Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in fertilisation has confirmed positive effects on plant growth and yield. Simultaneously, there is still little research into the effects of nanoparticles on the antioxidant system of plants. Due to the positive effect of nano zinc oxide on plants and the special property of nano zero-valent iron, these particles were selected for the research. The nano zero-valent iron is crucial for plants as it is present in agglomerations on the surface of roots where it increases the absorptive surface of the rhizosphere and causes elongation of the roots. The study aims to determine the influence of selected nanoparticles as a potential improvement for conventional fertilisation by magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). After the cultivation, the influence of nanoparticles on the accumulation of macronutrients in plant tissues, biometric parameters, and physiological response (chlorophyll and antioxidant system) of radish (Raphanus sativus) were assessed. The solution used in this study helped to increase the content of nitrates (V) in radish roots by 31.7–73.2% compared to conventional fertilisation. Nevertheless, nanoparticles supplementation resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of magnesium, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in plants. The high dose of used fertilisers increased the thickness and length of tubers by approximately 50.0%, compared to the control samples. The “Macro 2 + nano” variant caused an increase of plant biomass up to 70.0%. The analysis of the antioxidant system showed that the application of macronutrients with nanoparticles increased the concentration of polyphenols in plant tubers by 46.0–55.6%. Interestingly, while implemented conditions caused a 1.5-fold increase in CAT activity in leaves, at the same time the decrease in CAT activity in plant roots was observed. Based on the obtained results of the enzymatic antioxidant system and biometric parameters of plants, it can be concluded that (in laboratory conditions) nZVI and nanoZnO are efficient components of fertilisers. However, the effects on other organisms must be investigated before implementing a method for widespread use.
Highlights
Soil fertilisation with nanoparticles shows promising results for agriculture, especially for crop production
Calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) amount in soil supplemented by nanoparticles increased about 13.0–26.1% and 18.6–37.8%, respectively
The increase was observed for nitrate (V)—even 31.7–73.2%, and no significant changes were noticed for calcium (Ca) and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH4) concentration when compared to variants without nanoparticles
Summary
Soil fertilisation with nanoparticles shows promising results for agriculture, especially for crop production. The study demonstrated that the use of the aforementioned nanofertiliser allows plants to be supplemented with a lower nitrogen dose when compared to traditional fertilisers. The results of their work indicated that chemical fertilisers are effective, but mixed-methods obtained better results. The study showed that nanofertilisers improved water and nutrient uptake, which resulted in plant growth stimulation. Nanofertilisers contributed to the harmonious release of nitrogen and phosphorus, which constitutes a potential solution to the existing problems of plant supplementation. The use of nanoparticles improves the growth and yielding of plants. It allows one to reduce the need for conventional fertiliser, which means that application of their solution results in better use of nutrients by plants [5]
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