NANO-FERTILIZER DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED MICRONUTRIENT RELEASE IN RICE LEAVES: A FIELD-SCALE EVALUATION

Abstract

The present study investigates the field-scale efficacy of nano-fertilizer delivery systems for controlled micronutrient release in rice cultivation, with a specific focus on plant growth, nutrient uptake, yield performance, and soil microbial dynamics. Nano-fertilizers, particularly nano-composite formulations incorporating zinc, iron, and phosphorus, were evaluated against conventional treatments under real agronomic conditions. The application of nano-fertilizers significantly improved key growth parameters, including plant height, tiller number, and leaf area index, with the nano-composite treatment outperforming all others. Chlorophyll content increased substantially at critical growth stages, indicating enhanced photosynthetic activity. Leaf and grain analyses revealed elevated micronutrient concentrations, especially for zinc and iron, highlighting efficient nutrient delivery and translocation. Yield components, such as grain number per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and total grain yield, showed marked improvements, with the nano-composite treatment achieving the highest yield (5.7 t/ha). Post-harvest soil assessments indicated higher residual nutrient levels and enriched microbial populations, including chitin-degrading bacteria and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly under nanochitin-based applications. Additionally, stress indicators such as proline accumulation and reduced electrolyte leakage affirmed the role of nano-fertilizers in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. These findings underscore the potential of nano-fertilizers to revolutionize sustainable nutrient management in rice production. However, potential risks such as nanoparticle aggregation and long-term environmental impact necessitate further investigation through life cycle assessments. Overall, nano-fertilizer technology presents a transformative approach to precision agriculture by optimizing nutrient use efficiency, improving yield and grain quality, and supporting ecological balance.