Nano Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of Traditional Fertilizer, Nano-Fertilizer and Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

A trial was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. This study investigates the “Effect of traditional fertilizer, nano fertilizer and micronutrient on growth, yield and quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).” The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, survival percentage, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of flower clusters per plant, number of fruit set per cluster, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, and benefit-cost ratio. The study's findings show that applying more NPK, ZnSO4, and Nano Zinc to the soil dramatically increased tomato growth and yield. The plants treated with 100% NPK + 25% ZnSO4 by the conventional approach + 75% spray through Nano zinc had the maximum fruit yield (135.57 t/ha), fruit weight (88.407 g), TSS (5.36 Brix), and ascorbic acid content (26.4 mg/100g). Additionally, it was discovered that the treated plants' benefit-cost ratio was larger than the control's. Overall, the study indicates that increasing the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes can be accomplished by applying 100% NPK + 25% ZnSO4 by traditional technique + 75% spray via Nano zinc.

Effect of Traditional Fertilizer, Nano Fertilizer and Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2022-23 on variety TMPH-409. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in nano fertilizers. Among the treatments tested, T2 (75% N (through traditional method), 100% PK, 100% ZnSO4, and 25% N as foliar spray through Nano urea) showed the most favorable results in terms of plant height (99.69 cm at 90 DAT), number of primary branches (8.18 branches at 90 DAT), and early flowering (38.16 DAT) and maturing (72.14 DAT). T2 also demonstrated superior performance in terms of fruit weight (2.72 g), length of fruit (7.52 cm), fruit girth (2.76), number of fruits per plant (260.10 fruits), and yield per plant (173.07 g/plant) and fruit yield per hectare (23.37 q/ha).

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano-Fertilizer NPK and Yeast Suspension on some Chemical Properties of Leaves and Fruits of Eggplant Solanum melongena L.

The experiment was conducted in the season (2020-2021) in one of the greenhouses in the second research station of the College of Agriculture at the University of Al-Muthanna, this study was carried out to find out the effect of adding yeast fodder at three concentrations (0, 5.0, 10.0 gL−1) as well as nano fertilizer at three concentrations as well (0, 0.5, 1.0 ml L−1). Where this experiment was conducted on eggplant planted in greenhouses, the irrigation system in these houses was drip irrigation technology, the experiment was carried out with three random replications (complete plots). The results had a significant positive effect for both yeast and nano fertilizer, as well as a positive effect at the interaction between them and in all chemical properties and for each of the leaves and fruits of the eggplant plant (content of nitrogen, phosphorous and chlorophyll in leaves, proteins and carbohydrates in eggplant, fruits and dry weight of the plant). The leaves content of nitrogen, phosphorous, protein and carbohydrates (5.678%, 0.454%, 35.48%, & 61.00 gm 100 gm−1) dry weight, respectively.

Relationship of Planting Dates and Spraying with Conventional and Nano NPK Fertilizer to some Secondary Metabolite Traits of Fenugreek Plant Trigonella foenum-graecum

This study was carried out in the agricultural fields of the College of Agriculture - Karbala University for the period from October of the year 2021 AD until May of the year 2022 AD, The study included two factors, the first was the cultivation of fenugreek seeds on three loops (20/10/2021) (10/11/2021) (30/11/2021) and the second factor was the use of conventional and nano fertilizer NPK by spraying on the leaves with five combinations, including the comparison treatment (Distilled water only, 1g.L-1 neutralized conventional fertilizer, 2g.L-1 neutralized conventional fertilizer, 100ml.L-1 of nano-fertilizer, 200mlL-1 of nano-fertilizer. The treatment were distributed using a split-plot method in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, planting dates were set in the main-plots and fertilizer combinations in the sub-plots, so the number of experimental units is 45 units, The results were analyzed statistically using the Genstst program, and the averages were tested according to the L.S.D test at a probability level of 0.05. The results showed that the third planting date was superior to the rest of the dates in trait of the percentage of protein with an average of 23.30% and the percentage of alkaloids in the leaves with an average of 2.9333%, while the comparison treatment recorded the least significant difference of 22.78% and 1.8467%, respectively, While the fertilizer treatment recorded the superiority of most of the fertilizer combinations used over the comparison treatment, the fifth combination of fertilizer used outperformed the rest of the combinations by giving it the highest rate for all the studied characteristics, including the percentage of oil in the seeds and the percentage of alkaloids in the seeds, which amounted to (5.2444% and 9.211%), respectively, While the comparison treatment recorded the lowest average of 5.1400% and 5.844% respectively, as for the treatment of overlap between the fertilizer combinations used with the planting dates, the overlap affected significantly in the treatment of the fifth combination of the second planting date in the characteristics of the secondary metabolites compounds, which are the percentage of alkaloids in the leaves and the percentage of the alkaloids in the seeds and the percentage of oil in the seeds were (2.8000%, 9.867%, and 5.2633%), respectively, While the interaction between the first date and the fertilizer combination (distilled water only) was the lowest average for all studied traits.

Effect of Nano Fertilizer on Growth, Quality and Yield of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) var. Sarita under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

An experiment was conducted on bottle gourd to study the effect of nano-fertilizer viz., NPK (19:19:19) in open field conditions of Prayagraj during 2022 for various parameters such as growth, earliness, yield and fruit quality. A F1 hybrid variety was used in this experiment named “SARITA” from the local market of Prayagraj. Total eight treatments were used which includes one RDF (recommended dose of conventional fertilizer) and seven concentrations of nano- fertilizer as foliar spray. For the vegetative characters, T7 (9g nano-NPK/L) was found significantly superior as maximum vine length (328.33cm at 60 DAT) and maximum number of primary branches(12.89 at 60DAT) were recorded, and the earliest flower initiation was also observed in T7 (26.33 days for male and 30 days for female flower after transplanting). Among the fruit characters viz., fruit length and average fruit weight were found superior by T6 (7.5g nano-NPK/L) i.e. 44.34cm & 1003g respectively , and for the yield parameters i.e., yield/vine and yield/ha was also maximum in T6 i.e. 12.55 & 251.75q respectively. Also for the quality parameters T6 shows best results in TSS (4.51), ascorbic acid content (10.03mg/100g) and moisture percentage (95.90%), where as T1 shows highest dry matter content (7.38%). The Benefit cost ratio was also found to be highest in T6 i.e. 3.26. Based on these observations, it could be suggested that T7 (9g nano-NPK/L) was the best treatment combination for overall vegetative characters and T6 (7.5g nano-NPK/L) shows the best results for yield & quality of fruits hence, more profitable. This study aims to investigate the advantages of using modern nano fertilizers and the economics involved.

Effect of Zeolite Levels and Foliar Feeding with NPK Nano Fertilizer on some Soil Chemical Properties and Grain Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of zeolite levels and foliar feeding with NPK nano fertilizer on some soil chemical properties and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment was carried out during the winter agricultural season (2020-2021) in a sandy mixture of soil at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station of the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University at Al Bandar field (which is 3 km away from the city of Samawah). The study aimed at the effect of three levels of zeolite (0, 0.5 and 1) kg m 2 by volume, symbolized by Z1, Z0 and Z2, respectively, and six levels of NPK for the addition of ground and nano, spraying on the leaves in two stages at the branching and flowering, which are (0, 0.25 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm ha-1 nano-NPK, 0.50 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm h-1 nano-NPK, 0.75 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm h-1 NPK Nano, Recommended Ground Fertilizer Only and Recommended Nano Fertilizer Only 1600 gm ha-1), its symbols were F4, F3, F2, F1, F0 and F5 respectively in the availability of N, P and K uptake in the plant and grain of the wheat crop, the experiment was carried out by designing split plot by Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D). Wheat seeds were sown, type (Bohooth 22) on 11/11/2020. The results of the experiment showed that the addition of zeolite led to the improvement of some chemical properties of the soil, that the level Z2 achieved a significant superiority in raising the values of the concentrations of NPK elements available in the soil at the flowering and harvest stages, the compound NPK nano fertilizer had a significant effect on the chemical properties, as the levels F4 and F5 achieved the highest averages in the concentration of NPK available in the soil at. The two combinations (Z2F4) and (Z2F5) achieved significant superiority in the characteristics of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium concentrations in the soil at flowering, and phosphorous and potassium in the soil at harvest.

Impact of Foliar Application of Nano Nitrogen and Nano Zinc on Soil Properties of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Crop

The utilization of nano-sized nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers through foliar application has gained considerable attention in agricultural research. This study focuses on investigating the effects of such foliar applications on soil properties, including both chemical and biological aspects, after the harvest of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The field experiment was carried out during October to March 2022 season at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur which lies in agro-climatic zone IV-A of Rajasthan, India. The field was designed in a randomized block design having 10 treatments which were replicated thrice. The treatments include the various combination RDF and nano fertilizers of N and Zn. The application treatment T6 (100% NPK Zn +1st spray of Nano N and Zn at 30 DAS +2nd spray of Nano N and Zn at 45 DAS) has significantly increased the availability of macronutrients (N, P, K), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn), microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) as well as the dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in post-harvest soil of mustard over control.

Effect of Spraying with Nano Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Two Cultivars of Bean (Vicia faba L.)

The research was carried out during the growing season 2021-2022 to find out the response of the two cultivars (Vicia faba L.): Luz De Otono (C1) and symbolized for them by the two symbols (C2,C1) by spraying potassium nano fertilizer (0, 1.2 g/L) and symbolizing them with symbols (T3.T2,T1), respectively. The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.), and studied the characteristics of leaf area, plant height, chlorophyll pigment content as well as the dry weight of the bio yield and seeds and their protein content., The characters reached in leaf area (52.94 dcm 2), chlorophyll (23.99 SPAD) and dry weight of plant seeds (4.089 tan h-1), and the results showed that the interaction C2T3 was significantly superior in plant height (68.57 cm), leaf area per plant (56.57 dm 2).

Determining the Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) and Seedling Growth Effects of MARDI Nano-fertilizer on Rock melon (Cucumis melo)

New fertilizer formulations and nitrogen delivery systems are needed to address deteriorating nutrient-use-efficiency and environmental hazards due to farmers' dependency on chemical fertilizers. Nanofertilizers (NF) made from tailored smart nano materials are a viable alternative to inefficient and harmful traditional fertilizers. Nanotechnology and NFs may help solve chemical fertilizers formulation difficulties. To boost rock melon yields, MARDI has created a nano-fertilizer made from nano-emulsions. The relations between seed germination inhibition (%) of rock melon seed and different concentrations of MARDI nano-fertilizer showed that when nano-fertilizer concentrations increased from 10 to 45% with inhibition 3.3% to 100%, seed germination decreased. The LC50 value was calculated at 32.2% equal to 322,000 ppm, with upper and lower limits at 25.346% and 40.953%, 96 hrs after treatments, indicating the formulation is not toxic with a high LC50 value. In order to further study the effects of the created nano-fertilizer on the growth of rock melon plants across the adult, reproductive, and developmental stages, it is suggested that future field trials work use a concentration of 0.5% of the developed MARDI nano-fertilizer.

Biosynthesis of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles using Ipomoea carnea leaf extract and its effect on black carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Pusa Asita

Nano fertilizers (NFs) are now becoming an important tool for plant nutrient management having capabilities to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and quality of agricultural products. Since, they are needed in very small amount, thus, reduces cost of crop production. Among different essential or beneficial plant nutrients, Zn and Ti are important micro nutrients having number of beneficial effect on crop growth, yield, quality and post harvest life. Present experiment was carried out to prepare ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through green technology by using aqueous extract of Ipomoea carnea (morning glory) leaves. In order to investigate size, morphology, composition, and stability of selected NPs, the detailed characterization was carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, HRTEM, EDX, BET, X-ray diffraction, XPS and particle size distribution studies. Subsequently, the effect of foliar spray of ZnO and TiO2 NPs was evaluated in respect of vegetative growth, yield and quality of black carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Pusa Asita in presence of 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to assess their effect on fertilizer use efficiency also. There were 8 treatments viz. Control (no fertilizer), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), TiO2 (5, 10 and 15 ppm along with 50% RDF), ZnO (50, 75 and 100 ppm along with 50% RDF)] with 3 replications following Randomised Block Design having 24 plots (1 m × 1 m). The observations were taken for vegetative growth, edible root yield and root quality parameters. Although, the growth, yield and quality parameters were found superior (root yield 43.84 g/plant) under conventional system of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of NPK, however, TiO2 NPs also showed very promising result close to RDF as compared to ZnO NPs. Among them, 5 ppm TiO2 foliar application along with 50% NPK was found to be the best in terms of vegetative growth, root yield (38.73 g/plant) and quality of black carrot. It was also found that higher concentration of TiO2 and ZnO NPs had adverse effect on the plant performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that 5 ppm TiO2 NPs along with 50% RDF was good for black carrot production.

Response of Albizia (Albizia lebbeek) Seedlings Growth for Nano Fertilizers Application

A field experiment was conducted in the Department of Plant Production, Technical Agricultural College, Mosul, Iraq, in the spring of 2020 to examine the effects of two different types of nano fertilizers (complex fertilizer K 27% and S 13%, Zn 11.5%, Mn 6.5%, Fe 7.5%, and citric acid 3.5%). on albizia seedlings using three application techniques (spraying, adding to the soil, and spraying plus adding to the soil). On February 15th, the seeds were sown in plastic containers, and after the second true leaf, they were transferred to plastic bags. The Nano fertilizers were applying at 2 gm. L.−1 focus four times a month starting in the first of the year. May, after the plant has developed its fourth true leaf. A factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replicates was used to set up the treatments. Plant length, leaf count, Stem diameter, chlorophyll content (SPAD), fresh weight, and dry weight of vegetative growth and roots are all significantly increased after nano fertilizers are added via spraying and soil amendment. Also, when compared to K nano and the control group, all of the parameters show substantial increases after using Complex Nanofertilizer. All parameters show a significant effect from the treatments that involve interactions between nano fertilizers and applying methods.

Response Growth and Yield of Three Cucumber Hybrids (Cucumis sativus L.) to Nano Fertilizer N20P20K20 under Protected House

The experiment was run in the spring of 2021 in one of the unheated plastic houses in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape in the College of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Mosul to examine the impact of two variables: Second: spraying three different concentrations of Nano fertilizer N20 P20 K20 on three different cucumber hybrids (Roni, Modhish, and Baher) alongside a control treatment that received no Nano fertilizer spraying. The hybrid factor was positioned in the main plots, and Nano-fertilizer spray concentrations were positioned in the split plots, all within the context of a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for the experiment’s layout. The information was recorded, then analyzed statistically, yielding the following findings: Concentrations of 3 mg L-1 of Nano fertilizer sprayed on Roni hybrids significantly increased plant length and leaf area; concentrations of 3 mg L-1 on Modhish hybrids significantly increased yield per plant, fruit yield, and total fruit yield; and concentrations of 3 mg L-1 on Baher hybrids significantly increased the value of leaves per plant.

The Effect of Immersing the Bud Cuttings with a Combination of NAA and BA Growth Regulators and the Addition of Optimus Plus Nanofertilizer in Improving some Vegetative Qualities of Ber Seedlings Apple Variety

The study was carried out during the growing season 2022 in one of the orchards located in Al-Sajla area / Al-Khairat district / Holy Karbala governorate On seed Sidr varieties two years old. To find out the effect of immersing bait pens, an apple cultivar was treated with a combination of growth regulators in three concentrations (0, 40 + 20, 40 + 80 mg.L-1) and symbol (A0, A1, A2) in sequence, and the addition of Optimus Pius nano fertilizer in three concentrations (0, 20, 40 m. L-1) and its symbol (B0, B1, B2) sequentially and the overlap between them in the vegetative traits of Sidr seedlings, apple cultivar. The experiment was carried out according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment with three replications. The results showed that immersing the grafting pen with a combination of growth regulators at A1 concentration had a significant effect on vegetative traits (percentage of vaccination success, main stem length, main stem diameter, number of lateral branches, number of leaves and leaf area) amounted to (88.900%, 142.567 cm, 40.047 mm 17.447 branch. Sapling, 827 leaf. Sapling, 22.567 cm2. sapling-1) sequentially compared to the comparison treatment, Ground fertilization with nano-fertilizer at a concentration of B2 also led to a significant increase in (percentage of vaccination success, main stem length, main stem diameter, number of lateral branches, number of leaves and leaf area) amounting to (88.900%, 144.900 cm, 40.150 mm, 17.667 branch. Sapling, 828 leaves. Seedling-1, 22.967 cm2. sapling-1) sequentially compared with the comparison treatment. The bilateral interaction between the two study factors also led to a significant effect on all vegetative characteristics of Sidr seedlings of an apple variety, especially when treated (A1 B2) compared to the comparison treatment of the overlap.

Impact Foliar Spraying of NPK Nano Fertilizer on Yield Traits of Two Varieties of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was performed in two sites within Nineveh Governorate, the first site within the center of Mosul (Gleokhan) and the second site within the administrative boundaries of Namrod sub-district of Nineveh Governorate, which is (45) km away from the center of Mosul center. The treatments of the experiment was a three levels (1, 2 and 3 g.L−1) of NPK nano fertilizer and a fourth level of addition such as the control treatment (the traditional farmer method), and two varieties of bread wheat (Bhoth 22 and Abu Ghraib). was done Study the following qualities: number of spikes, spike length, number of spike grains, weight of 1000 grains, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index and straw yield. As for the results of the experiment, they were as follows: In the first study site (Gleokhan), no significant differences were observed between the levels of nano-fertilizer in most of the studied traits, and in the second site, the control treatment was significantly superior by recording the highest averages for most of the traits, and the spraying treatment 1 g.L−1 recorded a significant superiority for the weight of 1000 grains trait. Bhoth 22 outperformed Abu Ghraib with most of the studied traits and for both locations, while the Abu Ghraib cultivar was surpassed to Bhoth 22 in spike length and straw yield in the first location, spike length, number of grains per spike, and straw yield in the second location.

Effect of spraying with balanced nano fertilizer and boron on yield and chemical characteristics of two hybrids of cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.

This study was conducted during agricultural season 2021-2022 at the research station of Department of Horticulture and Landscape/ College of Agriculture/ Tikrit University, to study the effect of foliar application of balanced nano-fertilizer and boron on two hybrids of cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. The experiment included three factors, the first factor is three concentrations of balanced nano-fertilizer viz, 0, 20 and 30 g L-1 the second factor is spraying of boron at two concentrations namely, 0 and 5 mg L-1. The third factor is using two hybrids namely, Dlal and Globe Master. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Completed Block Design (R.C.B.D.) With split plot arrangement with three replications. The results showed that, the spraying with boron at 5 mg L-1 concentration led to a significant increase in the total head weight, marketable head weight, head circumference, total plant yield, and nitrate ratio. The hybrid Dlal had highest values in all studied characteristics except the nitrate percentage compared with the hybrid Globe Master.

Effect of adding Nano-NPK fertilizer and humic acid on some vegetative growth characteristics and active components of Myrtle Myrtus communis L.

The current study was conducted during the 2019–2020 growing season in Dhi-Qar University's Alsaran Canopy. Nano fertilizer was used to test the effects of adding Nano- 1 macro elements NPK at three concentrations (0, 30,60) mg l-1 on some growth characteristics of Myrtle plant, Myrtus communis, Three replicates of the experiment were used in the RCBD design. Important Difference Test at 0.05 probability. Results appear that The Nano fertilizer is 60mg l-1 significantly increased the average plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll and carbohydrates leaf content, and percentage of oil, fresh weight. The concentration of humic acid Significantly increasing plant height, branch count, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, carbohydrates, and the highest percentage of oil. It recorded an average of (87.44 cm, 12.13 mm, 10.56 branches). 2, 105.44 mg.100 g fresh weight, 82.00 g. dry matter and 0.51%, respectively, while H1 treatment excelled with the largest leaf surface area of8.79 cm2.The interaction treatment H2N1 was superior to the control treatment H0N0 and the rest of the treatments in the study regarding plant height, stem diameter and leaf area, while H2N2 was superior in fruit content of chlorophyll and carbohydrates.

Foliage-Sprayed Nano-Chitosan-Loaded Nitrogen Boosts Yield Potentials, Competitive Ability, and Profitability of Intercropped Maize-Soybean

The progressive reduction of synthetic agrochemical fertilizers is one of the key factors in the shift from conventional agriculture to sustainable farming. Nitrogen (N) is the ruling element in the development of agricultural production, but its use in the mineral form or its excessive use causes several environmental issues. Since the release of N nanocomposites coincides with their uptake by crops, N loss reduces while enhancing plant uptake due to nano fertilizers application. Additionally, an intercropping legume with cereal as an eco-friendly pattern could improve and rationalize the nitrogenous inputs. Therefore, a two-year field trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of nano-chitosan-loaded N (CS-NNPs) for saving mineral N amounts applied in maize-based on maize-soybean intercropping and enhancing land productivity. Methods In a randomized split-plot design in three replicates, three intercropping patterns, in addition to the sole crops, and three N levels were implemented. Intercropping involved three intercrop configurations [planting maize rows (M) alternated with soybean rows (S) in patterns of 4M:2S, 2M:4S, and 3M:3S)], in addition to planting sole maize crop (SMC) and sole soybean crop (SSC). N fertilization treatments included adding 288 kg N ha−1 (MN100%) and two levels of CS-NNPs composite involving 216 kg N ha−1 + 2 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs (MN75% + 2CS-NNPs), and 144 kg N ha−1 + 3 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs composite (MN50% + 3CS-NNPs). Under the tested treatments, the agronomic traits, intercropping indices, and economic benefits were estimated. Results Findings revealed that the application of SMC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 4M:2S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs showed the highest growth, biological yield, and grain yield of maize. The interaction of SSC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs resulted in the highest seed yield components, biological yield, straw yield, and seed yield of soybean. Application of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN50% + 3NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the maximum total land equivalent ratio. While applications of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% achieved the highest land equivalent coefficient, land-use efficiency, area time equivalent ratio, and percent yield difference. Likewise, both interactions of 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the highest system productivity index. Better yield advantage of maize-soybean intercrop compared with the monocrop since total actual yield loss values were positive and higher than zero in all interactions of intercropping pattern × N fertilization. Fertilizing maize with MN50% + 3CS NNPs grown under the 2M:4S pattern had the highest positive aggressivity values. Conclusion The productivity shortfall accompanying the 25% N reduction was compensated by the application of CS-NNPs. Thus, N applied to the maize intercropped with soybeans can be rationalized. This undoubtedly has a good economic payoff for the maize growers with the conservation of the agricultural environment. In maize production systems, it is advisable to fertilize the plants using 216 kg instead of 288 kg nitrogen ha−1 when nano chitosan-loaded nitrogen composite twice (0.48 kg nitrogen ha−1) applied.

THE EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL AND NANOFERTILIZERS ON COWPEA ( VIGNA UNGUICULATA L.) YIELD, QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TREAITS IN THE SOUTHERN IRANIAN CLIMATE

Biological and nano fertilizers are alternative and supplements to chemical fertilizers security for the sustainability of agricultural production. This study is present to investigate the effect of biological and nano fertilizers on the quantitative and qualitative yield of cow pea during two crop years (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) in the research farm of the South Agricultural Research and Education Center of Kerman province, Iran. This experiment was carried out factorial in designs of randomized complete blocks with 16 treatments and 3 repliation, the studied factors include four levels of biological fertilizers (control, zinc amino chlate, aminoalexin, and bio20) and four levels of nano chelates (control, boron nano chelate, potassium nano chelate and iron nano chelate). The results of the experiment showed that there was no significant difference between the two years of the experiment in terms of all quantitative and qualitative traits. While the use of biological fertilizers and nanochelates increased the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of cowpea. In other words, the lowest amount of quantitative and qualitative traits related to cowpea was in the absence of biological fertilizers and nano chelate. Based on the obtained results, the application of bio20 biological fertilizer along with iron nano chelate or potassium nano chelate caused a significant increase in quantitative and qualitative traits. In general, and according to the results of the experiment, it was found that the use of biological fertilizers, especially Bio20 and Aminoalexin, caused a significant improvement in the quality characteristics. The positive effect of bio20 and aminoalexin in improving quality characteristics was significantly higher when used together with nano chelates, especially nano chelates of iron and potassium which is likely due to the positive effect of potassium and iron in various plant metabolic processes. It includes osmotic regulation, increasing chlorophyll, and photosynthesis. Therefore, the interaction of biofertilizers (Bio20) with nano chelate (iron and potassium) increased seed yield by 50% compared to the control (no fertilizer use).

Facile biosynthesis, characterisation and biotechnological application of ZnO nanoparticles mediated by leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

The present study synthesised and characterised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using spinach tree, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and investigated its potential use as nanofertilizer. The synthesised nanoparticles showed UV–Vis absorption peak at 378 nm which is a feature of ZnO NPs. FT-IR analysis further revealed the presence of O-H stretching, C = C bending, O-H bending and C-N stretching functional groups of the stabilising action of the plant extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. SEM images displayed the shape of NPs to be spherical whereas TEM images showed their distribution sizes to be 100 nm. Synthesised ZnO NPs were used as a nano fertilizer on Sorghum bicolour plant. An increase in the shoot leaf length with an average length of 16.13 ± 0.19 cm as compared to the control group of 15.13 ± 0.07 cm was observed. The rate of photosynthesis also showed a significant increase with total chlorophyll content of 0.2806 ± 0.006 mg/mL as compared with control of 0.2476 ± 0.002 mg/mL. The activity of antioxidative enzymes was measured with an increase in the specific activity of SOD in the plant when ZnO NPs were used over NPK whereas, the specific activities of CAT were similar in all cases.

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.