Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Swati H Patel, JK Parmar, AS Bhanvadiya, Sanjay Makwana and Aishwarya Maheta

Abstract:
Nano fertilizers are the important tools in agriculture to improve crop growth, yield and quality parameters with increase nutrient use efficiency, reduce wastage of fertilizers and cost of cultivation. Nanostructure fertilizer exhibits novel physico-chemical properties, which determines their interaction with biological substances and processes. The application of nano technological formulation to agricultural crop inputs is one of the proposed tools for sustainable intensifications. The present experiment was carried out at Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) during rabi season of the year 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was comprised of four levels of nano NP (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) and three levels of nano P (0, 500 and 1000 ppm) as well as a treatment having recommended dose of fertilizers was also taken for the comparison. Altogether, there were 12 treatment combinations and RDF laid out in factorial randomized block design (F-RBD) with three replications. The soil of experimental field was low in organic carbon content and available N. The foliar spray of nano NP and nano P was carried out at 21, 35 and 60 DAS. Result showed that wheat growth, yield, nutrient content and uptake were registered significantly higher with foliar application of NP₃ + P₂ (nano NP @ 2000 ppm + nano P @ 1000 ppm) at 21, 35 and 60 DAS over the other treatments. However, in comparison of nano particles and recommended dose of fertilizers, the RDF was significantly superior in terms of grain and straw yield. However, it is noticed that if these nutrients (i.e. N and P) are supplemented through only nano particles, the nutrients are likely to be depleted from the soil reserve to cause nutrient mining over the years. Hence, sole application of nano particles would have disadvantage over soil application in maintaining soil fertility status and thereby soil health.