Zinc Application Research Articles

Design, application, and recycling of zinc alginate/guar gum hydrogel-based fibers

Extreme cold events are quite common, highlighting the urgent need for flexible wearable electronic devices capable of diagnosing human health in low-temperature environments. Using a wet spinning strategy, we successfully developed sodium zinc alginate/guar gum(SZA/GG) hydrogel fibers with excellent environmental resistance, antimicrobial properties, and electrical conductivity. Building on this, we developed a flexible wearable sensing device that operates stably at low temperatures and exhibits a sensitivity of 0.585 within the range of −20 °C to −40 °C, demonstrating excellent response performance. When evaluating the physical state of outdoor athletes, the amplitude and fluctuation range of electrical resistance provide valuable information about the monitored environment and the risk of frostbite for the individual. However, like any device, it eventually reaches its usage limit. To address the issue of recycling hydrogel fiber waste, we propose recycling and carbonizing the discarded devices to use as a biomass carbon source for fabricating button-type supercapacitors. After 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, the capacitance retention rate reached 92.53 %, demonstrating the potential of these supercapacitors and offering a new approach to reducing resource waste.

Foliar application of Azospirillum brasilense, salicylic acid and zinc on wheat Performance under rain–fed condition

Foliar application of Azospirillum brasilense, salicylic acid and zinc on wheat Performance under rain–fed condition

An Ion-Pumping Quasi-Solid Electrolyte Enabled by Electrokinetic Effects for Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries.

The practical application of aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (ZMBs) is hindered by the complicated hydrogen evolution, passivation reactions, and dendrite growth of Zn metal anodes. Here, an ion-pumping quasi-solid electrolyte (IPQSE) with high Zn2+ transport kinetics enabled by the electrokinetic phenomena to realize high-performance quasi-solid state Zn metal batteries (QSSZMBs) is reported. The IPQSE is prepared through the in situ ring-opening polymerization of tetramethylolmethane-tri-β-aziridinylpropionate in the aqueous electrolyte. The porous polymer framework with high zeta potential provides the IPQSE with an electrokinetic ion-pumping feature enabled by the electrokinetic effects (electro-osmosis and electrokinetic surface conduction), which significantly accelerates the Zn2+ transport, reduces the concentration polarization and overcomes the diffusion-limited current. Moreover, the Zn2+ affinity of the polymer and hydrogen bonding interactions in the IPQSE changes the Zn2+ coordination environment and reduces the amount of free H2O, which lowers the H2O activity and inhibits H2O-induced side reactions. Consequently, the highly reversible and stable Zn metal anodes are achieved. The assembled QSSZMBs based on the IPQSE display excellent cycling stability with high capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. The high-performance quasi-solid state Zn metal pouch cells are demonstrated, showing great promise for the practical application of the IPQSE.

Arsenic and zinc concentrations in wheat grains under soil zinc application and arsenic‐contaminated irrigation

AbstractAbove‐permissible levels of arsenic (As) in irrigation water lead to toxic levels in wheat grains, increasing health risks for humans. In this study, two zinc (Zn)‐biofortified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Akbar‐2019 and Zincol‐2016) were grown in pots with two Zn application rates (0 and 8 mg Zn kg−1) and three levels of As in irrigation water (distilled‐water control, 100 and 1000 µg As L−1). Irrigation with As‐contaminated water decreased dry matter yields, concentrations of grain phosphorus (P) and Zn, and estimated daily intake (EDI) of Zn. Conversely, it increased grain As concentration and As EDI. Soil Zn application mitigated the negative effects of As on dry matter yields of both cultivars while simultaneously enhancing grain Zn concentration and Zn EDI. On average, Zn application increased grain Zn concentration by 114% compared to no Zn application. Additionally, Zn application decreased grain As concentration at all As levels. In conclusion, this study suggests that applying Zn to Zn‐biofortified wheat irrigated with As‐contaminated water can mitigate the toxic effects of As on wheat. It increase Zn concentration and decrease As concentration in wheat grains, which is vital for enhancing grain quality for human consumption.

Effect of Zinc Application on Growth, Yield, Zinc uptake and Zinc Use Indices of Rice

A field experiment was conducted at the agriculture farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Birbhum, West Bengal, India during kharif (rainy) seasons (June–September) of 2016 and 2017 to study effect of zinc application on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rice. The experiment was laid out in split plot design replicated thrice, consisting two main plot treatments i.e. crop establishment methods (CEMs) and seven sub-plot treatments (levels of zinc and methods of application). Two CEMs were direct seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted puddled rice (TPR) and seven levels of zinc and methods of application were namely control (Zn0), Seed coating of Zn @ 1250 mg kg-1 (Zn1), Seed coating of Zn @ 2500 mg kg-1 (Zn2), Seed coating of Zn @ 3750 mg kg-1 (Zn3), two foliar sprays @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn4), three foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn5), 2500 mg kg-1 seed coating+2-foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn6). In respect of yield attribute and yield, Zn6 resulted significantly highest number of Panicle m-2 as well as number of filled grains panicle-1. Zn3 though recorded 5.7% more grain yield than Zn6 but later Zn6 resulted highest zinc concentration and uptake. Zn1 recorded highest zinc use indices. Zn1 resulted much highest Zn use efficiency than foliar application and combined application of seed coating and foliar spray. Correlation between Zn levels and Zn concentration in both grain and straw of rice was highly positive; very highly positive correlation was recorded with the Zn levels and Zn uptake by both grain and straw.

Influence of Foliar Zinc Application on Cadmium and Zinc Bioaccessibility in Brassica chinensis L.: In Vitro Digestion and Chemical Sequential Extraction.

Foliar zinc (Zn) application can affect the accumulation and bioaccessibility of cadmium (Cd) and Zn in crops. However, the mechanisms by which foliar Zn application influences Cd and Zn bioaccessibility remain elusive. This study examined the effects of spraying ZnSO4 and ZnNa2EDTA on bioaccessibility and chemical forms of Cd and Zn in pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) shoots and evaluated human health risks via pakchoi consumption. Spraying ZnSO4 reduced the concentrations of ethanol-extractable (Fethanol) and deionized water-extractable (Fd-H2O) Cd, as well as the corresponding bioaccessible Cd concentrations (20.3-66.4%) and attendant health risks of Cd, whereas spraying high-dose ZnNa2EDTA significantly increased the concentrations of both Cd forms and bioaccessible Cd. Spraying ZnSO4 and high-dose ZnNa2EDTA significantly increased the concentrations of Zn in Fethanol and Fd-H2O and the corresponding bioaccessible Zn concentrations (0.8-8.3-fold). Fethanol and Fd-H2O were the primary sources of bioaccessible Cd and Zn, contributing more than 59% of the bioaccessible Cd and Zn. These results indicate that foliar Zn application can affect Cd and Zn bioaccessibility in pakchoi mainly by modulating Cd and Zn in Fethanol and Fd-H2O. These findings provide scientific support for the development of more efficient measures to produce safe and high-quality leafy vegetables from Cd-polluted soils.

Integrated nutrient management and agronomic zinc biofortification to improve wheat crop and soil health

It is possible to boost nutrient accumulation in grain, enhance grain production, and enhance the soil’s physical characteristics through the use of bio-fertilizers, zinc delivery methods, and organic and inorganic fertilizers integrated in a balanced manner. Often, zinc (Zn) is insufficient in soil due to a lack of organic matter additions to the soil. The world’s food supply is secured by Zn, a crucial micro nutrient. The effect of different zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management methods were tested on wheat crops based on crop production, nutrient uptake, and soil physico-chemical characteristics. Three distinct bio fertilizers, namely Azotobacter, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and Zn solubilizing bacteria were used in the experiment. There was a significantly greater number of effective tillers m−2 to the tune of 385 and 388 tillers m−2 and DTPA exchangeable Zn in the final soil of about 0.70 mg/kg with the soil and foliar application of zinc compared with the other treatments. A variety of integrated nutrient management treatments increased crop productivity and soil physico-chemical parameters by increasing soil nutrient availability. The current study indicates that adding organic manure is essential to sustainably preserving soil quality and crop productivity. It should therefore be included in nutrient management plans for crops that require a lot of nutrients.

Effect of Zinc on Germination, Growth Yield of (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically significant crop, valued for its culinary versatility and nutritional content. Understanding the factors that influence its growth is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and improving yield. Zinc, an essential micronutrient, plays a vital role in various physiological processes within plants, including enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and hormone regulation. This study investigated the effect of zinc supplementation on the growth parameters of eggplant. The experiment was conducted in Botany Lab of Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow in earthen Pots filled with garden soil. Where eggplant seedlings were subjected to different levels of zinc supplementation. Parameters such as plant height, leaf area, root development, and biomass accumulation were measured at regular intervals over the growth period. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between zinc concentration and various growth parameters of eggplant. Seedlings treated with higher zinc concentrations, enhanced leaf expansion, and more extensive root systems compared to those with lower or no zinc supplementation. Furthermore, zinc-treated eggplants displayed improved resistance to certain environmental stressors, suggesting a potential role of zinc in enhancing plant resilience. These findings underscore the importance of adequate zinc supply in promoting the growth and development of eggplant crops, thereby contributing to higher yields and improved agricultural sustainability. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of zinc-mediated growth enhancement in eggplant and optimize zinc application strategies for maximum benefit.

Effect of phosphorus and zinc application on zinc transformation and phyto-availability of zinc fraction in rice soil

Application of high dose of phosphorus (P) changes the soil chemical properties which may lead to redistribution of Zn fractions in soil. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of added zinc (Zn) and P on Zn transformations in a New Alluvial soil (Aeric Haplaquept), together with dry matter yield and Zn uptake by rice plants. The treatments included four levels of P (0, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha−1) and three levels of Zn (0, 5, and 10 kg ha−1). Although P application increased the dry matter yield of rice, Zn concentration and uptake was decreased significantly at higher dose of P application. Application of P caused a decrease in all the fractions of soil Zn except amorphous and crystalline Fe-oxide bound zinc. The order of preponderance of different zinc fractions followed the order, water soluble plus exchangeable (WE-Zn) < carbonate bound (Car-Zn) < organically bound (Org-Zn) < manganese oxide (MnOx-Zn) < crystalline sesquioxide (CFeOx-Zn) < amorphous sesquioxide (AFeOx-Zn) < residual Zn (Res-Zn). Residual Zn was the most dominant form of Zn, contributing about 69.07% to total Zn. Correlation data indicated that those fractions are in a state of dynamic equilibrium among different fractions and governs the plant-available Zn in soil. Path coefficient analysis of different Zn-fractions with Zn-uptake in rice plant showed that among the all pools of Zn, Org-Zn fraction plays the most vital role in contributing to Zn uptake by plants.

Revitalizing maize growth and yield in water-limited environments through silicon and zinc foliar applications

Maize is an economically vital cereal crop. However, water deficiency can severely impact its productivity. Thus, it is necessary to implement an essential approach to increase maize yield while navigating the limitations imposed by scarce water supplies. The present study aimed to investigate whether foliar applications of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) could mitigate the adverse effects of water deficiency and improve maize growth and yield. Field experiments were conducted in Egypt during two growing seasons (2021–2022) under three irrigation regimes: full irrigation (ET0), moderate stress (ET1), and severe stress (ET2). The treatments comprised foliar sprays of Si, Zn, Si + Zn, and water control. Phenological, growth, physiological, chemical, and yield-related traits were assessed. Results showed that adequate irrigation (ET0) enhanced most parameters compared to water stress treatments. Under ET0, the combined silicon and zinc treatment resulted in the highest values for plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, grains per ear, kernel weight, ear size, and yield compared to other foliar treatments. Under drought stress (ET1, ET2), Si + Zn applications maintained superiority in mitigating yield losses. Proline accumulation was highest under severe stress (ET2) in the absence of foliar sprays, indicating greater drought impacts. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations of grain yield with ear size, leaf area, kernel weight, and biological yield. Cluster analysis separated irrigation regimes and visualized the consistently beneficial effects of Si + Zn across all water levels. Overall, the results demonstrate the synergistic potential of Si and Zn supplementation to sustain maize performance and yields under varying water availability.

Responses of Nutritional Status and Productivity of Timor Mango Trees to Foliar Spray of Conventional and/or Nano Zinc

The management of mango orchards is beset with a number of issues, including micronutrient deficits and significant fruit drop, which both contribute to decreases in mango tree output. Among these micronutrients, zinc is vital for increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring crop sustainability, and improving plant nutritional status during the growing season. To overcome zinc (Zn) deficiencies, this study was carried out during two successive seasons in an expected “Off” year (2022) and an expected “On” year (2023) on mature mango trees cv. Timor. To ameliorate this Zn deficiency, the effect of zinc in three forms—zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), sulfate (ZnSO4), and chelated (Zn-chelated)—as a foliar sprayon leaves’ mineral, chlorophyll, total carotenoids, and total carbohydrate contents and productivity were studied. Ten spray treatments were used in this study, including nano zinc (100 ppm), zinc sulfate (0.1%), and chelated zinc (0.2%) on two occasions, 7 January and 4 weeks after the first application, either alone or in combination with each other as compared to the control. In both study seasons, the results showed that all the zinc forms in mineral, chelated, or nano form had a positive effect on the number of flowers per panicle, the percentage of fruit set, the number of fruits per panicle, and the number of fruits per tree, and it decreased the percentage of fruit drop. Furthermore, all zinc forms significantly increased the leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, and Zn contents (%), and all the treatments improved the chlorophyll, total carotenoid, and total carbohydrate contents compared with the other treatments. The most effective treatment was two applications of nano zinc at 100 ppm in terms of the nutritional status and productivity of Timor mango trees.

Physiological, biochemical, and functional changes in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) under potassium and zinc applications in drought stress conditions

The utilization of chelated fertilizers at specific concentrations could serve as an efficient method to mitigate the effects of drought stress in plants, considering it a global climatic issue. The objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of potassium and zinc chelate fertilizers on improving drought tolerance in quinoa plants. The experiment was conducted over two cropping years, 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. It followed a split-plot factorial design within a randomized complete block layout, in three replicates. The results indicated that the foliar application of the combined treatment of 50K + 50Zn significantly increased grain yield, particularly in the Q26 cultivar, under drought-stress conditions. However, the best harvest index was related to the Q26 cultivar under 100Zn application conditions. Nevertheless, the application of chelated fertilizers significantly enhanced these traits under stress compared to the non-application conditions. Furthermore, the content of glycine betaine and proline in the plant increased under the influence of 100K and 100Zn applications in the Q29 cultivar in 25% FC. Based on the obtained results for Catalase enzyme activity at 25% FC and in the presence of 100Zn foliar application and for Peroxidase at 25% FC and the presence of the combined 50K + 50Zn foliar application in the Q29 cultivar, the highest activity of these enzymes was observed. Consequently, considering the increased contents of glycine betaine and proline in the foliar application, as well as the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes contributing to improved drought tolerance in these plants, the application of potassium and zinc chelates as fertilizers is recommended.

Biofortifying drought-tolerant rice: enhancing growth and nutritional quality with foliar iron and zinc applications in Eastern India

Micronutrient deficiencies in staple food crops pose a significant global health concern, especially in regions prone to drought. Agronomic biofortification offers a promising solution by enhancing the content of essential micronutrients. This study aims to identify efficient rice varieties for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) biofortification through foliar applications. A field experiment was carried out during kharif season in 2019 and 2020 with four drought-tolerant rice varieties (Swarna Shreya, Swarna Shakti Dhan, Sahbhagi Dhan, and DRR Dhan 42) were assessed under four foliar applications of Fe and Zn (control, 1% of Fe, 1% of Zn and combined 1% of Fe + 1% of Zn) at Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna. The highest grain yield of 5.65 t/ha was attained with the main plot treatment, Swarna Shreya variety, and in the subplot treatment, Fe + Zn foliar application resulted in a yield of 5.50 t/ha. The combined foliar application of Fe + Zn demonstrates the highest chlorophyll content and starch synthesis. Foliar application of combined Fe and Zn increased paddy grain Fe and Zn concentration by up to 30 and 16%, respectively, compared to the control. This finding is important for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in regions where rice is a dietary staple. Thus, Swarna Shreya, in combination with iron and zinc foliar application is a promising option for enhancing yield and fortifying grains in rainfed areas of eastern India.

Efficiency of zinc in alleviating cadmium toxicity in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos)

BackgroundA study on photosynthetic and enzyme activity changes and mineral content in lettuce under cadmium stress has been conducted in a greenhouse, utilizing the modulated effect of zinc (Zn) application in the nutrient solution on lettuce. Zn is a micronutrient that plays an essential role in various critical plant processes. Accordingly, three concentrations of Zn (0.022, 5, and 10 mg L− 1) were applied to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos) under three concentrations of Cd toxicity (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L− 1).ResultsThe results showed that along with increasing concentrations of zinc in the nutrient solution, growth traits such as plant performance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), minimum fluorescence (F0), leaf zinc content (Zn), leaf and root iron (Fe) content, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and cadmium increased as well. The maximum amounts of chlorophyll a (33.9 mg g− 1FW), chlorophyll b (17.3 mg g− 1FW), carotenoids (10.7 mg g− 1FW), maximum fluorescence (Fm) (7.1), and variable fluorescence (Fv) (3.47) were observed in the treatment with Zn without Cd. Along with an increase in Cd concentration in the nutrient solution, the maximum amounts of leaf proline (5.93 mmol g− 1FW), malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.96 μm g− 1FW), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (22.1 μm g− 1FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (90.3 Unit mg− 1 protein) were recorded in lettuce treated with 5 mg L− 1 of Cd without Zn. Additionally, the maximum activity of leaf guaiacol peroxidase (6.46 Unit mg− 1 protein) was obtained with the application of Cd at a 5 mg L− 1 concentration.ConclusionsIn general, an increase in Zn concentration in the nutrient solution decreased the absorption and toxicity of Cd in lettuce leaves, as demonstrated in most of the measured traits. These findings suggest that supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with zinc can mitigate the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity on lettuce growth and physiological processes, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated environments.

Agronomic biofortification of finger millet for zinc, and its influence on yield and partitioning of zinc, iron, and calcium in the plant

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in humans is the most common, and zinc requirement is catered mainly by cereal food grains which have lower zinc content. Finger millet is one of the staple food crops in Africa and India and has only 25 to 30 µg Zn g−1 of grain. Breeding efforts have improved the grain-Zn content to nearly 40 µg g−1 of grain, which is far below the recommended dietary allowance of 15 mg day−1 adult−1, and such varieties are not suited to all the finger millet cultivation regions. Therefore, the objective of the present studies is to enhance the grain-Zn content of locally adapted varieties through agronomic biofortification, which can be adapted for any variety and region. The easy, promising, and cost-effective approach is the soil or foliar application of zinc to increase the grain-Zn content. Present studies over four years revealed that the foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4·7H2O solution at flowering and 20 days after flowering (DAF) is apt to increase the grain-Zn significantly to 40 µg g−1 of grain. Whereas the soil application of ZnSO4·7H2O at 12.5 kg ha−1 is appropriate to increase the grain yield to 504 g m−2 from 444 g m−2 in the control. The partitioning of zinc and calcium was higher toward the leaf sheath, leaf lamina, and husk than the other plant parts, whereas iron was toward the root. Therefore, the translocation of zinc from leaves to grain needs to be improved for further increase in grain-zinc of finger millet.

Arsenic and Zinc Accumulation in Zinc-Biofortified Wheat under Arsenic-Contaminated Irrigation and Varied Zinc Application Methods

Arsenic and Zinc Accumulation in Zinc-Biofortified Wheat under Arsenic-Contaminated Irrigation and Varied Zinc Application Methods

Effects of Combined Application of Phosphorus and Zinc on Root Configuration, Rhizosphere Soil Nutrients, and Environment of Apple Rootstock M9-T337 Seedlings

Effects of Combined Application of Phosphorus and Zinc on Root Configuration, Rhizosphere Soil Nutrients, and Environment of Apple Rootstock M9-T337 Seedlings

Potassium, Zinc, and Boron Nutrients Effect on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Yield in Wag-Lasta, Northern, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia using inorganic fertilizer started in the early 1970s. But it still depended solely on urea and DAP. Today, according to ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources K, Zn, B, S, and Cu are in deficit in Ethiopia and Amhara Region as well as in Wag-Lasta areas. But some studies conducted in Wag-Lasta and throughout the region in different crops indicate that these nutrients had no response on crop yields. So, this experiment was conducted in 2017 rain feed cropping season on five farmers’ parcels per location to verify the response of sorghum to potassium, zinc, and boron nutrients. The treatments were: NPS, NPSK, NPSZnB, and NPSZnBK, with the recommended rate of 46 and 23 kg ha-1 N and P2O5,respectivelyfor Sekota,23 kg ha-1N, andP2O5 for Lasta. Moreover, 150, 1.47, and 0.07 kg ha-1 KCl, Zn, and B, respectively used uniformly in both locations. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.0. Analysis of variance revealed that the application of potassium, zinc, and boron had no significant effect (P ≤0.05) on sorghum yield and yield components at all sites. The exchangeable potassium content in the soil of the study sites is above the critical value level. The result disagrees with the soil fertility map which showed more than 98% of potassium deficiency and more than 80% NPSZnB deficiency. Hence, the application of K, Zn, and B nutrients had no yield advantage over the recommended N and P nutrients in the Wag-Lasta areas. Therefore, currently to increase production and productivity of crops in Wag-Lasta areas using of recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorous with organic fertilizer sources for each district is the best option rather than using K, Zn, and B nutrients.

Response of Different Level of Nitrogen and Foliar Application of Nano Zinc on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) Var. PWB-373

A field experiment was conducted during the of 2023-24 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, to investigate the Response of different levels of Nitrogen and Foliar application of nano zinc on Soil Health and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). We designed the experiment using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Results indicated that the application of nano fertilizers significantly influenced various soil physico chemical properties. Bulk density was 1.27Mg m⁻³ to 1.31 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 cm soil depth, and 1.29 to 1.32 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth. Particle density was 2.65 to 2.67 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 cm depth, and from 2.60 to 2.62 Mg m⁻³ at 15-30 cm depth. Pore space was 47.09% to 48.99% at 0-15 cm depth and 47.09% and 48.84% at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth. Water holding capacity varied between 45.22% and 46.64% at 0-15 cm depth, and 45.14% and 46.89% at 15-30 cm depth. Soil pH was 6.98 to 7.04 at 0-15 cm depth and from 7.00 to 7.05 at 15-30 cm depth. Electrical conductivity (EC) was 0.13 dS m⁻¹ to 0.19 dS m⁻¹ at 0-15 cm depth, and from 0.13 dS m⁻¹ to 0.19 dS m⁻¹ at 15-30 cm depth. Organic carbon content was 0.423%-0.493% at 0-15 cm depth and 0.261% to 0.334% at 15-30 cm depth. The use of NPK and nano zinc also significantly influenced the availability of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These findings suggest that nano fertilizers can effectively enhance soil health and wheat productivity.

Application of Calcium and Zinc Improves Vegetative Growth Characteristics and Plant Hormones in Strawberry

Application of Calcium and Zinc Improves Vegetative Growth Characteristics and Plant Hormones in Strawberry