Integrating conventional and nanofertilizers for enhanced garlic yield and soil health

Abstract

Modern agricultural systems heavily rely on fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maximize yield per unit area. To address these challenges associated with this intensive input use, nanofertilizers offer a promising and efficient solution. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of combined applications of conventional fertilizers and nanofertilizers on garlic bulb yield as well as available nutrients in the soil. For the research, the 'Agrifound Parvati” a long day variety was used. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications comprising of seventeen treatment combinations of conventional fertilizers and nanofertilizers with soil application as well as foliar application. The results exhibited that application of 80% recommended dose of fertilizers + 3 sprays of nano nitrogen phosphorus and potassium + 3 sprays each of nano zinc and nano iron resulted in higher bulb yield (5.85 kg/plot and 193.72 q/ha) during Rabi season of 2021-22. The overall soil health results revealed that treatment comprising of 80% recommended dose of fertilizers + 3 sprays of nano nitrogen phosphorus and potassium + 3 sprays each of nano zinc and nano iron was found to be best for the traits soil organic carbon (1.54%), available NPK (331.25: 39.65: 410.36 kg/ha) and available zinc (2.63 mg/kg). Thus, applying nanofertilizers via foliar applications and in conjunction with conventional fertilizers as soil applications resulted in reducing of 20% of synthetic fertilizers while simultaneously maintaining yields as well as soil health.