Impact of Foliar Application of Nano Nitrogen and Nano Zinc on Soil Properties of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Crop

Abstract

The utilization of nano-sized nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers through foliar application has gained considerable attention in agricultural research. This study focuses on investigating the effects of such foliar applications on soil properties, including both chemical and biological aspects, after the harvest of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The field experiment was carried out during October to March 2022 season at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur which lies in agro-climatic zone IV-A of Rajasthan, India. The field was designed in a randomized block design having 10 treatments which were replicated thrice. The treatments include the various combination RDF and nano fertilizers of N and Zn. The application treatment T6 (100% NPK Zn +1st spray of Nano N and Zn at 30 DAS +2nd spray of Nano N and Zn at 45 DAS) has significantly increased the availability of macronutrients (N, P, K), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn), microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) as well as the dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in post-harvest soil of mustard over control.