Evaluation of nano-nitrogen fertilizers and other nitrogen sources on the performance of Guinea grass plants grown in newly reclaimed soil under water deficiency

Abstract

Water deficiency and chemical fertilizers' pollution are two of many factors causing imbalance in the ecosystem rhythm, which reflects on farm livestock quality and quantity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Limited research is available on the use of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on pasture crops; hence, an open field research experiment was carried out in newly reclaimed soil to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on maximizing protein level and production of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) plant under water deficiency. Present data from two successive seasons revealed that: plants received nitrogen in the form of nano particles recorded significant increases in yield, morphological parameters, leaf anatomy, and chemical composition (macro and micro nutrients, total carbohydrates, plant pigments and crude protein) over control (plants that received the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers) in both growing seasons. In addition, endogenous hormones; gibberellins (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) beside enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) had been affected by different treatments. The lowest amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were resulted from nitrogen nano particles treatment, while the rates of leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and water use efficiency were enhanced also by nitrogen nano particles treatment application. The present findings suggested that increasing crude protein level of Guinea grass plant grown in newly reclaimed soil by addition of the mentioned nanoparticles could be a promising approach to improve crop productivity under water deficiency and reduce environmental pollution.