Application Of Nanofertilizers Research Articles

Revolutionizing Crop Nutrition: Exploring Nano Fertilizers in Agriculture

Revolutionizing Crop Nutrition: Exploring Nano Fertilizers in Agriculture

Zinc and Silicon Nano-Fertilizers Influence Ionomic and Metabolite Profiles in Maize to Overcome Salt Stress.

Salinity stress is a major factor affecting the nutritional and metabolic profiles of crops, thus hindering optimal yield and productivity. Recent advances in nanotechnology propose an avenue for the use of nano-fertilizers as a potential solution for better nutrient management and stress mitigation. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of conventional and nano-fertilizers (nano-Zn/nano-Si) on maize and subcellular level changes in its ionomic and metabolic profiles under salt stress conditions. Zinc and silicon were applied both in conventional and nano-fertilizer-using farms under stress (100 mM NaCl) and normal conditions. Different ions, sugars, and organic acids (OAs) were determined using ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results revealed significant improvements in different ions, sugars, OAs, and other metabolic profiles of maize. Nanoparticles boosted sugar metabolism, as evidenced by increased glucose, fructose, and sucrose concentrations, and improved nutrient uptake, indicated by higher nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate levels. Particularly, nano-fertilizers effectively limited Na accumulation under saline conditions and enhanced maize's salt stress tolerance. Furthermore, nano-treatments optimized the potassium-to-sodium ratio, a critical factor in maintaining ionic homeostasis under stress conditions. With the growing threat of salinity stress on global food security, these findings highlight the urgent need for further development and implementation of effective solutions like the application of nano-fertilizers in mitigating the negative impact of salinity on plant growth and productivity. However, this controlled environment limits the direct applicability to field conditions and needs future research, particularly long-term field trials, to confirm such results of nano-fertilizers against salinity stress and their economic viability towards sustainable agriculture.

Role of particle size-dependent copper bioaccumulation-mediated oxidative stress on Glycine max (L.) yield parameters with soil-applied copper oxide nanoparticles

Increased impetus on the application of nano-fertilizers to improve sustainable food production warrants understanding of nanophytotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms before its application could be fully realized. In this study, we evaluated the potential particle size-dependent effects of soil-applied copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO) on crop yield and quality attributes (photosynthetic pigments, seed yield and nutrient quality, seed protein, and seed oil), including root and seed Cu bioaccumulation and a suite of oxidative stress biomarkers, in soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in field environment. We synthesized three distinct sized (25 nm = S [small], 50 nm = M [medium], and 250 nm = L [large]) nCuO with same surface charge and compared with soluble Cu2+ ions (CuCl2) and water-only controls. Results showed particle size-dependent effects of nCuO on the photosynthetic pigments (Chla and Chlb), seed yield, potassium and phosphorus accumulation in seed, and protein and oil yields, with nCuO-S showing higher inhibitory effects. Further, increased root and seed Cu bioaccumulation led to concomitant increase in oxidative stress (H2O2, MDA), and as a response, several antioxidants (SOD, CAT, POX, and APX) increased proportionally, with nCuO treatments including Cu2+ ion treatment. These results are corroborated with TEM ultrastructure analysis showing altered seed oil bodies and protein storage vacuoles with nCuO-S treatment compared to control. Taken together, we propose particle size-dependent Cu bioaccumulation-mediated oxidative stress as a mechanism of nCuO toxicity. Future research investigating the potential fate of varied size nCuO, with a focus on speciation at the soil-root interface, within the root, and edible parts such as seed, will guide health risk assessment of nCuO.Graphical

Investigation of the time-dependent presence and residual effects of nanohydroxyapatite and diammonium phosphate in a barley-barley-maize-maize cropping system

In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on predicting the depletion of phosphorus (P), thus researchers are increasingly inclined to explore different P sources that can be more readily absorbed by plants. The effectiveness of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) as an alternative P source was compared with diammonium phosphate (DAP). A barley-barley-maize-maize was sequentially grown, after which the residual effects of the P sources on the dry weight, P concentration, uptake, and P use efficiency (PUE) were determined for the first barley, and the subsequent barley-maize-maize plant. DAP was more effective than nHAP for investigated parameters. However, the impact of DAP decreased rapidly over time, particularly in the 3rd and 4th plantings. Incubation studies have shown a significant decrease in P following conventional P. DAP in the first month of the study resulted in 152 mg kg−1 of available P in the soil, but by the 13th month, the concentration had decreased to 23.7 mg kg−1. Similarly, in the samples taken after harvesting the plants, the plant-available P was 70 mg kg−1 after the first barley, and subsequently determined as 43.3, 38.7, and 24.7 mg kg−1 after the other plants, respectively. In the case of nHAP treatment, these values were determined as 5.62, 5.28, 8.60, and 4.65 mg kg−1, respectively. In conclusion, nHAP can continuously provide P to the soil an alternative P. Therefore, it can be stated that the application of nanofertilizers hold promise as an effective approach for enhancing nutrient efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts on modern agricultural practices.

Effects of nano silicon fertilizer on the lodging resistance characteristics of wheat basal second stem node

The application of nano fertilizers is one of the hotspots in current agricultural production. In this study, nano silicon materials were mixed with compound fertilizers to make nano silicon fertilizer. The effects of different amounts of nano silicon application on the breaking-resistance strength, lodging-resistance index, lignin accumulation, lignin synthesis related enzymes, and the relative expression of lignin synthesis related genes in the second stem node of wheat were mainly studied. Four treatments were set up: CK (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer), T1 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 0.9 kg·ha−1 nano silicon), T2 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 1.8 kg·ha−1 nano silicon), T3 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 2.7 kg·ha−1 nano silicon). The results of the two-year experiment showed that the breaking-resistance strength, lodging-resistance index, lignin accumulation in the second stem node of wheat treated with nano silicon fertilizer were higher than CK. In the first year of the experiment, the lignin accumulation of T2 was 130.73%, 5.14% and 7.25% higher than that of CK, T1 and T3 respectively at the maturity stage. In the second year of the experiment, the lignin accumulation of T2 was 20.33%, 11.19% and 9.89% higher than that of CK, T1 and T3 respectively at the maturity stage. And the activities of PAL, 4CL, CAD, and related gene expression levels were also higher than CK. And among them, T2 performed the best, indicating that the application of nano silicon fertilizer is beneficial for improving the lodging resistance of wheat stems and is of great significance for improving the quality of wheat.

Effects of nanocarbon and nano‐calcium carbonate on soil enzyme activities and soil microbial community in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil

AbstractBackgroundNanofertilisers can enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization in crop production. Nevertheless, it is unclear how soil microbial and enzyme activities are affected by the application of nanofertilisers to wheat inter‐root soil.AimsThe study aims to investigate the influences of nanocarbon (NC) and nano‐calcium carbonate (NCC) on soil enzyme activities and microbial community in the open field setting.MethodsThe effects of nanofertilisers on soil wheat rhizosphere soil were studied through the evaluation of soil microbial quantity, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity.ResultsThe findings revealed that the combined utilization of nanofertilizers and compound fertilizers (CF) led to an augmentation in the diversity of the soil microbial community. When comparing the effects of 100% composite nanofertilizers (100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC) with the control (CK) (100% CF), it was observed that the activities of urease (EC 3.5.1.5), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), sucrase (EC.3.2.1.26), as well as the number of fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria, increased by 22.4%, 7.7%, 17.8%, 9.3%, 35.9%, 27.7%, and 26.0%, respectively. Similarly, the employment of 70% composite nanofertilizers (70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC) also resulted in an enhancement of these aforementioned indicators. The magnitude of increase over the 100% CF was 19.0%, 6.6%, 13.6%, 6.2%, 26.8%, 21.3%, and 23.5%, respectively. Notably, there was no significant difference observed between 100% CF + 50% NC + 50 % NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC within the 0–35 d after anthesis. Furthermore, both 100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC contributed to an improvement in the species uniformity and operational taxonomic unit abundance of wheat rhizosphere microorganisms, while also increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria compared to the CK. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria was found to be elevated in the nanomaterials‐treated groups, both at 0–7 d and 14–21 d after anthesis, and positively correlated with soil enzyme activities and soil microbial populations.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the application of composite nanofertilizers can enhance the soil microenvironment in wheat fields, particularly under reduced fertilization conditions.

Effect of Exogenous Application of Nano Fertilizers and Seaweeds Extract on the Growth, Yield, and Total Alkaloids Content of Hyoscyamus niger

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad in 2022. It aimed to improve the growth of the European black Henbane plant (Hyoscyamus niger), leaf yield, and its content of the total alkaloids as effective medicinal secondary metabolite compounds by spraying with three levels of nano-nitrogen (N=46%) and three levels of nano-potassium (K = 50%)) is 1 gm L-1, 2 gm L-1, and 3 gm L-1, respectively, for each of these fertilizers, in addition to spraying with two levels of seaweed extract (Acadian) at a concentration of 2 and 3 ml L-1, respectively. The experiment carried out according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment of spraying with Acadian marine extract at a concentration of 2 ml L-1 (A2) was significantly superior to the rest of the treatments in increasing the plant height (55.80 cm), the number of branches (9.62) branches plant-1), and the plant yield (4493) kg ha-1 as well as in increasing the dry weight of the plant. The results indicated that are no significant differences in Plant yield by spraying nano-nitrogen fertilizer at a concentration of 3 ml L-1 while spraying potassium nano-fertilizer was significantly superior to treatments K3 and K2 at a concentration of 3 g L-1, followed by a concentration of 2 g L-1. in the total chlorophyll content of leaves (56.00) and (58.95) respectively, compared to the other treatments, the control treatment showed the lowest dry weight of the plant (88 g), which was outperformed by all other treatments when spraying with nano-fertilizers or marine extract with both concentrations A1 and A2, as well as spraying with nitrogen nano-fertilizer for the different treatments increased the dry weight of the plant. As for the characteristic of total alkaloids, all treatments, except for the two treatments of spraying with nano-fertilizers N1 and K1, were significantly superior to the comparison treatment, which gave the lowest content of total alkaloids, 2.85%.

Recent Trends in Foliar Nanofertilizers: A Review.

It is estimated that 40-70%, 80-90% and 50-90% of the conventional macronutrients N, P and K applied to the soil are lost, respectively, resulting in considerable loss of resources. Compared to conventional fertilizers, nanofertilizers have the advantages of controlled release, high nutrient utilization, low cost and relatively low environmental pollution due to their small size (1-100 nm) and high specific surface area. The application of nanofertilizers is an up-and-coming field of agricultural research and is an attractive and economical substitute for common fertilizers which can boost global food productivity sustainably. Foliar fertilization is a popular way to satisfy the needs of higher plants. Because of its small application dose, faster nutrient uptake than soil application and relatively less environmental pollution, foliar fertilization is more popular among plants. It can be seen that nanofertilizers and foliar fertilization are the hotspots of attention at present and that current research on the foliar application of nanofertilizers is not as extensive as that on soil application. Based on this background, this paper provides an overview of various applications of foliar spraying of nanofertilizers in agriculture, including applications in improving crop yield and quality as well as mitigating heavy metal stress, salt stress and drought stress.

Effect of Nitrogen, Calcium and Nano Fertilizers on Growth Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.): A Review

Strawberry cultivation represents a significant sector within the agriculture industry. The use of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and nano fertilizers has emerged as an essential practice to improve both the yield and quality of strawberries. This comprehensive review aims to explore the multifaceted influence of these fertilizers on Fragaria × ananassa Duch, encompassing growth, quality, and environmental considerations. The study begins with an examination of historical perspectives and existing research, identifying gaps in the literature. The methodology includes a rigorous selection process for studies, with data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analysis. The effects of N, Ca, and nano fertilizers on growth yield are thoroughly examined, considering their combined and individual contributions. The quality of strawberries is assessed based on physical appearance, nutritional content, and sensory characteristics, highlighting the role of these nutrients in color development, size, texture, vitamin content, sugar-acid balance, flavor, and aroma. The environmental impact is another critical aspect, exploring the effect on soil quality, including nutrient leaching, soil structure, microbial activity, and long-term health. The impact on surrounding ecosystems considers aquatic and terrestrial effects, biodiversity considerations, and the associated sustainability considerations. These encompass resource efficiency, environmental compliance, life cycle analysis, and integration with sustainable agricultural practices. Findings indicate that while N, Ca, and nano fertilizers significantly enhance growth and quality, careful management is essential to mitigate potential environmental concerns. The application of nano fertilizers presents promising opportunities for precise nutrient delivery, promoting efficiency, and sustainability. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research, innovation, and responsible management of these fertilizers in achieving a harmonious balance between productivity, quality, and environmental stewardship. The insights provided in this review contribute valuable knowledge to both scientific and agricultural communities, offering guidance for future research and best practices in strawberry cultivation.

Biofortification and Enhancement in Nutrient Uptake in Maize (Zea mays L.) through the Foliar Application of Nanofertilizers

Nanotechnology based biofortification may be the most sustainable solution to combat the nutrient deficiency in humans. Nanofertilizers due to their unique properties, serve as potential sources of nutrients for the biofortification of crops. A field experiment study was conducted during June- October in kharif 2020 with the aim to examine the effect of foliar application of nanofertilizers (N, Zn and Cu) on nutrient content and uptake by grain and stover of maize (Zea mays L.) crop at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The present investigation was carried out in Randomized Block Design having 12 treatments which were replicated three times. The maize crop was treated either with conventional fertilizers or with the combination of nanofertilizers (N+Zn or N+Zn+Cu) or with both 50 % conventional plus nanofertilizers. The significantly highest nutrient (N, K, Zn and Cu) content and uptake by maize grain and stover was recorded under the combined application of 50% conventional plus nanofertilizers i.e.,T12 (100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu) over control. However, the application of 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu (T12) remained statistically at par with 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn (T11) in N, K and Zn content and uptake by maize grain and stover. Whereas, the highest P content was found under control and highest P uptake was recorded with application of 100% NPK (T3). Thus, foliar application of 100% PK + 50% NZn + two sprays of nano N + nano Zn + nano Cu (T12) may be a viable option to increase the N, K, Zn and Cu content and uptake of by grain and stover of maize.

Some Physiological Effects of Nanofertilizers on Wheat-Aphid Interactions.

The increasing use of nanofertilizers in modern agriculture and their impact on crop yield and pest management require further research. In this study, the effects of nano-Fe, -Zn, and -Cu (which are synthesized based on nanochelating technology), and urea (N) fertilizers on the antioxidant activities of wheat plants (cv. Chamran), and the wheat green aphid Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) are investigated. The authors observed the highest levels of phenolics in non-infested nano-Zn-treated plants (26% higher compared with control). The highest H2O2 levels are in the infested and non-infested nano-Zn-treated and infested nano-Fe-treated plants (in infested nano-Zn and nano-Fe treated plants, 18% and non-infested nano-Zn-treated plants, 28% higher compared with control). The highest peroxidase (POX) activity is observed in the infested and non-infested N-treated and non-infested water-treated plants (almost 14%, 37%, and 46% higher than control, respectively). The lowest activity is in the infested plants' nano-Zn and -Fe treatments (almost 7 and 5 folds lower compared to the control, respectively). The highest and lowest catalase (CAT) activity are in the infested N-treated plants (almost 42% higher than control) and water-treated plants, respectively. The infested nano-Zn, -Fe, -Cu and Hoagland-treated plants showed the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Regarding the antioxidant enzyme activities of S. graminum, the highest POX activity is in the nano-Cu treatment (more than two folds higher compared with control); the highest CAT and SOD activities are in the nano-Cu and -Zn treatments. It can be concluded that the application of nanofertilizers caused increasing effects on the wheat plant's antioxidant system and its resistance to S. graminum.

Nanofertilizers: The Next Generation of Agrochemicals for Long-Term Impact on Sustainability in Farming Systems

The microflora of the soil is adversely affected by chemical fertilizers. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has increased crop yield dramatically at the cost of soil vigor. The pH of the soil is temporarily changed by chemical fertilizers, which kill the beneficial soil microflora and can cause absorption stress on crop plants. This leads to higher dosages during the application, causing groundwater leaching and environmental toxicity. Nanofertilizers (NFs) reduce the quantity of fertilizer needed in agriculture, enhance nutrient uptake efficiency, and decrease fertilizer loss due to runoff and leaching. Moreover, NFs can be used for soil or foliar applications and have shown promising results in a variety of plant species. The main constituents of nanomaterials are micro- and macronutrient precursors and their properties at the nanoscale. Innovative approaches to their application as a growth promoter for crops, their modes of application, and the mechanism of absorption in plant tissues are reviewed in this article. In addition, the review analyzes potential shortcomings and future considerations for the commercial agricultural application of NFs.

Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Influenced by the Application of Nano-fertilizers

An experiment into the "Performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on application of nano-fertilizers" was conducted on well-drained sandy soil in response to concerns about food and nutritional security as well as second-generation post-green revolution problems, such as increasing input use with declining efficiency trends, deteriorating soil health, depleting water resources, pollution and narrowing farmer profits. On the wheat variety DBW187 in RBD with three replications, 12 twelve treatments containing control, basal administrations of the required 100% NPK (150:60:40), 75% NPK (112.5:45:30), and Nano N and Nano P in various combinations were tried. The study's findings showed that wheat sprayed with 75% NPK + Nano N and Nano P at 30 and 45 days of growth experienced significantly better growth as evidenced by taller plants (91.23 cm), more tillers per square metre (322.5), higher LAI (0.83), and higher dry matter accumulation per square metre (1532.7), all of which were measured at harvest.

Role of Nano-fertilizer in Plants Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE)

Over the past half-century, the combination of technology and innovation has been developed to manage the negative impact of synthetic fertilizer on land ecosystems to identify the limitations of sustainability and optimize agricultural systems. The application of nano-fertilizers has achieved considerable interest due to their significant role as environmentally sustainable resource and soil health. Moreover, the increasing global population increased food insecurity especially under climate change. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative to help improving crop growth and productivity. However, un-balanced presence and long-term use of nano-particles alter photosynthesis, induce cellular redox imbalances resulting in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA oxidative damage in plants, so more studies are still needed on their safe application with minimum side effects. In this paper, we reviewed nano-fertilizer mechanisms in plant, as well as their effects on microbiome and interaction with soil colloids. This study reviews the recent studies and findings about role of Nanotechnology in plant nutrition use efficiency to summarize a better understanding of this important issue. A comprehensive picture of ecological issues such as soil and water contamination in response to nano-fertilizer application will also be assessed

Efficacy of Nano Fertilizers on Yield, Attributes and Economics of Wheat

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of nano-fertilizers N and P on yield, and the economics of wheat in Semi-arid and sub-tropical region of Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in triplicate following a randomized block design with twelve treatments comprising foliar application semi-different doses of Nano N and P. Foliar application of 1st spray of Nano N and P at 30 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd spray of Nano N and Zn at 45 DAS along with 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) significantly (P=0.05) increased yield and have better economics. Foliar application of nano-fertilizers leads to significant improvement of crop productivity of wheat in Semi- arid and sub-tropical region of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, the foliar application of nano-fertilizers, i.e., Nano N has direct role in increasing yield as nutrient get easily available to plant in case of foliar spray.

Mitigation of drought stress effects on wheat yield via the foliar application of boron, zinc, and manganese nano-chelates and supplementary irrigation

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the foliar application of B, Zn, and Mn nano-chelates in separate and combined forms and determine what level of nano-chelates fertilizer treatment most significantly enhances the grain yield of wheat (Azar-2 cultivar) under rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions. The experiment was performed as a split-plot experiment with three replications in two crop years (2014–2015). The main plot included two irrigation regimes ((I1) rainfed irrigation and (I2) supplementary irrigation) during two stages of development (spike emergence and grain filling). The sub-plot had eight foliar application levels: B, Zn, Mn, B + Zn, B + Mn, Zn + Mn, B + Zn + Mn, and distilled water (control). The foliar application of B, Zn, and Mn nano-chelates combined with supplementary irrigation or its sole application dramatically increased wheat’s resistance to drought stress. Thousand kernel weight and the number of kernels per spike play a decisive role in grain yield. Therefore, the foliar application of nano-fertilizers can increase grain yield by improving these components. The highest grain yield (2528.33 kg/ha−1) was obtained in the supplementary irrigation condition after the combined foliar application of B + Mn + Zn nano-chelates. This condition led to a 41% increase compared to the highest grain yield obtained under rainfed conditions after the foliar application of Zn nano-chelates (1490 kg/ha−1).

Evaluation of Si Fertilization and Spraying of Nano-K and Ca on Si Content, Si Uptake, and Si Use Efficiency of Rice

A study was carried out in Al-Tale’a town (District of 41-Al-Husseiniyah, south of Hilla City) in the Babylon Governorate of Iraq from the 15th of June to the 19th of November 2020 to evaluate the effects of Si fertilization and Nano-K and Nano-Ca spraying on the content and uptake of Si and its use efficiency in rice crops. This experiment was conducted in an effort to determine the This experiment was conducted between the 15th and 19th of June, 2020. (Oryza sativa L.). The research was done using a split-plot design, and the parameter distribution was carried out using a randomized full blocks approach (RCBD). The supplied amounts of Si fertilizer served as the major plot, while the concentrations of nano-fertilizer concentrations served as the secondary plot. There were a total of sixteen treatments, and each was replicated three times. The analysis and interpretation of the research’s results were conducted using statistical tools. The amount of silica fertilizer was the first variable with four levels: 0 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 200 kg ha-1, and 300 kg ha-1. The second component was the application of nano-fertilizers, which contained four separate treatment options: the control, nano-potassium, nano-calcium, and nano-(K + Ca). The only treatment option that did not include nano-fertilizers was the control. According to the findings, silica fertilization at a rate of 300 kg ha-1 led to the highest silicon content in grain and straw (0.961 and 0.952)%, as well as the maximum Si-uptake in grain and straw (55.363, 122.337 and 177.700) kg Si ha-1. The use of nano foliar spraying with potassium and calcium produced the highest grain silicon concentration (44.540) kg Si ha-1 and total silicon content among all treatments (153.339) kg Si ha-1. Strong interaction between Si fertilization and foliar spraying with nano-K and Ca led in the largest mean of total Si-uptake (179.268) kg Si ha-1 and silicon utilization efficiency. This was accomplished by a mixture of silica fertilizer and nano-potassium and calcium foliar sprays. This outcome was achieved by using silica fertilizer in combination with nano-potassium and calcium-containing foliar sprays (66.95)%.

Strategic applications of nano-fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: Benefits and bottlenecks

Abstract The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) is an emerging research field in agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1–100 nm that support the nutrition of the plants. It is a novel way to optimize the nutrient supply, either alone or in combination. NFs are an economical alternative to ordinary chemical fertilizers that can increase global food production in a sustainable way. NFs are made up of nutrients and micronutrients and may act as carriers for nutrients. The nanocarriers deliver the nutrients to the right place, reducing the additional amount of active chemicals deposited in the plant, besides a slow release. Although nano-coated materials manage to penetrate through the stomata with a size exclusion limit greater than 10 nm, the nanoparticles appear to be able to make holes and enter the vascular system. This review addresses the potential benefits of NFs to agriculture, synthesis, mode of entry, mechanisms of action, and the fate of nanomaterials in soil. Finally, policy makers will have the bases to regulate the dose, frequency, and time period of NF applications for food production. We suggest formulating the integrated risk management frameworks for the possible applications of NFs in agriculture.

Synthesis of Iron, Zinc, and Manganese Nanofertilizers, Using Andean Blueberry Extract, and Their Effect in the Growth of Cabbage and Lupin Plants.

The predominant aim of the current study was to synthesize the nanofertilizer nanoparticles ZnO_MnO-NPs and FeO_ZnO-NPs using Andean blueberry extract and determine the effect of NPs in the growth promotion of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis sweet) crops. The nanoparticles were analyzed by visible spectrophotometry, size distribution (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Solutions of nanoparticle concentrations were applied to cabbage, with solutions of 270 and 540 ppm of ZnO_MnO-NPs and 270 and 540 ppm of FeO_ZnO-NPs applied to Andean lupin. Zinc was used in both plants to take advantage of its beneficial properties for plant growth. Foliar NPs sprays were applied at the phenological stage of vegetative growth of the cabbage or Andean lupin plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The diameter of the NPs was 9.5 nm for ZnO, 7.8 nm for FeO, and 10.5 nm for MnO, which facilitate the adsorption of NPs by the stomata of plants. In Andean lupin, treatment with 270 ppm of iron and zinc indicated increases of 6% in height, 19% in root size, 3.5% in chlorophyll content index, and 300% in leaf area, while treatment with 540 ppm of iron and zinc yielded no apparent increases in any variable. In cabbage, the ZnO_MnO-NPs indicate, at a concentration of 270 ppm, increases of 10.3% in root size, 55.1% in dry biomass, 7.1% in chlorophyll content, and 25.6% in leaf area. Cabbage plants treated at a concentration of 540 ppm produced increases of 1.3% in root size and 1.8% in chlorophyll content, compared to the control, which was sprayed with distilled water. Therefore, the spray application of nanofertilizers at 270 ppm indicated an important improvement in both plants’ growth.

Yield performances of rice varieties (Oryza sativa) under nano-CuO and nano-ZnO micronutrient fertilizers

Abstract. Sandanayake CLT, Weerakoon SR, Karthikeyan N, Somaratne S. 2022. Yield performances of rice varieties (Oryza sativa) under nano-CuO and nano-ZnO micronutrient fertilizers. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 95-103. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple food in the world. There is an extreme need for higher rice yield to meet the ever-increasing demand with the rise in population despite the hampering impact of climatic changes. Nanotechnology plays a potential role in food security and introduces nano fertilizers as an alternative to conventional fertilizers. Therefore, the present research was carried out to determine the effects of nano micronutrient fertilizers; nano-CuO, and nano-ZnO on the yield of selected rice varieties, Bg360, BW364, Kaluheenati, and Kuruluthuda. Sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods synthesized nano-fertilizers used in the study. Nano-ZnO, nano-CuO, and nano-CuO-ZnO composite treatments were applied as a foliar spray at concentrations of 30 mg L-1 (T1), 60 mg L-1 (T2), and 120 mg L-1 (T3) and double deionized water served as the control (T0). The synthesized nano-fertilizers were applied during the growth stage [at 48-58 days after sowing (DAS)] and grain filling stage [100-105 DAS], while the plants were provided with appropriate levels of N, P, and K fertilizers, as recommended by Department of Agriculture. A Complete Randomized Block Design was employed with three blocks and five replicates in each block. The Yield parameters were recorded at the harvesting stage. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard error of mean and inferential statistics were performed on the data obtained. ANOVA with interaction terms was performed to assess the significant differences between the treatments. The descriptive analyses show an increase in the yield of the rice varieties under the application of nano-fertilizers. ANOVA suggests a significant effect (p ? 0.05) of nano-CuO and nano-ZnO on the yield of rice varieties used in the study. Both traditional and inbred rice varieties indicated yield response to applied nano-fertilizers.