

The work will involve embedding advanced nanotechnology expertise initially developed at Nottingham Trent University for the pharmaceutical industry into commercially viable plant feed and will benefit UK commercial agriculture and horticulture sectors.

It is thought to be the first time commercially accessible plant biostimulant has been produced using bespoke nanotechnology that has the capacity to correct trace mineral deficiencies as a way of improving both crop productivity and nutrition.

The project will also address two major environmental challenges in modern agriculture by minimising fertiliser waste and reducing environmental runoff containing possible pollutants.

In turn this will also help improve the farmers’ profitability with a reduced cost of treatment to achieve the yield increases required to maintain commercial viability.

Nano-minerals will be synthesized and new fortified plant feed will be formulated in both powder and liquid form before a series of plant performance trials across the UK.

“This work will tackle general inefficiencies inherent in traditional fertilisers and will benefit both farmers and gardeners,” said principal investigator Gareth Cave, Professor in Advanced nanotechnology and sustainable chemistry in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.

He said: “Our technology can help drive agricultural productivity and resilience by accelerating crop growth and yield, strengthening plant defences against environmental pressures, and reducing vulnerability to pests.

“This precision-targeted approach to nutrient delivery will ensure controlled release directly to plant roots, optimising absorption while preventing excess leaching into ecosystems.

“The result is healthier soil, reduced environmental impact and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.” 

Tom Mawhood, Director of Micromix Plant Health, said: “We are excited to commence work with Gareth and his team both to develop new products but also to improve the effectiveness of our existing products.

“Farmers face considerable financial and practical challenges and we anticipate that these enhanced nano-products will materially improve quality, yield and profitability.

“There are already some interesting developments we are pursuing for each of cereal crops, oilseeds, potatoes and sugar beet.”