Nano Urea-mediated Improvement in Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Maize

Abstract

In recent years, the advancement of nanotechnology in agriculture has opened new avenues for enhancing nutrient delivery and uptake efficiency. The foliar application of nano urea presents a promising alternative to conventional urea, especially under conditions where soil-based nitrogen applications are inefficient or environmentally unsustainable. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2023, at ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram, to assess the impact of nano urea on growth, yield, economics and nutrient uptake of maize and also to explore the possibility of reducing the conventional nitrogen fertiliser dose. This study was conducted with nine treatments in a Randomised Block Design with three replications. Pre-harvest (Plant height, days to reproductive stage) and post-harvest (Cob length, cob girth, test weight, grain yield and stover yield) observations were recorded. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, neutral in reaction, low in nitrogen, organic carbon, medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experimental results revealed that T9:100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) through urea in three splits (33% basal+ 33 % Knee-high (KH)+ 33% at Tasselling (TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS resulted in higher growth and yield attributes, grain yield, stover yield and plant nutrient uptake. However, it remained on par with T3:100% RDN through urea in three splits (33% basal+ 33 % KH+ 33% at TS), T6:75% RDN (33% basal+ 33% KH+33% at TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS and T7:75% RDN (66% basal+ 17% KH+17% at TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS. Economic parameters, viz., gross returns, net returns and BCR, also did not vary significantly among T9, T3, T6 and T7. Hence, 75% RDN + nano urea foliar sprays at KH and TS stages can be recommended to increase the yield, economic returns and nutrient uptake with an additional saving of conventional urea fertilisers.