Nanoparticles (NPs) in soil are gaining attention in the scientific community due to their unique properties and potential implications for soil health, plant growth, and environmental sustainability. These particles, which range in size from 1 to 100 nm, can be naturally occurring or engineered and can influence a variety of soil processes, including nutrient cycling, contaminant dynamics, microbial activity, and plant interactions. As the utilization of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry continues to expand, understanding their interactions within soil ecosystems becomes increasingly important. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive collection of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives focusing on the multifaceted roles and impacts of nanoparticles in soil – plant systems.

Nanoparticles, both naturally occurring and engineered, are ubiquitous in soil environments. However, their behavior, transformation, and effects in soil – plant systems are still not well understood. NPs can influence soil structure, nutrient availability, microbial activity, and contaminant mobility, which directly affect plant growth and ecosystem services. At the same time, engineered/ functionalized NPs are being explored for their potential benefits in precision agriculture, soil remediation, and sustainable crop production. The dual nature of NPs as both beneficial agents and potential contaminants necessitates a deeper understanding of their characteristics, interactions, and long-term implications in soil ecosystems. This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge studies that explore the roles, effects, and management of nanoparticles in soil – plant systems.

This Research Topic will cover, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Synthesis and Characterization of nanoparticles in Soil:

• Understanding the physical and chemical properties of naturally occurring nanoparticles in different soil types.

• Functionalization, applications and behavior of engineered nanoparticles in soil.

• Development and application of advanced analytical tools and models for nanoparticle detection and monitoring in soil.

Fate and Transport of natural and functionalized nanoparticles in soil

• Mechanisms governing the movement, transformation, and persistence of nanoparticles in soil environments.

Impact of Nanoparticles on Soil Health:

• Effects of nanoparticles on soil physical and chemical properties.

• Effects of nanoparticles on rhizosphere and soil environment

Interactions between Nanoparticles and Soil Microorganisms:

• Influence of nanoparticles on soil biota, diversity, food chain and soil microbial functions.

Nanoparticles and Soil-Plant Interactions

• Natural and engineered nanoparticles effects on nutrient uptake, plant growth, and crop productivity.

Applications of Nanoparticles in Soil Remediation:

• Utilization of nanoparticles for the degradation of pollutants, heavy metal sequestration, and soil detoxification.

Environmental and Ecotoxicological Impacts:

• Assessing the potential risks of nanoparticles to soil biota, groundwater, and overall ecosystem health.

Fate and Transport of Nanoparticles in Plants

• Mechanisms governing the movement, transformation, and persistence of nanoparticles in plants and its role in plant physiology and its metabolic activities

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Nanoparticles in Soil – Plant Systems