Effect of Nano Multi Micronutrients Formulation Nutrient Use Efficiency, Proximate Composition and Post- harvest Soil Fertility in Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Field Conditions

Abstract

The field experiment was carried out during the winter seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the experimental field of Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India to study the impact of nano multi micronutrient (NM) on maize growth. The experiment was designed with Randomized Block Design with 12 treatments, containing control (only water), Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), various concentrations of NM formulation having copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and boron (B) from 20 to 0.156 mg applied per one square meter plot, commercial micronutrients and micronutrient salts. Results showed that 100% RDF+5 mg NM (T5), 0.312 mg NM (T9), and 0.156 mg NM (T10) NM applied via drenching yielded better nutrient uptake (NU), apparent recovery (ANR), and agronomic efficiency (AE). The NU (kg ha-1) of phosphorus (P) (314.612), potassium (K) (372.192), Cu (0.174), Fe (7.12), Mn (0.488), and Zn (1.373) were higher in treatment T5 (5 mg NM). The ANR was 42471.68% higher in treatment T10 and 111.49% higher in treatment T5 for nitrogen (N), P, and K compared to 100% RDF. The protein and chlorophyll content were high in treatment T9 of NM. Proximate analysis indicated improved quality and nutrient content in treatments T5 and T9. Treatments T5, T9, and T10 were most effective in enhancing NU, ANR, AE, proximate and chlorophyll content. Soil fertility was higher in NM treated soils. Lower concentrations of the NM formulation appear to be more effective in all traits.