Indian scientists have developed nano coated muriate of potash (nano fertilisers) which can enhance the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of fertilisers. The coating made of nanoclay-reinforced binary carbohydrates can reduce the recommended fertiliser dose and maintain enhanced crop production. It is mechanically stable, biodegradable and hydrophobic which can enhance NUE by their slow release in soil. NUE is the efficiency of a plant in using applied or fixed nitrogen for biomass production.
Key Facts About Nano Fertilisers
- About Nanofertilisers: Fertilisers coated with nanomaterials (particles in the nanoscale range of 1-100 nanometer) are called Nanofertilisers.
- These nanomaterials enable controlled release of nutrients into the soil, optimising nutrient availability to plants over a longer period.
Nanomaterial Components
- Inorganic Materials: Common inorganic nanomaterials used for nanofertilizers include:
- Metal Oxides: Zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and silver oxide (AgO).
- Silica Nanoparticles: These provide high surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, enhancing crop quality and supporting sustainable agriculture, especially under stress like salinity.
- Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids: They help in delivering calcium and phosphorus to plants.
- Organic Materials: Common organic nanomaterials used for nanofertilizers include:
- Chitosan: It is a biodegradable, natural material which helps in delivering nutrients efficiently.
- Carbon-based Nanomaterials: Organic nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, and fullerols increase the rate of germination, the chlorophyll content, and the protein content.
- Types of Nanofertilizers: Nanofertilisers can be classified based on the method of preparation.
- Nanoscale Coating Fertilisers: These fertilisers have nutrients coated in nanoparticles for slow and controlled release.
- Nanoscale Additive Fertilisers: Nutrients are added to nano-sized adsorbents, keeping them stable and gradually available to plants.
- Nanoporous Materials: Fertilisers in nanoporous materials release nutrients slowly, ensuring plants absorb them fully.
Applications in Agriculture
- Precision Agriculture: Nanotechnology is used in precision agriculture to optimise water and fertiliser use, reducing waste and energy consumption.
- In Precision agriculture, inputs are utilised in precise amounts to get increased average yields, compared to traditional cultivation techniques.
- Soil and Plant Health: Nanofertilisers boost seed germination, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate production, and stress tolerance, leading to healthier crops.
- Long-Term Soil Fertility: Nanofertilisers release slowly, helping maintain or improve soil fertility for sustainable crop production.