Integrating Nano-Fertilizers with Mineral-Based Nutrients for Growth, Energy Efficiency, Economics, and Environmental Sustainability in Wheat crop

Higher energy inputs, greenhouse gases (GHG) emission, and higher costs are associated with fertilizer use which necessitates the exploration of alternative sources of plant nutrients. Keeping this in view, modified indigenous mineral product (MIMP) along with nanofertilizers were evaluated in wheat crop. Strip plot design was followed with sources of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) as horizontal factors viz. i) recommended phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through fertilizers (P1) ii) MIMP with Nano DAP (P2), iii) MIMP with Nano K (P3); and Nitrogen (N) management options as vertical factors viz., i) No nitrogen (N1), ii) Three sprays of Nano Urea (NU) (N2) iii) 50 kg N ha⁻¹ at sowing with two spray of NU (N3), iv) 150 kg N ha⁻¹(N4). Growth and yield parameters were comparable for the horizontal factors; whereas, N3 and N4 recorded at par values among the vertical factors. N uptake in P2 was significantly more compared to rest. Sulfur (S) & silicon (Si) uptake were significantly higher with MIMP application. Increasing the dose of N increased the nutrient uptake. The alternative sources of NPK led to significant increase in net returns under unsubsidized supplies. Reduced input energy and increased energy ratio (each by 32%) were observed with N3 compared to N4. Lower GHG emissions was reported with P2 and P3 (74–77%) compared to P1; and with N3 (67%) compared to N4. The study provides an insight for alternative nutrient management in place of existing practices for sustainable agriculture without reducing the crop productivity.