Clay minerals and zeolites for environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Abstract

Increased population pressure as well as massive pollution in the soil, air, and water has caused drastic environmental change across the world. Modern agricultural practices also significantly contribute to the environmental degradation issues. Excess use of synthetic fertilizers along with agrochemicals to fulfil production goals in the post–green revolution era has now become a prime concern because it has caused enormous degradation of our soil quality, ecology, and biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture on the other hand emphasizes an integrated management of biota and ecosystem inputs to achieve efficiency and resilience. One of the major goals of agricultural sustainability is to develop technologies and adapt farming practices by utilizing our natural and renewable resources that have positive environmental impact. In this chapter, we discuss the use of clay minerals and zeolites (natural geomaterials) in the controlled release of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and remediation of agriculturally important toxic environmental pollutants. We find that these geomaterials hold high potential in meeting the sustainable agricultural development goals of supplying safe food and clean water to the global population.