Analyzing the Effects of Zeolite-Based Nitrogen Nano-fertilizers on Inceptisol and Alfisol Maize Growth, Yield, and Quality

Abstract

By delivering nutrients in a controlled manner that corresponds with crop need, nano-fertilizer technology can increase nutrient use efficiency without having any negative side effects. The current work makes the hypothesis that because nano-zeolite has a large surface area, it can control nitrogen release when coated or mixed with traditional nitrogenous fertilizers. This is a great slow-release fertilizer that helps release nitrogen steadily in proportion to crop development without causing any negative environmental effects. Using maize as a model system, the recently created intercalated N nano-fertilizer formulations were examined. In order to learn more about how nano-fertilizer might boost crop output with improved N use efficiency, the fate of nitrogen in the soil system was investigated. In two greenhouse trials with two different soil textures (Alfisols-Irugur soil series-sandy loam and Inceptisol-Periyanayakkan palayam soil series-clay loam), the response of maize plants to the manufactured fertilizers was evaluated. Nanozeourea consistently had greater grain N contents on alfisols (Control 0.48; Treated 0.76%) and inceptisols (Control: 0.26%; Treated: 0.32%). Compared to inceptisol, the response was stronger in alfisol. Compared to ordinary urea, nanozeourea treatment consistently resulted in greater growth, yield, quality, and nutrient uptake.