Green fabrication of copper nano-fertilizer for enhanced crop yield in cowpea cultivar: A sustainable approach

Abstract

Nano-fertilizers provide superior nutrient consumption, lower cost, and lower vol/wt than traditional fertilizers owing to their tiny size, larger surface area, and unique properties. In this regard, copper (Cu) nano-fertilizers were synthesized and provided to the cowpea cultivar, and the impact was assessed using morphological attributes, chlorophyll contents, and the antioxidant characteristics of the suggested hybrid variety (Rawan, 2003). Green synthesized nanoparticles were examined using X-ray diffraction, Scanning-electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy. In a Randomized Complete Block Design, nano-fertilizers were administered to plants by soil and foliar application. Six dealings were used, including a control, Cu salt and four nano-fertilizer doses (20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm), and a control, Cu salt, and four doses of nano-fertilizer (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) for foliar and soil applications, respectively. An average increment of 69.09% and 64.91% in morphological attributes, 81% and 52% in antioxidant concentration, and 73% and 68% in chlorophyll contents were observed in soil and foliar exercise, respectively. The findings indicated that the application of Cu as a nano-fertilizer positively influenced the development of the cowpea cultivar and enhanced extract production up to a specific concentration of the nano-fertilizer. However, a detrimental impact on the plants was observed with increasing nano-fertilizer concentration. Consequently, it is suggested that Cu can serve as a potent nano-fertilizer for crops cultivated in copper-deficient regions, contributing to an augmentation in both quantitative and qualitative crop yield.