Application Of Nano-fertilizer Research Articles

Potential of Foliar Applied Nano Fertilizer in Improving the Growth, Yield and Quality of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus)

A field experiment was conducted in the Research farm of the School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab to find out the potential of foliar-applied nano fertilizer in improving the growth, yield and quality of Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The experiment consisted of five treatments viz. T1: Control, T2: 50% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS, T3: 75% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS, T4: 100% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and T5: 125% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS. The application of 100% RDF + Nano NPK (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as a foliar spray at 30 DAS (T4) recorded the highest plant height (184.75 cm), seed yield (22.80 q ha-1) and stover yield (49 q ha-1). More oil (43.32%) and protein (31.73%) content were also recorded in T4 as compared to other treatments. The overall results showed that foliar application of nano fertilizer in combination with conventional fertilizer significantly improved the growth, yield and quality of Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus).

Impact of the foliar application of potassium nanofertilizer on biomass, yield, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthetic activity in green beans

The agricultural areas of the world face problems that create difficulties when producing food and the excessive use of fertilizers is generating a negative environmental impact. An alternative that appears as a solution to this problem is the use of nanofertilizers. Within nanofertilizers an area of opportunity is the application of macronutrients, which report an increase in absorption efficiency of 19% compared to conventional fertilizers. Potassium (K) is one of the three macronutrients most used in agriculture and its deficiency affects key processes in plant development, limiting crop production. However, the number of publications where K is used as a nanofertilizer is limited, despite this, products in this form are already on the market. Therefore, the aim of this research work was to study the effect of the foliar application of K nanofertilizer on biomass, yield, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthetic activity in green beans cv. ‘Strike’. K was applied in the form of a nanofertilizer in doses of 0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm. The biomass accumulation, yield, nitrate reductase enzyme activity, photosynthetic activity and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated. The dose of 100 ppm of K nanofertilizer obtained a higher accumulation of biomass, nitrate reductase activity, photosynthetic activity, SPAD values and total chlorophyll content. While the 200-ppm dose obtained a higher increase in yield. The results obtained suggest that the application of K nanofertilizers benefits the physiological development of plants. However, more studies are required to compare the application of nanofertilizers with traditional fertilizers.

Response of Maize under Foliar Application of Zinc Based Nano fertilizer and Varying Fertility Levels on Quality, Yield, and Economics

The present study was carried out during two consecutive Kharif, seasons of 2020 & 2021 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan to assess the response of maize crop under foliar application of zinc based nanofertilizer and varying fertility levels on quality, yield and economics in Southern Rajasthan. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized design with three replications comprising four foliar application of nanofertilizer (Control, at knee high stage, at 50% tasseling stage and both at knee high stage and at 50% tasseling stage) and four fertility levels (100% RDF, 90% RDF, 80% RDF and control). Significantly highest protein content of maize (11.13 % and 10.97 %) was found in with dual foliar application of nanofertilizer and 90 per cent RDF, respectively. The significantly highest net return and B:C ratio were found under dual foliar application of nanofertilizer 82956 and 3.04) and soil application of 90 per cent RDF (Rs. 86112 and 3.15) in tested maize crop.

EFFECTS OF BETAINE-RICH NANO FERTILIZER ON IMPROVING PHYSIOLOGY OF Zea mays var. saccharata AND Arabidopsis thaliana UNDER SALT STRESS

Salinity is the second major obstacle after drought conditions that hinder the high productivity of plants. Many factors contribute to the salinity problem, consequently affects the plant physiology, growth as well as production. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effects of betaine-rich Nano fertilizer on physiological parameters of sweet corn (Z. mays var. saccharata) and A. thaliana under salt stress. In this study, plants were grown in a controlled plant growth room. Five salinity levels (S0:0 dS/m, S1:2 dS/m, S2:4 dS/m, S3:6 dS/m, and S4:8 dS/m), two concentrations of betaine (B0:0 mM and B1: 50 mM) and the application of Nano fertilizer (N0: without Nano fertilizer and N1: with Nano fertilizer) were tested in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data for chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence (FV/FM), and leaf relative water content (RWC) were recorded. The results were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan posthoc test. Sweet corn and A. thaliana under salt stress showed a significant increase in chlorophyll content and leaf RWC, but not in FV/FM. Therefore, it is anticipated that betaine-rich Nano fertilizer could reduce salt stress by improving the physiological parameters in sweet corn as well as in A. thaliana.

EFFECT OF NANO-FERTILIZER, SEEDING RATE AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BARLEY YIELD UNDER SINAI CONDITIONS

The present study was conducted at two field experiments in a private farm at Gilbana Zone in Sinai, East Qantarah District, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive winter seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. This investigation aimed to find out the effect of chemical nitrogen fertilizer levels (15, 30,45 and 60 kg N/fad.), barley seeding rate (40,60 and 80 kg/fad.) and nano- fertilizer application on yield and its components of barley. The spilt-spilt plot design as a form of the randomized complete block design with three replications was followed. Application of nano-fertilizer appeared to produce high values in No. of both spike lets and grains per spike as well as the heavy grains/spike, 1000- grain weight and, increased grain yield/fad. Seeding rate of 80 kg/fad. appeared to produce the highest value in each of number of spikes/m2 and grain yield/fad. Meanwhile, the seeding rate of 40 kg/fad. recorded the highest value in each of No. of both spike lets and grains per spike, weight of both grains/spike and 1000-grain . Nitrogen fertilization was very effective on all yield characteristics, so any increase in N levels was followed by a significant increase in each of No of spike lets/spike, grains/spike and spikes/m2, also increased weight of both grains/spike and 1000-grain weight and grain yield per fa. Conclusively, these results finally recommend sowing barley with dense seeding rate of 80 kg/fad. and application of 60 kg N/ fad. In addition to application of nano-fertilizer to maximize grain yield /fad. under the experimental site and other likely environmental conditions.

Chitosan-silicon nanofertilizer to enhance plant growth and yield in maize (Zea mays L.)

We report a novel chitosan-silicon nanofertilizer (CS–Si NF) wherein chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nano-matrix has been used to encapsulate silicon (Si) for its slow release. It was synthesied by ionic gelation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The developed CS-Si NF exhibited slow release of Si and promoted gowth and yield in maize crop. Seeds primed with different concentrations of CS-Si NF (0.04–0.12%, w/v) exhibited up to 3.7 fold increased seedling vigour index (SVI) as compared with SiO2. Its foliar spray significantly induced antioxidant-defence enzymes’ activities and equilibrated cellular redox homeostasis by balancing O2−1 and H2O2 content in leaf as compared with SiO2. Application of nanofertilizer (0.01–0.16%, w/v) stirred total chlorophyll content (21.01–25.11 mg/g) and leaf area (159.34–166.96 cm2) to expedite photosynthesis as compared with SiO2. In field experiment, 0.08% CS-Si NF resulted in 43.4% higher yield/plot and 0.04% concentration gave 45% higher test weight as compared with SiO2. Fecund and myriad effects of developed nanofertilizer over SiO2 could be attributed to slow/protective release of Si from nanofertilizer. Overall, results decipher the enormous potential of CS-Si NF for its use as a next generation nanofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Physiological and biochemical response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to TiO2 nanoparticles in phosphorous amended soil: A full life cycle study

Nanoparticles (NPs) application in soil as nano-fertilizers to increase crop yield is getting attention due to their higher efficiency and less environmental risks. This study investigated the interactive effects of variable titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) levels (0, 30, 50 and 100 mg kg−1) superimposed to phosphorus (P) fertilizer application in soil at the rates of 0, 25 and 50 mg kg−1 on wheat crop. Physiological parameters of plants, their antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, POD), and contents of crude protein, H2O2, MDA and metals/nutrients (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) were measured. Data on physiological traits revealed that application of 50 mg kg−1 of TiO2-NPs without P fertilizer significantly enhanced the root and shoot length by 63 and 26%, respectively. Increased contents of nutrients in the shoots, viz., Ca (316%), Cu (296%), Al (171%) and Mg (187%) with 50 mg kg−1 TiO2-NPs treatment reflected improvement in crop growth and grain quality. Furthermore, P contents in plant tissues were raised up to 56% with 50 mg kg−1 of TiO2-NPs even in the absence of P fertilizer. In the soil, concentration of phytoavailable P was significantly increased up to 63.3% in the presence of 50 mg kg−1 TiO2-NPs as compared to control. Contents of crude protein in grain were also enhanced by 22.8% (at P50) and 17.4% (at P25) with 50 mg kg−1 TiO2-NPs application. Along with P application, TiO2-NPs triggered the activities of SOD (2.06–33.97%) and POD (up to 13.19%), and H2O2 production (50.6–138.8%). However, MDA contents were not elevated significantly at any level of TiO2-NPs, and remained at par with control. It was noteworthy that highest level of TiO2-NPs, viz., 100 mg kg−1 exhibited plant and nutrients response lower than that with 50 mg kg−1. Further, TiO2-NPs triggered the bioavailability of micronutrient heavy metals (Zn, Cu and Fe) and Al, which could have toxicity at higher concentrations. These results suggested that TiO2-NPs might have some affinities with phosphate compounds and metal ions in the soil to bring them in soluble form, which enhanced their bioavailability. Although it improved the crop yield and quality, but toxic or negative impact of TiO2-NPs was also apparent at higher dose. Therefore, investigations on the potential interactions of NPs with other nutrients and toxic metals are needed to enhance our understanding for the safer application of nano-fertilizer.

Chitosan nanofertilizer to foster source activity in maize

We, herein, report the effect of chitosan nanofertilizer comprising of copper (Cu) and salicylic acid (SA) on source activity in maize. Seed treatment and foliar application of chitosan nanofertilizer significantly up-regulated the source activity in developing maize plants. Seed treatment with nanofertilizer induced 1.6 folds higher seedling vigour index, 1.7–3.0 folds higher activities of reserve food mobilizing enzymes in seedlings as compared with control. Foliar application of nanofertilizer (0.01–0.16%) statistically significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (1.06–1.91 folds), reduced malondialdehyde content and enhanced chlorophyll contents (2 folds) in leaves. Application of nanofertilizer remarkably induced sucrose translocation (2.5–3.5 folds) in internodes which gives subtle clue of higher remobilization of nutrients towards growing cob. The elusive bioactivities of nanofertilizer can be attributed to slow release and synergistic effects of Cu and SA. We claim that chitosan nanofertilizer has immense potential to promote source activity in maize for higher crop yield.

Preparation of NPK nanofertilizer based on chitosan nanoparticles and its effect on biophysical characteristics and growth of coffee in green house

NPK nanofertilizer was prepared by loading nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) into chitosan nanoparticles. The chitosan nanoparticles were prepared via ionic gelation of tripolyphosphate and chitosan solution. The chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, TEM, zeta potential and size distribution. The results showed that size distribution was from 300 to 750 nm and zeta potential of around 50 mV. The released kinetics of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in nanofertilizer were also investigated for 240 h. The nanofertilizer was applied to coffee seedlings in a greenhouse condition. The results showed that the nanofertilizer enhanced uptake of nutrients, photosynthesis and growth of coffee plants. Application of the nanofertilizer improved 17.04% nitrogen, 16.31% phosphorous and 67.50% potassium content in the leaves of treated plots compared to the control; total chlorophyll content increased up to 30.68% and 71.7% of photosynthesis net rate. Application of nanofertilizer also enhanced leaf number, plant height and leaf area of the coffee seedlings. Using the nanofertilizer may be a potential way to enhance use efficiency of fertilizers for coffee.

Foliar application of nano chitosan NPK fertilizer improves the yield of wheat plants grown on two different soils

Foliar application of nano chitosan nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizer decreased the life cycle of wheat plants with the ratio of 23.5% (130 days for yield production from date of sowing). Treatment of wheat plants with nano chitosan NPK fertilizer induced significant increases in all yield parameters, as compared with control yield parameters of normal non-fertilized and normal fertilized NPK wheat plants. Transmission electron microscopy investigations showed that nanoparticles were present in phloem tissues which mean that nanoparticles were taken up and transported through phloem route from leaves to stem down to roots. Clay-sandy soil showed better results than those obtained for clay soil. Foliar application of nano fertilizer to wheat plants proved to be important to improve yield parameters of wheat plants and shorten the life cycle of the crop.

Effects of bio-organic, conventional and nanofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of potato in cold steppe / Bioorganinių, tradicinių ir nanotrąšų poveikis bulvių augimui, derliui ir kokybei šaltojoje stepėje

Abstract The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in moderate to cold regions, producing high yields of nutritionally valuable food in the form of tubers. In the cold steppe of the North West of Iran, nutrient management is a crucial component for successful potato production. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different fertilizers on growth, phenological development, tuber yield and tuber qualitative characteristics in two potato cultivars (‘Agria’ and ‘Spirit’). Specific objectives were to assess the effects of nanofertilizers on potato. Fertilizer treatments included: T1 - control (no fertilizer application), T2 - N-P-K chemical bulk fertilizer, T3 - MOG enzymatic bio-fertilizer, T4 - nano-chelated calcium, T5 - nano-chelated zinc+boron and T6 - nano-chelated complete fertilizer. The results indicated that application of nano-chelated Zn+B, complete nanofertilizer and chemical bulk N-P-K significantly increased plant height, the number of stems, main stem diameter and the number of leaves, and also accelerated the row closure (canopy closure). Application of nanofertilizer noticeably decreased the number of days to the initiation of tuberization. The evaluation of tuber yield components revealed that the highest numbers of tuber per plant, mean tuber weight, tuber weight per plant and harvest index were obtained by application of complete nanofertilizer. Comparisons of the cultivars indicated that ‘Agria’ was more responsive than ‘Spirit’ to nutrient managements and showed a more acceptable performance. Nutrient managements significantly affected the qualitative characteristics of tuber; so that the highest dry matter, starch and protein content was recorded for plant grown by complete nanofertilizer. The results of the present experiment agreed with the conclusion that balanced plant nutrition through the efficient nanofertilizers can improve potato productivity. Maintaining soil fertility through an adequate, suitable and balanced nutrient supply is one of the key components for increasing potato production under irrigated condition in cold steppe.

Impact of foliar application of nano micronutrient fertilizers and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the growth and yield components of barley under supplemental irrigation

Nano-fertilizers are new generation of the synthetic fertilizers which contain readily available nutrients in nano scale range. Nano fertilizers are preferred largely due to their efficiency and environment friendly nature compared to conventional chemical fertilizers. To evaluate the effects of foliar spray of micronutrient nano-fertilizer (iron and zinc) and nano-titanium dioxide (nTiO2) solution on grain yield and its components in barley under supplemental irrigation conditions, a field experiment was carried out in the semi-arid highland region of Maragheh, Iran. Barley plants were separately treated with of chelated nano-scale zinc oxide (ZnO) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) suspensions during tillering stage, booting and milky stages. Results revealed that days to anthesis and maturity significantly increased after application of both nano-fertilizers. Furthermore, a considerable improvement was observed in grain mass, spike length, number of the grains per spike, chlorophyll content, grain yield and harvest index by application of nano-fertilizer. However the impact of nano zinc fertilizer was more prominent than iron. Foliar application of nTiO2 positively affected some morphophysiological characteristics like as days to anthesis, chlorophyll content and straw yield. The results suggest that the delivery of Zn into barley seedling through spray of nano-fertilizer can be an efficient nutrient management strategy in semi-arid regions. Overall, our result indicated that the integration of nanotechnology in fertilizer products can improve fertilizer use efficiency and significantly increase of barley yield. However, plant response to nanoparticles significantly depend on concentration and time of application as well as size, shape, and surface functionalization of the particles.

Investigation of some morphological traits in studied lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes grown with foliar application of nanosized ferric oxide / Badania nad niektórymi cechami morfologicznymi wybranych genotypów soczewicy (Lens culinaris Medik.) hodowanych w obecności nanocząstek tlenku żelaza

AbstractInterest in growing lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is increasing due to its potential returns relative to other legume crops in semi-arid areas. An experiment was conducted to examine the important traits on lentil under application of nano-fertilizer by using eight genotypes with application of the biplot technique in visualizing research data. Nano-iron oxide (2 g L-1) was utilized as foliar spray during vegetative and reproductive stages. The study revealed that genotype by trait (GT) biplot can graphically display the interrelationships among traits and facilitate visual comparison of genotypes. The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) accounted for 76% of the total variation. The polygon view of GT biplot suggested four sections for the lentil genotypes as well as traits. The vertex genotypes G1 had plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100-grains weight and grain yield traits. The most prominent relation were: a strong positive association among biological yield, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, grains yield and plant height as indicated by the small obtuse angles between their vectors. The traits’ relationship in the semi-arid was highly variable, and grain yield improvement can be achieved by selecting for number of pods per plant, 100-grains weight. We suggest that the GT biplot be used jointly to better understand and more fully explore interaction pattern data.