Complex Study of Foliar Application of Inorganic Nanofertilizers in Field Conditions: Impact on Crop Production and Environmental–Ecological Assessment

Inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) and nanomaterials (NMs) have a range of applications in various industries, including agriculture. Their small size, high surface-to-volume ratio, and unique physical and chemical properties make them suitable for use in different agricultural sectors. These materials have been recognized for their potential as nanofertilizers, enhancers of plant growth, and tools against plant pathogens. However, their long-term environmental and ecological impacts are still not well understood, particularly with regard to plant reproduction. This chapter focuses on (i) the classification of nanofertilizers, their commercial potential, and behavior in colloidal systems, specifically in the context of foliar application; (ii) the use of metal NPs, such as Au, Ag, ZnO, TiO₂, and Fe₂O₃, in agriculture; (iii) the evaluation of INP uptake, distribution, and fate within the plant environment and their effects on field crop production, including yield, fruit quality, and physiological parameters; and (iv) the interaction of INPs and NMs with reproductive organs, flowers, and flowering and the impact on pollen quality and pollinators, as evaluated through agroecological assessments based on epigeic insect communities.