Nano Fertilizers Research Articles

Can nanotechnology and genomics innovations trigger agricultural revolution and sustainable development?

At the dawn of new millennium, policy makers and researchers focused on sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for food security and enhanced food quality. Several emerging scientific innovations hold the promise to meet the future challenges. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture. By leveraging nanomaterials, including nano fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors, it provides targeted delivery methods, enhancing efficacy in both crop production and protection. This integration of nanotechnology with agriculture introduces innovations like disease diagnostics, improved nutrient uptake in plants, and advanced delivery systems for agrochemicals. These precision-based approaches not only optimize resource utilization but also reduce environmental impact, aligning well with sustainability objectives. Concurrently, genetic innovations, including genome editing and advanced breeding techniques, enable the development of crops with improved yield, resilience, and nutritional content. The emergence of precision gene-editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR/Cas9, can transform the realm of genetic modification and enabled precise manipulation of plant genomes while avoiding the incorporation of external DNAs. Integration of nanotechnology and genetic innovations in agriculture presents a transformative approach. Leveraging nanoparticles for targeted genetic modifications, nanosensors for early plant health monitoring, and precision nanomaterials for controlled delivery of inputs offers a sustainable pathway towards enhanced crop productivity, resource efficiency, and food safety throughout the agricultural lifecycle. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, emphasizing soil health improvement, stress resilience against biotic and abiotic factors, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering.

Effect of Nano-fertilizers in Wheat Crop Nutrition: A Review

The use of nano - fertilizers in wheat cultivation represents a promising approach to overcoming some of the inefficiencies and environmental challenges associated with conventional fertilizer practices. Traditional fertilizers often suffer from low nutrient use efficiency, leading to excessive application, nutrient runoff, and environmental harm. Nano fertilizers, due to their nano-scale size and enhanced reactivity, improve nutrient uptake by plants, leading to better growth, higher yields, and reduced nutrient wastage. Studies show that Nano formulations of both macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (like zinc and iron) can significantly enhance wheat productivity. Nano fertilizers not only increase crop yield but also reduce the overall cost of fertilizer application by minimizing nutrient loss and improving absorption by the plants.

Opinion: Smart nanofertilizers for growth enhancement and stress resilience in agriculture

Smart nanofertilizers (NFs) represent a promising frontier in agricultural technology, offering precise nutrient delivery and stress resilience to enhance crop growth and productivity while minimizing the environmental impact. This opinion article explores the potential of smart NFs in revolutionizing traditional fertilization practices and addressing the challenges facing modern agriculture. By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, smart NFs including noble metal nanoparticles, green NFs, and novel NFs from industrial waste enable targeted nutrient delivery, enhanced nutrient use efficiency, and stress tolerance in plants. However, their widespread adoption faces regulatory, safety, and scalability challenges that require interdisciplinary collaboration and concerted efforts from stakeholders. Despite these hurdles, smart NFs hold immense promise for promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security in frequently changing global climatic conditions.

Effect of Treating Alfalfa Seeds with Gibberellin and Nano-fertilizer on Productive Characteristics and Protein Content in Hydroponic Cultures

This study was carried out in an experiment in an incubator designed for hydroponic seed germination with tight thermal insulation in the laboratories of the Department of Plant Production Technologies at the Technical College of Agriculture in Mosul, which is affiliated with the Northern Technical University in Iraq, where the seeds of the Dutch variety alfalfa (Medicago sativa. L) were germinated commercially and four times between 2022 and 2024. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors and three replicates in perforated dishes with dimensions of 28 cm in length and 19 cm in width (area 532 cm2) at a seed rate of kg / m2, resulting in an average seed weight of 53 g in one dish. The first experimental factor was the germination periods, while the second factor was soaking the seeds in solutions of varying amounts made from gibberellin and nano-compound fertilizer with the comparison treatment, which is soaking in water alone, as follows: Gibberellin 100 ppm and given the symbol GA 100ppm- Gibberellin 200 ppm and given the symbol 200ppm GA- --Nano fertilizer 20:20:20 NPK at a concentration of 2000 ppm and given the symbol NPK2000ppm. -Nano fertilizer 20:20:20 NPK at a concentration of 4000 ppm and given the symbol NPK4000ppm. This study showed that the Gibberellin 200ppm GA treatment was significantly superior to the rest of the other soaking treatments in the characteristics of the height of the incubator (3.66 cm), as well as the wet weight of both seedlings and roots and their dry weight, which were (497.88, 56.97g/dish-1), respectively, The fresh and dried root weights were considerably greater in the same treatment, at (400.86 and 43.86 g/dish-1), respectively. while the comparison treatment was superior. Morally, it was significantly superior to the rest of the other soaking treatments in the characteristic of protein in the medium was (18.29%). As for the times of hydroponic seed germination, there were no significant differences between the times in all the studied characteristics, which enhances the high degree of incubator isolation, the accuracy of implementing the experiment, and the accuracy of taking the results.

Response of Foliar Application of Nano Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in South-West Rajasthan

Response of Foliar Application of Nano Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in South-West Rajasthan

Nutrient Management with Nitrogen Based Formulations for Enhancing Growth and Yield in Fodder Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Fertilizers play a vital role in agricultural practices by boosting crop yield. Among various nutrient application methods, foliar application is one of the cost - effective method which allow rapid and efficient nutrient absorption through the stomata or cuticle, and subsequently into the cells. Applying nutrients through foliage offers several benefits, such as rapid nutrient absorption by plant tissues, improved transport to developing plant parts, elimination of leaching and fixation losses, regulated nutrient uptake by crops and enhanced nutrient utilization. Timely foliar application of nano fertilizers enhances crop output while reducing environmental risks. The current study aimed to evaluate the different concentrations of nano urea on growth and yield of fodder sorghum. The study was conducted at Instructional Farm, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during December 2023- February 2024. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were T1:75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + nano urea (0.2%); T2:75% RDN+ nano urea (0.4%); T3:75% RDN + nano urea (0.6%);T4:100% RDN + nano urea (0.2%); T5:100% RDN + nano urea (0.4%); T6:100% RDN + nano urea (0.6%); T7:75% RDN + urea spray (2%); T8:100% RDN + urea spray (2%); T9: nano urea alone (0.2%); T10: nano urea alone (0.4%); T11: nano urea alone (0.6%); T12: KAU POP and T13: Control (without nitrogen). Both nano urea and urea spray were applied at 20 DAS and 40 DAS. Soil application of nitrogen was applied in three splits - 50% as basal, 25% at 20 DAS and 25% at 40 DAS. Full P and K were applied as basal. The study revealed that combined application of RDN along with nano urea 0.4% proved its superiority by registering higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height, stem girth, leaf: stem ratio, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield.

Effect of Nano Urea and Nano DAP on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Foliar nutrition is aimed to eliminate the problems of fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is being recognized as a significant way of fertilizing modern agriculture, especially under rainfed conditions. Nano fertilizers because of smaller size and higher surface area are efficient as compared to conventional and produce better results when used in combined form. The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design with three replications. A field experiment was conducted in black clayey at Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur, during Kharif 2023. There were eight treatment combinations, consisting of different levels of conventional and nano fertilizers. RDF - 150:75:75 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 and 50 % of N, entire P and K were applied as basal and remaining 50 % of N was top dressed at tillering and panicle initiation stage. RNR- 15048 variety of transplanted rice. Application of 50 % Rec. N with soil application + 50 % Rec. N through nano urea with two applications (at tillering and panicle initiation stage) + Rec. P & K with soil application recorded significantly higher number of green leaves, leaf area and leaf area index at harvest (52.7, 954.8 cm2 plant-1 and 4.77, respectively). It also produced higher panicle length (20.1 cm), number of grains panicle-1 (242.3), panicle weight (3.73 g plant-1), test weight (19.1 g) and grain yield (5578 kg ha-1). Nutrient content and uptake also showed higher values for the same treatment. Combined application of conventional and nano fertilizers helped to increase growth, growth attributes like number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, yield attributes, yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake of transplanted rice.

Pear performance as affected by the application of some nano fertilizers in combination with biochar as a biostimulant under drought conditions

Drought is an environmental stress that can negatively influence growth and productivity of fruit trees because it decreases the photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance and raises the rate of water loss from the plant surfaces. Therefore, this study investigated the soil application of biochar individually or in combination with the spraying of boron, silicon, and molybdenum relative to the growth attributes, fruit drop percentages, yield, and fruit quality of Le Conte pear trees grown under drought stress. The trees were fertilized by biochar at 0, 1, and 2 kg per tree individually or in combination with the foliar spraying with 0 mg B2O3 + 0 mg SiO2 + 0 mg MoO2, 10 mg B2O3 + 25 mg SiO2 + 25 mg MoO2, 20 mg B2O3 + 50 mg SiO2 + 50 mg MoO2 and 30 mg B2O3 + 75 mg SiO2 + 75 mg MoO2 at start of February, start of March and start of April, compared to untreated trees (control). The results showed that the soil addition of biochar or spraying of nano fertilizers individually or in combinations improved the vegetive growth, productivity and fruit quality, and leaf mineral content, meanwhile they reduced the fruit drop. The best results were obtained by the application of 2 kg biochar combined with 30 mg B2O3 + 75 mg SiO2 + 75 mg MoO2, which was superior to other applied treatments in the two seasons.

Yields, nutrient-use efficiencies and production economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by foliar nano urea

The nano fertilizers are becoming popular in crop production sector due to their higher nutrient use efficiency and also enhance the productivity and quality while requiring less input and being environmentally safe. In order to assess the effect of foliar application of nano urea on growth and yield performances of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and to evaluate nitrogen-use efficiency under integrated use of nano urea, this study was undertaken during the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized block design (RBD) having 13 treatments consisting of foliar application of water, nano urea (once at tillering and twice at tillering and jointing) and 5% urea in combination with each of 50,75 and 100% of recommended nitrogen doses (RDN) along with a control (without N), and each treatment was replicated thrice. It was observed that foliar application of nano urea (0.4%) twice at tillering and jointing stages with 100% (RDN 5,759 kg/ha) was statistically at par with 100% RDN + 5% foliar spray of urea twice at tillering and jointing stage (5,985 kg/ha) in terms of grain yield, the latter being the highest yielder. Foliar application of either urea or nano urea by curtailing 25-50% RDN did not brought about superior growth and yield performances. Under each level of RDN (100%, 75% and 50%), foliar application of 5% urea was a bit superior to nano urea, though the difference was not statistically significant. However, nano urea reflected higher nitrogen-use efficiency under all levels RDN; partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency (ANUE) values be- ing the highest under 50% RDN along with two spraying of nano urea (56.76 and 24.50 kg grain/kg N). The treat- ment comprising 100% RDN+ 5% spray of urea at tillering and jointing stages resulted in the highest net return (69608 `/ha) and B: C ratio (2.58), closely followed by the treatment comprising nano urea application twice (gross return, net return and B: C ratio of 109,426 `/ha, 63,748 `/ha and 2.40, respectively) with 100% RDN, being statis- tically at par with each other. It can be concluded from this two-year trial that only foliar application of nano urea by curtailing soil nitrogen application to 25-50% resulted in reduced yield performances of wheat; nano urea had pro- motive effects on yields when it was applied along with 100% RDN.

Effect of nano fertilizers of magnesium and iron on growth, yield and quality of parthenocarpic cucumber

Effect of nano fertilizers of magnesium and iron on growth, yield and quality of parthenocarpic cucumber

Influence of nano fertilizers on productivity and profitability of aerobic rice in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Influence of nano fertilizers on productivity and profitability of aerobic rice in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Growth, yield and economics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as influenced by foliar sprays of nano fertilizers

Growth, yield and economics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as influenced by foliar sprays of nano fertilizers

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano fertilizers on Soil Properties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Western UP, India

An experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 and 2023 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the Effect of Foliar Application of Nano on Soil properties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Western UP. The investigation was carried out with fourteen treatments viz. Control, RDF (N:P:K-120:60:40 kg ha-1 + 25 kg zinc sulphate), 100% RDF + Nano urea, 100% RDF + Nano potash, 100% RDF + Nano Zn, 100% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn, 75% RDF + Nano urea, 75% RDF + Nano potash, 75% RDF + Nano Zn, 75% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn, 50% RDF + Nano urea, 50% RDF + Nano potash, 50% RDF + Nano Zn and 50% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn. The nano fertilizers were applied at tillering stage (35 DAT). Result revealed that highest soil properties viz., organic matter % (0.48 & 0.52), available nitrogen (225.6 & 228.7 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (19.5 & 20.7 kg ha-1), available potassium (235.6 & 233.8 kg ha-1) and available zinc (0.80 & 0.83 g ha-1) were recorded with application of 100% RDF + Nano urea + Nano potash + Nano Zn spray at tillering stage (35 DAT) respectively, during both the years. The lowest values of these parameters were recorded under control treatment.

Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022. Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet. Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet. Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.

Optimizing Resource Utilization for Paddy Cultivation in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India: A Study on Efficiency and Sustainability

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, essential for providing food and livelihoods to millions. Efficient resource management of key resources such as land, water, labour, and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides enhance productivity, reduce production costs and environmental sustainability. Rice is a major food source and a vital agricultural commodity in India. This paper examines resource use in paddy cultivation across different farm sizes in Chandauli and Mirzapur districts in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The selected districts are among the highest in the state in terms of productivity. Resource use efficiency was assessed using the well-known Cobb-Douglas, or log-log, production function. The findings reveal a general trend of under-utilization of crucial inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, with varying levels of efficiency across farm categories. The analysis underscores the need to better utilize these resources to improve profitability and efficiency in paddy farming in the study area. Improving resource management and adopting technological advancements, such as direct-seeded rice, the use of nano fertilizers, and the incorporation of rice straw into fields to enhance soil fertility, can significantly increase production outcomes on farmers' fields while promoting sustainable practices.

Eco-friendly natural rubber-based hydrogel loaded with nano-fertilizer as soil conditioner and improved plant growth

This study addresses the dual challenge of agricultural cost and waste management by harnessing agrarian waste to produce nano-fertilizers (NF) to enhance crop yield while mitigating environmental impacts. Recognizing the limitations of traditional hydrogels' non-biodegradability and their inability to sustain root zone moisture and nutrient levels, we developed an LNR/AAc/pectin hydrogel. This innovative hydrogel offers a viable solution that provides a consistent NF supply and improves water retention efficiently. Additionally, we utilized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to analyze the hydrogel's structure, stability, and form. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were employed to ascertain the NF concentration. The optimization of the hydrogel's swelling and NF release was conducted through a 5-level, 2-factor Response Surface Methodology (RSM), focusing on the effects of the AAc: LNR ratio and pectin weight while maintaining constant concentrations of potassium persulfate (KPS) and MBA. Results revealed a high correlation between predicted and experimental values, with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.9982 for swelling and 0.9979 for NF release. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibited a 96.30 % biodegradation rate after 120 days of soil burial. Our findings demonstrate the hydrogels' potential to significantly impact farming and gardening by ensuring a sustainable supply of nutrients to enhance soil moisture retention.

Effect of Iron Nanoparticles Prepared from Onion Extract on Cucumber Plant Growth and Production

In recent years, it has been shown that the use of chemical fertilizers negatively affects the environment and public health. Nano fertilizer have been discovered and used, and one of their many advantages is the speed and ease of obtaining them from various plant sources, which are cheap and currently available it's friendly for environment. The field experiment was carried out in the spring season of 2021 in a mixture of salty clay (cohesive soil) for the purpose of studying the effect of spraying synthetic nanoparticles used from iron oxide particles with onion plant extract at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 parts per million on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus). The prepared nanoparticles were identified by the following assays: UV-visible spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and AFM. The results showed a significant effect of using Nano pesticides, especially with high concentration, in increasing average plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area and total plant yield. It was concluded from this study that the positive effect of Nano-fertilizer prepared with onion extract on plant growth, which led to an increase in cucumber productivity and the quality of its fruits, from that there is the possibility of using it as an alternative to conditional mineral fertilizers, after conducting several studies on the safety of using these plants treated with Nano-fertilizers for humans.

Effect of Nano Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The field experiment was tested in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. Results showed that the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + seed treatment (ST) with nano DAP and two foliar sprays of nano urea at 35 and 55 days after sowing (DAS) was found the most effective treatment with recorded highest number of tillers (431/m2), length of spike (17.03 cm), number of spikes (414 /m2), number of grains (45.24 /spike), test weight (46.32) and grain yield (4399 kg/ha) on pooled basis. However, this treatment was found statistically at par with treatments of 100 per cent RDF + 2 foliar sprays (FS) of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS, 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS, 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS but significantly superior over other treatments.

Productivity, nutrient uptake, microbial activity and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) as influenced by foliar application of nano fertilizers

Productivity, nutrient uptake, microbial activity and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) as influenced by foliar application of nano fertilizers

Response of potato plants to potassium silicate and calcium nitrate Nano fertilizers in winter season

Response of potato plants to potassium silicate and calcium nitrate Nano fertilizers in winter season