Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its application as a green fertilizer in agriculture

Abstract

Soil fertility, quality and improving crop productivity with fertilizers is a critical problem in agriculture. The nutrition of agriculture crops relies on traditional chemical fertilizers, the production of which is expensive and still depends on fossil-fuel consumption, with a harmful effect on humans and global environment. In order to solve this problem, fertilizers must become environmentally friendly and with high nutritional content. Nanotechnology is a promising alternative method. Nanofertilizers provide favourable nutrition by their strong potential to increase nutrient proficiency and protection from leaching into groundwater; its balanced nutrient supply and biodegradability stimulates the growth of crops and improves the quality and production. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for the growth and developments of plants, but it is the most commonly deficient micronutrient in soils. In order to overcome the problem of zinc deficiency in soils, this study carried out a synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by green synthesis method using aqueous extract of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and characterisation by UV-visible spectrophotometer and SEM analysis. These synthesized NPs were applied as nanofertilizers and their effect on the growth of the common plant Triticum aestivum L. was tested. An improvement in plant growth was achieved by the application of ZnO NPs mediated nanofertilizers. From this study, it can be concluded that ZnO NPs are a promising alternative for managing zinc deficiency in soil and increasing the plant productivity.