Effect of foliar application of nano zinc on available nutrient status of wheat under zinc deficient and sufficient soils of inceptisol

Abstract

Zinc deficiency in cereal crops can be solved by the application of Zn through foliar application. Nanotechnology is one of the options to enhance the nutritional value of crops as some engineered nanoparticles (NPs) could be used as a fertilizer. Zinc can be used in the form of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. The present study used the soil and foliar application and then evaluated the effect of foliar application of Nano Zinc on nutrient concentration and available nutrient status of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under zinc deficient and sufficient soils of Inceptisol. The field experiment consisted of soil application and as well as foliar application of bulk Zn sources and Nano Zn source. Results revealed that the application of General Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (120:60:40 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:K2O + 10 t ha-1 FYM) along with soil application of ZnSO4.7H2O @ 20 kg ha-1 found beneficial for increase in macro as well as micronutrients in soil, under Zn deficient soil for of wheat under zinc deficient soil of Inceptisol. However, under zinc sufficient soil, the application of General Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (120:60:40 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:K2O + 10 t ha-1 FYM) along with Two foliar sprays of nano zinc @ 0.15% found beneficial for increase in macro as well as micronutrients in soil.