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<p>Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for crop growth, quality, and yield, yet its availability through conventional fertilization is limited in alkaline soils. A greenhouse study was conducted with corn (<i>Zea mays</i>) in a completely randomized design to investigate the impact of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) applied via soil drench and seed coating at concentrations of 0&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup> (control), 100&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup>, and 150&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup> on plant growth, fluorescence, photosynthetic activity, leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentration, and nutrient uptake. Nano ZnO at 150&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup> significantly enhanced plant growth parameters by 5–13% and leaf chlorophyll content by 141% compared to control. Seed coating proved more effective than soil drench, improving chlorophyll content by 51% and photosynthetic efficiency parameters by 1.2%. The higher nano ZnO concentration (150&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup>) substantially increased nutrient uptake than lower application rates in either method, particularly zinc (4.5-fold), iron (2.7-fold), and manganese (2.5-fold), while also improving leaf nitrogen and carbon content by 48% and 21%, respectively. Principal component analysis confirmed strong positive correlations between photosynthetic parameters and growth indicators, explaining 75% of the observed variability. Thus, 150&#xa0;mg L<sup>−1</sup> nano-ZnO seed coating is recommended for effective Zn bio-fortification and enhanced crop performance in Zn-deficient alkaline and calcareous soils. This study demonstrated the potential of nano-ZnO as an efficient resource for Zn fertilization, significantly improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic efficiency in challenging soil conditions.</p>

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Nano Zinc Oxide Enhances Corn Growth and Nutrient Uptake: Comparison between Soil Drench and Seed Coating Applications in Alkaline Sandy Soils

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月10日

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  • Wiqar Ahmad,
  • Jaya Nepal,
  • Xiaoping Xin,
  • Muhammad Nadeem,
  • Zhenli He

摘要

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for crop growth, quality, and yield, yet its availability through conventional fertilization is limited in alkaline soils. A greenhouse study was conducted with corn (Zea mays) in a completely randomized design to investigate the impact of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) applied via soil drench and seed coating at concentrations of 0 mg L−1 (control), 100 mg L−1, and 150 mg L−1 on plant growth, fluorescence, photosynthetic activity, leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentration, and nutrient uptake. Nano ZnO at 150 mg L−1 significantly enhanced plant growth parameters by 5–13% and leaf chlorophyll content by 141% compared to control. Seed coating proved more effective than soil drench, improving chlorophyll content by 51% and photosynthetic efficiency parameters by 1.2%. The higher nano ZnO concentration (150 mg L−1) substantially increased nutrient uptake than lower application rates in either method, particularly zinc (4.5-fold), iron (2.7-fold), and manganese (2.5-fold), while also improving leaf nitrogen and carbon content by 48% and 21%, respectively. Principal component analysis confirmed strong positive correlations between photosynthetic parameters and growth indicators, explaining 75% of the observed variability. Thus, 150 mg L−1 nano-ZnO seed coating is recommended for effective Zn bio-fortification and enhanced crop performance in Zn-deficient alkaline and calcareous soils. This study demonstrated the potential of nano-ZnO as an efficient resource for Zn fertilization, significantly improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic efficiency in challenging soil conditions.