Enhancing Growth and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Potato (cv. Kufri Pushkar) through Nano Urea and Zinc Sulfate Application in Haryana, India

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of nano urea and zinc sulfate on the growth and nutrient use efficiency of potato in Haryana. This research explores alternative nutrient management approaches to mitigate the environmental issues linked to conventional nitrogen fertilizers. Nano urea, a recent innovation in agricultural nanotechnology, that mineral is designed for gradual nutrient release, potentially improving nitrogen use although. Zinc, a critical micronutrient, enhances potato growth by improving enzymatic antioxidant activity, starch, and total soluble sugar content. The research was conducted during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Rabi seasons at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, using randomized block design with 11 treatments combinations, viz., T1: Control, T2: RDN (Recommended dose of nitrogen, i.e. 150 kg/ha), T3: 75% RDN + 25% N through Nano-Urea foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAP, T4: 50% RDN + 50% N through Nano-Urea foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAP, T5: 75% RDN + foliar spray 2% urea at 30 and 45 DAP, T6: 50% RDN + foliar spray 2% urea at 30 and 45 DAP, T7: RDN + ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha, T8: 75% RDN + 25% N through Nano-Urea foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAP + Foliar spray of ZnSO4@ 0.2% at 30 and 45 DAP, T9: 50% RDN + 50% N through Nano-Urea foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAP + Foliar spray of ZnSO4@ 0.2% at 30 and 45 DAP, T10: 75% RDN + foliar spray 2% urea at 30 and 45 DAP + Foliar spray of ZnSO4@ 0.2% at 30 and 45 DAP, T11: 50% RDN + foliar spray 2% urea at 30 and 45 DAP + Foliar spray of ZnSO4@ 0.2% at 30 and 45 DAP. Key findings indicate that nano urea combined with zinc sulfate significantly increased plant growth, especially under treatment T8 (75% RDN + 25% nitrogen through nano urea + foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 0.2% at 30 and 45 days after planting). This treatment also recorded the highest nitrogen use efficiency (14.32% & 15.30% in two years respectively), suggesting nano urea's effectiveness in enhancing nutrient uptake. The study underscores nano urea's potential in sustainable potato cultivation, providing a regulated nutrient supply while addressing environmental concerns such as nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. These findings offer promising insights for optimizing nitrogen and zinc management in potato crops to boost yield and quality sustainably.