Impact of foliar application of different nano-fertilizers on soil microbial properties and yield of wheat

• Published in: Journal of environmental biology Vol. 42; no. 2; pp. 302 - 308
• Main Authors: Meena, R H, Jat, G, Jain, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lucknow Triveni Enterprises 01.03.2021
• Subjects: Agricultural production; Biomass; Cereal crops; Crop production; Crop yield; Crops; Efficiency; Environmental science; Experiments; Fertilizers; Foliar applications; Food; Microorganisms; Nanoparticles; Nutrient content; Nutrient uptake; Nutrients; Phosphorus; Population; Potassium; Productivity; Soil fertility; Soil investigations; Soil properties; Soils; Triticum aestivum; Wheat; Zinc
• ISSN: 0254-8704; 2394-0379
• DOI: 10.22438/eb/42/2/MRN-1465

Aim: The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar application nano-fertilizers P, K and Zn on yield, nutrient content and uptake by wheat and soil microbial properties in sub-humid southern plains of Rajasthan. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in triplicate following randomized block design with fifteen treatments comprising foliar application of different doses of Nano P, K and Zn. Results: Foliar application of 1st spray of Nano Zn at 14 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd spray of Nano Zn at 28 DAS along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) significantly (P=0.05) increased yield attributes and nutrient uptake in wheat. The significantly (P=0.05) maximum microbial population (bacteria and fungi) and microbial biomass-C was obtained with 1st spray of Nano P at 14 DAS + 2nd spray of Nano P at 28 DAS along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Interpretation: Foliar application of nano fertilizers led to significant improvement of crop productivity of wheat in sub-humid southern plain of Rajasthan. Moreover, the foliar application of nano-fertilizers, i.e., Nano P also stimulated microbial growth by providing nutrients and directly increased their population in soil.