Effect of nano-fertilizers on physico-chemical properties of soil in transplanted hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2022 and 2023 at Students’ Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (U.P.) India, using different combinations of nano-urea and nano-zinc fertilizers under rice cultivation.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments each replicated thrice.The results showed that the application of nano-fertilizers did not significantly alter bulk density, which ranged from 1.39 to 1.42 Mg m³, or particle density, which remained between 2.70 and 2.72 Mg m³ across treatments. Soil pH exhibited minimal variation, from 7.79 to 7.96, while electrical conductivity ranged between 0.31 to 0.37 dSm-1. Organic carbon content was consistent across treatments, ranging from 0.31% to 0.36%. In terms of nutrient availability, the highest nitrogen content (191.98 kg ha-1) was recorded in the treatment combining 100% RDN with nano-urea and nano-zinc (T13), while control treatments showed lower levels (172.60 kg ha-1). Phosphorus, potassium, and zinc availability also improved slightly under nano-fertilizer treatments, with maximum values of 12.92 kg ha-1 (P), 153.92 kg ha-1 (K), and 0.64 mg kg-1 (Zn). In conclusion, the use of nano-fertilizers, specifically nano-urea and nano-zinc, holds potential for improving soil health and ensuring sustainable rice production by maintaining soil nutrient balance and supporting microbial activity. The findings suggest that nano-fertilizers are a viable strategy for enhancing both crop yield and soil sustainability. Nano-fertilizers offer an innovative approach to sustainable farming by providing controlled nutrient release, improving uptake efficiency, and reducing nutrient loss.