Effect of nanoparticles of feldspar and hematite using different levels of chemical potassium fertilizer on yield and protein production of wheat

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the wheat yield affected by different concentrations of chemical Potassium (K) (0, 25%= 28.6, 75%= 85.7 and 100%= 118.0 kg Kha −1 recommended rate, KRR), with and without the application of foliar spraying of feldspar nanoparticles solution and different iron treatments (using foliar spraying of 0.3% twice from ferrous sulphate, or natural hematite nanoparticles). Two field experiments were conducted at two different locations; the first was at the Agricultural farm of Sids Agricultural Research Station (ARC), and the second was at a private farm at Sids village in 2018/2019 season. Grain, straw and biological yields, nitrogen content, protein content, and protein yield were determined. Results showed that increasing K levels up to 118.0 kg Kha −1 increased grain, straw, biological yields nitrogen, protein content, and protein yield. Foliar spraying of feldspar nanoparticles or ferrous sulphate or hematite nanoparticles enhanced all the above-mentioned parameters. Combined 75% KRR with feldspar nanoparticles showed yields and quality of wheat equal to those under 100% KRR. Foliar spraying of hematite nanoparticles has equal effect on wheat productivity as ferrous sulphate. The highest wheat yields and protein characteristics were achieved for the treatment of 100% KRR or 75% KRR with foliar spraying of feldspar nanoparticles and foliar spraying of ferrous sulphate or hematite nanoparticles. To conclude; the study revealed the possibility of saving about 25% KRR by foliar spraying of natural feldspar nanoparticles, and using hematite (iron oxide) nanoparticles instead of ferrous sulphate.