Enhancing the Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Foliar Application of Nano Fertilize

Abstract

One of the world's most important field crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple diet for millions of people and is ranked second only to wheat. In Asia, rice consumption is projected to increase by over 51% by 2025 compared to the base year 1995. To sustain the growing population while considering environmental health, soil health, and the economic well-being of farmers, nano fertilizers could serve as an ideal alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Keeping this in mind a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2019-2020 at the Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), to evaluate the impact of foliar application of nano fertilizers on transplanted rice. The experiment aimed to compare different fertilizer treatments on rice productivity, nutrient uptake, and economic returns. Six treatments were tested, including T₀ (Control), T₁ (100% NPK & 100% Zinc application - RDF), T₂ (50% N, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano Nitrogen), T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc), T₄ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn), and T₅ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn & Nano Cu), arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications. The results revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in T₅, which involved the foliar application of Nano Nitrogen (Nano N), Nano Zinc (Nano Zn), and Nano Copper (Nano Cu) with 50% nitrogen (N) and 0% zinc (Zn), along with 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This treatment produced a yield that was statistically comparable to T₄ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn) and T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc). Treatment T₅ also yielded the highest gross return (Rs. 119,841 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 64,711 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (2.17). Additionally, the nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), copper (%), and zinc (ppm) contents in both the grain and straw were significantly higher under T₅. These findings suggest that the foliar application of Nano N, Nano Zn, and Nano Cu in combination with reduced nitrogen and zinc can enhance nutrient uptake and improve the overall productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in central Uttar Pradesh.