Efficacy of nano urea
27 Jan 2024 2 mins Download PDF
Context: A two-year field study conducted by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists on the effectiveness of Liquid Nano Urea has revealed a significant reduction in rice and wheat yields compared to the application of conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer.
News:
These results highlight the importance of conducting extended, long-term field assessments spanning 5-7 years to determine the equivalence of nano urea to traditional urea and its sustainability in sustaining crop yields.
Key Findings on the Effectiveness of Liquid Nano Urea:
- Yield Reduction:
- A substantial decrease in crop yields was observed with the use of nano urea compared to conventional nitrogen fertilizers.
- Specifically, there was a 21.6% reduction in wheat yield and a 13% decrease in rice yield.
- Grain Nitrogen Content:
- The application of nano urea led to a decline in grain nitrogen content in both rice and wheat crops.
- Grain nitrogen content decreased by 17% for rice and 11.5% for wheat, indicating lower protein levels in the harvested crops.
- Concerns for Staple Foods:
- The reduced grain nitrogen content raises concerns, particularly in a country like India where rice and wheat are staple foods providing essential protein and carbohydrates.
- Cost Considerations:
- The cost of the nano urea formulation was found to be 10 times higher than that of granular urea, potentially adding to the overall cultivation expenses for farmers.
- Crop Biomass and Root Volume:
- The application of nano urea resulted in a decrease in both above-ground biomass and root volume.
- The reduced root volume had implications for nutrient uptake processes, impacting the overall health and growth of the crops.
Liquid Nano Urea:
Composition:
- Liquid Nano Urea is urea presented in nanoparticle form, serving as a liquid nutrient alternative to traditional urea for supplying nitrogen to plants.
Characteristics:
- Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertilizer, typically white, providing essential nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant growth.
- The nano urea is engineered to substitute conventional urea, potentially reducing the requirement for the latter by at least 50%.
Concentration:
- A 500 ml bottle of Liquid Nano Urea contains 40,000 mg/L of nitrogen, equivalent to the nitrogen impact of one bag of conventional urea.
Launch:
- Introduced in June 2021, Liquid Nano Urea was launched by the Indian Farmers and Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO).
Development:
- Developed domestically at the IFFCO-Nano Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol, Gujarat, aligning with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Atmanirbhar Krishi (Self-reliant Agriculture).
Importance:
- Particularly significant as India relies on imports to fulfill its urea requirements.
Application Method:
- Liquid Nano Urea is applied as a foliar spray, intended for use once leaves have emerged on the crops.
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