Nano Calcium Preparation from Eggshell: Effects on Peanut Productivity and the Nutrient Status of Plant and Soil

Abstract

Through the utilization of technology that is both cost-effective and efficient, agricultural by-products have been repurposed to produce specific chemicals, hence increasing their utilization. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and characterize nano calcium (CaO), which is produced from eggshell, along with different forms derived from it. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size analysis (PSA) were employed to characterize the nano calcium that was created from eggshell. These nanomaterials were tested on peanut plants. A field experiment utilizing a split-plot design with three replications was conducted at the Ismailia Agriculture Research Station in Ismailia during the summer of 2021 to evaluate the effects of various nano calcium forms (calcium oxide, calcium acetate, calcium nitrate, and calcium phosphate) as main plots on peanut production and certain soil chemical properties in comparison to the control (gypsum). Nano-calcium and its various forms were administered at two concentrations, 1.5 and 3 g L⁻¹ as foliar application, in sub-main plots. The experiment's findings showed that the peanut plant's growth parameters (yield, straw, pod, and seed) rose considerably, as well as total N, P, K, and Ca content, when compared to the control. Calcium phosphates showed the highest mean value increase in crop productivity. The corresponding percentages for biological, straw, pod, and seed output of peanut plants were 30, 31, 24, and 32%, respectively. Furthermore, various forms and rates of nano calcium applications had a favorable effect on the chemical characteristics of soil; in particular, calcium acetate at 3 g L⁻¹ decreased soil pH and raised EC, OM, and accessible NPK. Also, when the rate of nano calcium administration increased, accessible calcium, soluble calcium, and exchangeable calcium typically increased. In summary, recycling organic waste can improve plant productivity and soil fertility, thereby diminishing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Research shows that there is little difference in how well calcium treatments work, meaning that gypsum can be replaced with other calcium sources like nano calcium oxide, nano calcium nitrate, nano calcium acetate, and nano calcium phosphate. Also, this research has some environmental benefit such as waste management and reduced chemical inputs in agriculture.