05 December2024, New Delhi: A groundbreaking study titled “Relative Performance of Urea and Nano-Urea in Conjunction with Zinc Fertilization on Growth, Productivity, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Spring Wheat” has brought critical insights into the use of nano-urea in Indian agriculture. Conducted by a team of scientists, the research evaluated the efficacy of nano-urea compared to conventional urea. The trials, carried out over two consecutive years (2021–2023) at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), focused on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum), a staple crop crucial to India’s food security.
Key Findings: Nano-Urea and Zinc Performance
The study compared nitrogen applications through conventional urea and foliar nano-urea sprays, alongside different zinc fertilization techniques. The results demonstrated that applying 130 kg N/ha through conventional methods consistently outperformed nano-urea in terms of grain and straw yield. While nano-urea reduced the nitrogen application rate, it fell short of meeting the crop’s nitrogen demands, leading to yield declines of 6.8–12.4% over two seasons.
Zinc fertilization emerged as a crucial intervention. Foliar sprays of 0.1% nano-zinc oxide significantly enhanced wheat yields, boosting grain yield by 3.7–4.5% compared to untreated plots. This approach also improved nitrogen uptake, reinforcing the importance of integrating zinc in fertilization practices.
Impacts on Productivity
Wheat plots treated with 130 kg N/ha recorded yield increases of 23.2–33.1% compared to control plots. These results reaffirm the importance of maintaining recommended nitrogen levels for optimal productivity. Conversely, reducing nitrogen to 65 kg/ha with nano-urea applications led to substantial reductions in both grain and straw yield, highlighting the current limitations of nano-urea in replacing conventional fertilizers.
Despite these challenges, the research validated nano-urea’s efficacy in reducing environmental nitrogen losses and enhancing NUE when used alongside traditional urea. Zinc fertilization, particularly foliar sprays of nano-zinc oxide, emerged as a crucial component, further boosting nitrogen uptake and yield.
Policy and Industry Implications
The study highlights the need for targeted interventions by policymakers, fertilizer companies, and agricultural stakeholders to harness nano-urea’s potential effectively. To harness nano-urea’s potential, research institutes must prioritize large-scale trials across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones and the government must streamline regulations to encourage its adoption. Subsidies have made urea affordable for small farmers, while training programs should educate them on its effective use. Fertilizer companies must invest in refining nano-urea formulations and collaborate with research institutes to bridge the gap between lab innovations and field applications. These steps will ensure nano-urea enhances productivity, improves nitrogen use efficiency, and supports sustainable farming practices in India.
A Sustainable Path Forward
India’s wheat production, currently at 107.86 million tonnes annually, must rise by 46% to meet the projected demand of 140 million tonnes by 2050. Nano-urea, with its potential to reduce nitrogen wastage and environmental pollution, could play a significant role in this endeavor. However, its current limitations necessitate a balanced approach.
This study highlights the need for hybrid solutions that combine nano-technology with conventional methods. Such an approach can improve nitrogen use efficiency, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable farming practices. By aligning innovation with farmer needs, India can ensure food security and environmental sustainability in tandem.
Published in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, this research marks a pivotal step in understanding the role of nano-urea in modern agriculture. It calls for cautious optimism, urging stakeholders to focus on validation, scalability, and education to unlock its full potential for Indian farmers.
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