The valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with using Nano-Zinc in increasing the efficiency of nutrient utilization by maize, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, which are crucial for plant growth and development in the specific context of the semi-arid tropics of Maharashtra. A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 on Instructional Farm, PGI, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (Maharashtra). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments. The experiment consists of two foliar applications of Nano-Zinc oxide at vegetative stage (30 DAS) and flowering stage (45 DAS). Treatment involving GRDF (General recommended dose of fertilizer) + Two foliar application of Nano-Zinc oxide @ 800 ppm was recorded highest uptake of nitrogen in grain, stover and total of (94.85, 71.77 and 166.93 kg ha-1), phosphorus (27.20, 20.43 and 47.72 kg ha-1), potassium (39.33, 112.66 and 152.27 kg ha-1) and zinc (165.50, 85.45 and 250.95 g ha-1) This treatment is significantly at par with GRDF + Two foliar application of Nano-Zinc oxide @ 600 ppm, which is followed by the treatment GRDF + Two foliar application of Nano-Zinc oxide @ 400 ppm and GRDF + Two foliar application of Chelated Zinc @ 2000 ppm.

Nano-Zinc oxide, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Chelated Zinc, GRDF

The enhanced efficiency in zinc absorption is achieved through the utilization of ZnO nanoparticle treatments, owing to the augmented availability of surface area facilitated by the nanoparticles. Consequently, maize plants demonstrated an increased capacity to accumulate higher concentrations of zinc in their tissues. This heightened uptake and accumulation of N, P, K and zinc in both seeds and leaves can be ascribed to the application of ZnO nanoparticles, surpassing the effectiveness of the conventional ZnSO4 treatment. The study underscores the noteworthy potential of nano zinc fertilizers in enhancing plant zinc nutrition.

Shruthi S.H., A.V. Solanke, N. J. Danawale, Basavaraj Biradar, A.G. Durgude and M.R. Patil (2023). Effect of Nano-Zinc on Uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc by Maize (Zea mays L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 71-75.