Combined Effect of Nanoscale Nutrients (Zinc, Calcium, and Silica) on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

It has been estimated that by 2050, the world’s population could exceed 9 billion. Increased population results in hampering food availability. Nanoscale nutrients have been considered new entrants to modern agriculture. Herein, we are the first to report on the effects of combined application(at field scale) of nanoscale nutrients of zinc (N-ZnO), calcium (N-CaO), and silica (N-SiO2) on the growth and yield of groundnut. The sol-gel method was used to prepare the nanoscale nutrients and was characterized using the techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering. Significant Pod yield (2934.44Kg/ha) was recorded with the combined application of nanoscale nutrients @ 350 ppm and was 18 % over bulk nutrients (2472.78 kg/ha). Increased pod yield may be ascribed to an increase in SCMR (8.5% higher over bulk nutrients), leaf area, total dry matter besides peg to pod ratio (4.7% over bulk nutrients), and test weight (27% over bulk nutrients). Overall, the better performance of groundnut has been accredited for the combined application of nanoscale nutrients @ 350 ppm. The obtained results point out that the application of nanoscale nutrients in agriculture for enhanced and sustained is promising.