Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and

chemical properties of soil

THESIS

Submitted to

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

In

AGRICULTURE
(AGRONOMY)

By

ASHI THAKUR
(200111002)

Department of Agronomy
College of Agriculture, Jabalpur-482004
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Jabalpur-
482004 (MP)

2022
 CERTIFICATE – I

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice
yield and chemical properties of soil” submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
(Agronomy) of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur is a
record of the bonafide research work carried out by Miss ASHI THAKUR
under my guidance and supervision. The subject of the thesis has been
approved by the Student’s Advisory Committee and the Director of
Instructions.

All the assistance and help received during the course of the
investigation has been acknowledged by her.

Place: Jabalpur

Date: Dr. M. L. Kewat

Chairman of the Advisory committee

THESIS APPROVED BY THE STUDENT’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Committee Name Signature

Chairman Dr. M.L. Kewat …………………….

Member Dr. R.B. Singh …………………….

Member Dr. R.K. Samaiya …………………….

Member Dr. S.K. Vishwakarma …………………….

Thesis is approved

Dr. P.B. Sharma

(Professor and Head)
 CERTIFICATE – II

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice
yield and chemical properties of soil” submitted by Miss ASHI THAKUR to
the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture
(Agronomy) in the Department of Agronomy, has been approved after
evaluation by the External Examiner and the Student’s Advisory Committee
after an oral examination on the same.

Place: Jabalpur Dr. M.L. Kewat

Date: (Chairman of the Advisory committee)

MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Committee Name Signature

Chairman Dr. M.L. Kewat …………………….

Member Dr. R.B. Singh …………………….

Member Dr. R.K. Samaiya …………………….

Member Dr. S.K. Vishwakarma …………………….

Head of the Department Dr. P.B. Sharma …………………….

Director of Instructions Dr. Abhisek Shukla …………………….

 Declaration and Undertaking by the Candidate

I, Ashi Thakur D/o Shri Ashesh Thakur certify that the work embodied
in thesis entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and chemical
properties of soil” is my own first hand bona-fide work carried out by me
under the guidance of Dr. M.L. Kewat at Department of Agronomy, College of
Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during 2021-
22.

The matter embodied in the thesis has not been submitted for the
award of any other degree/diploma. Due credit has been made to all the
assistance and help.

I, undertake the complete responsibility that any act of

misinterpretation, mistakes and errors of fact are entirely of my own.

I, also abide myself with the decision taken by my advisor for the
publication of material extracted from the thesis work and subsequent
improvement, on mutually beneficial basis, provided the due credit is given,
thereof.

Place: Jabalpur
Date: (Ashi Thakur)
 Copyright © Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya,

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 21-22

Copyright Transfer Certificate:

Title of the Thesis : “Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and

chemical properties of soil”

Name of the candidate : Ashi Thakur

Subject : Agronomy

Department : Department of Agronomy

College : College of Agriculture, Jabalpur

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya,

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Year of thesis submission : 2022

Copyright Transfer

The undersigned Ashi Thakur assigns to the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi

Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, all rights under Copyright Act
that may exist in and for the thesis entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice
yield and chemical properties of soil” submitted for the award of M.Sc.
(Ag) Agronomy degree.

Date :
Place : Jabalpur

Dr. M.L. Kewat Ashi Thakur

(Major Advisor) (Student)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I bend my head in adoration before God, whose ideologies have

always been a source of inspiration in my life and have enabled me to
accomplish this seemingly insurmountable feat.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. M. L. Kewat, Principal Scientist,

Department of Agronomy, and Chairman of my advisory committee, for his
guidance, constant motivation, valuable suggestions, and critical criticisms
throughout the course of the current studies and preparation of this
manuscript.

With profound respect, I also express my sincere thanks to all the

members of my advisory committee viz., Dr. R.B. Singh, Professor and Head,
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr. R.K. Samaiya, Professor and
Head, Department of Plant Physiology, and Dr. S.K. Vishwakarma,
Scientist, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur,
for their excellent guidance, recommendations, and assistance in the
fulfillment of the present investigation.

My special gratitude to Dr. P.B. Shrama, Professor and Head,

Department of Agronomy, deserves special recognition for providing essential
facilities and spiritual support during the entire research. Another big thanks
to Dr. K.K. Agrawal, Dr. Amit Jha, Dr. S.B. Agrawal, Dr. (Smt.) Arti
Shrivastava, and other teachers for their help and encouragement during the
research work.

I'd like to thank Dr. P.K. Bisen, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, JNKVV,
Jabalpur, Dr. Dhirendra Khare, Dean Faculty, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Dr. G.K.
Koutu, Director of Research Services, Dr. Abhisek Shukla, Director of
Instructions, Dr. Dinkar Sharma, Director of Extension Services, Dr. Sharad
Tiwari, Dean, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur for providing me all
necessities during the research work.

Words fail to convey my gratitude to my best friend Palash Upadhyay,

and my friends Sunita Kumari, Shivangi Raghuwanshi, Mrinalini
Singh, Lakhan Bhalse, and Megha Singh for their moral support and affection
in the most challenging circumstances.

I have no words to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, Shri

Ashesh Thakur and Smt. Rajni Thakur, whose unwavering sacrifice, sincere
prayers and blessings, affectionate inspiration, love, support, and belief in my
pursuits have always been the most important source of inspiration for me,
allowing me to achieve greater heights.

Place: Jabalpur
Date: …./…./…../ (Ashi Thakur )
 LIST OF CONTENT

Chapter Page
Title
No. No.

1 Introduction 1-3

2 Review of Literature 4-13

3 Material and Methods 14-28

4 Result 29-55

5 Discussion 56-62

Summary, Conclusion and suggestions for

6 63-66
further work

6.1 Summary 63

6.2 Conclusion 65

6.3 Suggestions for further work 66

7 Bibliography 67-70

Appendices i-v

Curriculum Vitae
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

No. No.
Weekly meteorological data during kharif season (July to
1. 16
November 2021)
2. Chemical properties of the soil of the experimental field 18
3. Cropping history of the experimental field 18
4. Treatment details 19
Schedule of cultural operations conducted during
5. 21
experiment
6. Skeleton of analysis of variance (ANOVA) 28
Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant population m-2 in
7. 30
rice
8. Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant height (cm) of rice 31
Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on Leaf area index (LAI) of
9. 33
rice
Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on crop dry weight (g m-2) of
10. 35
rice
Effect of nano- DAP fertilizer on number of Tillers m-1 row
11. 36
length of rice
12. Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield attribute of rice 39
Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield
13. 43
parameters of rice
Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on
14. 46
chemical properties of soil
Effect of nano DAP on nitrogen uptake in grain and straw
15. 48
of rice
Effect of nano DAP on phosphorus uptake in grain and
16. 50
straw of rice
Effect of nano DAP on potassium uptake in grain and straw
17. 52
of rice
Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on
18. 55
economics of Rice
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
Title
No. No.

Details of weekly meteorological data during kharif

1. 17
crop season (2021)

2. Layout plan of direct seeded rice 20

Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant population m-2 in

3. 30
rice

Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant height (cm) of

4. 32
rice

Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on Leaf area index (LAI)

5. 34
of rice

Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on crop dry weight (g m-2)

6. 35
of rice

Effect of nano- DAP fertilizer on number of Tillers m-1

7. 37
row length of rice

8. Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield attribute of rice 39

Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield

9. 43
parameters of rice

Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on

10. 47
chemical properties of soil

Effect of nano DAP on nitrogen uptake in grain and

11. 49
straw of rice

Effect of nano DAP on phosphorus uptake in grain and

12. 50
straw of rice

Effect of nano DAP on potassium uptake in grain and

13. 52
straw of rice

Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on

14. 55
economics of Rice
 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Page
Title
No. No.

Common Cost of cultivation (Rs ha-1) excluding the

1A i
treatment cost

Estimation of variable cost of cultivation of different

1B fertilizer dose application and Nano DAP treatments i
(hectare-1 area basis)

Economic analysis of different conventional fertilizers

1C ii
and Nano DAP treatments in rice

Economic analysis of Integrated use of Nano DAP

1D iii
fertilizer in rice

2A Mean sum of square for pre-harvest parameters iv

Mean sum of square for yield, yield attributing

2B iv
characters and chemical properties of soil

2C Mean sum of square for nutrient uptake v

 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

Symbol Abbreviation Symbol Abbreviation

a.i. Active ingradient m Meter

@ At the rate mm Millimeter

B:Cratio Benefit-cost ratio Min. Minimum

Cm Centimeter Mor. Morning

CD Critical difference NMR Net monetary return

FS Foliar spray N,P2O5,K2O Nitrogen, Phosphorus,

Potassium

DAG Days after germination NS Non-significant

Df Degree of freedom OC Organic carbon

0C Degree Celsius / Per

EC Electrical conductivity % Percent

etc. Etcetera RH Relative humidity

et al And other co-worker `Rs Rupees

Even. Evening R Replication

Fig. Figure i.e. That is

g Gram T Treatment

GMR Gross monetary return Viz. Namely

ha Hectare ST Seed treatment

kg Kilogram SEm± Standard error of mean

LAI Leaf area index DAP Di ammonium phosphate

Max. Maximum RDF Recommended dose of

fertilizer
 Chapter – I
INTRODUCTION
 INTRODUCTION

Rice (Oryzae sativa L.) belongs to family Poaceae and genus “Oryzae”.
It contains 28.6% carbohydrate, 2.7% protein, 0.3% fat, and considerable
proportion of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron (USDA, 2019).It is the
primary staple for more than half of the world’s population. Rice is grown
globally on an area of about 164.84 million ha with the production of 755.5
million tones and productivity of 4.59 tonnes ha -1 (USDA, 2021). In India rice
is grown in 45 million ha area, with a production of 122.27 million tones and
productivity of 4.08 tonnes ha-1 (USDA, 2021). Madhya Pradesh contributes
nearly 2.04 million ha and 6.19 million tonnes to the total area and production
of rice in the country respectively. But the productivity (3.04 tonnes ha -1) is far
below the yield potential i.e. 5.0 tonnes ha-1 (GOI, 2019).

Nanotechnology has become a rapidly growing field with potential

applications ranging from advanced application to daily used products.
Agricultural scientists have also begun to use it as a tool to improve the input
use efficiencies by integrating nano-technological approaches in the
conventional production system. If Indian agriculture is to attain its broad
national goal of sustainable agriculture growth of over 4%, it is important that
the nanotechnology research is extended to the agricultural total production
consumption system that is across the entire agricultural value chain
(Subramanian et al. 2008).

The nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of applied nutrients via fertilizers

remains very low i.e. Nitrogen (30-40%), Phosphorus (15-20%) and
Potassium i.e. 50-55% (Adhikari and Ramana, 2019). This decrease in
nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is due to improper fertilizer application and
losses due to leaching, run off, volatilization and many more; which ultimately
leads to reduction in yield of crops. In vogue, to attain the desirable yield,
overuse of chemical fertilizers causes soil quality deterioration, eutrophication
and ground water pollution (Chhipa, 2017 and Ye et al. 2020). Phosphorus is
a primary nutrient, vital for the plant growth and required by the crop in
relatively large amount. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is one of the major
phosphate fertilizers which is available in granular form and applied as a basal

1
dose for rice crop. When applied to the soil, most of the nutrient gets washed
off, which ultimately reduces the availability of phosphorus to the crop. The
very low use efficiency (15-20%) of conventional P-fertilizers is a very serious
concern to researchers.

At this juncture, the use of nano-hybrid construct like nano-fertilizers

(NF’s) has acquired extraordinary attention for achieving sustainable crop
yield through smart agrochemicals delivery (Raliya et al.2017). Fertilizers,
nutrients encapsulated inside nano porous materials, coated with thin polymer
film, or delivered as particle or emulsions of nano scales dimensions (Rai et
al., 2012) are known as Nano-fertilizers. Nano-fertilizers are synthesized or
modified form of traditional fertilizers, used to improve soil fertility, productivity
and quality of agricultural produces. They contain nano scale polymers which
ensure slow and a target efficient release of nutrients to the crop during its
life cycle thus ensuring increased nutrient use efficiency. Nano-fertilizers
being encapsulated in nano-particles increase the uptake of nutrients
(Tarafdar et al., 2014). These nanofertilizers are eco-friendly and have been
designed to match inorganic fertilizers in terms of nutrient composition and
application rates.

Therefore, the introduction to Nano-DAP, which is also a type of nano

fertilizers has a dynamic advantage over commercial DAP. The Nano-DAP
comprises of a nano-scale morphology and surface area to volume size ratio.
Its particle size is 5000 times smaller but have a specific surface area of
14,000 times greater than commercial DAP, which improves the bioavailability
of orthophosphate even for a far lower input (Sarma et al. 2021). This nano-
coated substance enhances the penetration via stomata with a size exclusion
limit above 10 nm (Eichert et al., 2008; Pérez-de-Luque, 2017). It has a high
surface area, sorption capacity, and controlled-release of kinetics to targeted
sites, and have been considered as smart delivery system (Rameshaiah et
al., 2015; Solanki et al., 2015).

For intensive crop production which aims at high levels of productivity,

supplemental plant nutrition is needed, which may be given through soil
application and or foliar application. Phosphorus given through soil application
is the most common practice including many limitations with respect to

2
availability of nutrients to the plants. The inorganic nutrient get fixed in soil in
insoluble forms and also subjected to leaching by rainfall or irrigation water
(Alshaal and El-Ramady, 2017). Foliar application of the Nano-DAP fertilizer
overcomes these limitations. In addition to that, foliar feeding has proved to be
the fastest way of correcting nutrient deficiencies and increasing yield and
quality of crop products (Roemheld and El-Fouly, 1999) and it also minimizes
environmental pollution and improves nutrient utilization by reducing the
amounts of fertilizers added to the soil (Abou-El-nour, 2002).

In agriculture, healthy crop stand in the field has prime importance as it

will ensure higher yield. In view of such circumstances, systematic research
efforts are to be made to find out an optimum combination and dose of the
inorganic fertilizers with different nano-fertilizers which are eco-friendly and
have potential to reduce usage of conventional fertilizers.

Research have been conducted worldwide to improve rice production

involving nano-materials (He, 2005; Liu et al., 2007; Zhang et al., 2007; Wang
et al., 2011; Gong and Dong, 2012; Sirisena et al., 2013; Huang et al., 2014).

However, meager research work has been done across the country to
adjudge the effect of Nano-DAP on growth and yield of rice. Therefore, the
present investigation entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and
chemical properties of soil” will be carried out with the following objectives:

1. To find out the suitable treatment of Nano DAP on growth and yield of rice
2. To study ‘P’ saving through Nano DAP
3. To find out effect of application of Nano DAP on nutrient balance in soil
4. To determine the economically viable treatment of Nano DAP for rice

3
 Chapter- II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Nano-fertilizers including Nano-DAP are the newest and most

technically advanced way of supplying mineral nutrients to crops. The
pertinent literature on the research topic entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on
rice yield and chemical properties of soil” has been reviewed in this
chapter. An attempt has been made to cite all relevant literature on effect of
Nano DAP in rice. Since meager research work has been done on the newly
introduced Nano-DAP fertilizer, research work on effect of other
nanofertilizers in different crop has also been included in this chapter.

2.1 Effect on crop growth and development

Ghormade et al. (2011) reported that application of nano-fertilizers can

regulate plant gene expression and associated with biological pathway in the
plant system, thereby resulting in better growth and production.

Suriyaprabha et al. (2012) noticed a positive increment in growth

parameters in maize crop with increase in concentration of nano silica
particles up to 20 days and growth characteristics remained the same in all
the plots after 20 days.

Jafarzadeh et al. (2013) from Iran conducted a field experiment on

wheat crop with three levels of potassium soil application (no application,
150 kg/ha potassium sulfate and 10 kg/ha nano potassium), four levels of
nano-potassium foliar application (no application, foliar application at tillering,
foliar application at stem elongation and foliar application at tillering and stem
elongation) and found that soil application of nano- potassium resulted in
significant increase in plant height and tillers per plant.

Van et al. (2013) studied the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the

growth of robusta coffee seedlings and reported that these chitosan
nanoparticles increased the chlorophyll (30-50%), photosynthetic intensity
(30-60%), height of stems, diameter of stems and leaf area at optimal doses
compared to the control.

Kumar et al. (2014) based on experiments conducted at Pant Nagar to

study the effect of nano-fertilizers of gypsum and rock phosphate tagged with

4
urea at the rate of 3 kg/ha on wheat revealed that application of nano-
materials and fertilizers significantly increased tillers/m 2, dry matter
accumulation and the days taken to 50 % flowering, physiological maturity
and harvest maturity than control and other treatments in comparison.

Benzon et al. (2015) carried out an experiment in South Korea to

determine the effects of nano-fertilizers on the growth, development, yield and
chemical properties of rice and reported that agronomic parameters viz. plant
height and tillers were significantly enhanced by all combination treatments
except for that applied with nano-fertilizer only. The full recommended rate of
conventional and nano-fertilizer resulted in the significant increase in plant
height and number of tillers than control and other treatments in comparison.

Aziz et al. (2016) conducted a experiment in Egypt to evaluate the

effects of nano chitosan-NPK fertilizer application in the foliar form on wheat
plants and reported that there was significant increase in all growth variables
viz. shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and leaf area of wheat crop and a
significant reduction in days taken to 50 % ear head stage, days to
physiological maturity and days to harvesting by the wheat crop was recorded
with the ratio of 23.5 % (130 days compared with 170 days for yield
production from date of sowing) when sprayed with nano chitosan – NPK
fertilizers.

Ghasemi et al. (2017) assessed the effect of foliar application of

different concentrations of nano ZnO particles on agronomic traits of rice and
the results indicated that the highest plant height (134.6 cm) was recorded
with the foliar application of 40 ppm nano ZnO in mid-tillering and panicle
initiation stage.

Lemraski et al. (2017) conducted a field study in Assam, to examine

the effect of different concentrations of nano zinc fertilizers on growth and
performance of rice and reported that increase in root length, shoot length and
dry matter production was noticed with increasing level of Zn nanoparticless.

Kandil and Marie (2017) reported that foliar application with a mixture
of nano fertilizer and amino acid recorded the highest plant height (103.64
cm) in wheat.

5
 Rathnayaka et al. (2018) evaluated the performance of rice with the
application urea and nano- nitrogen fertilizer at different levels and the results
revealed that application of 100% nano nitrogen fertilizer @ 190 kg ha -1
resulted in highest plant height (57.9 cm) and plant dry weight (9.9 g).

Ahmed et al. (2019) evaluated different NPK combinations of nano and

mineral fertilizers and noticed higher plant height (248 cm) and stem diameter
(2.06 cm) of maize with the application of 75% nano NPK + 25% mineral
NPK.

Miranda-villagomez et al. (2019) assessed the efficiency of nano

particles loaded with KH2PO4 as a P source on growth and photosynthetic
activity of rice and revealed that highest photosynthetic rate was obtained with
100% P from nano-KH2PO4 (7.2434 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) which was at par with
50% P from nano- KH2PO4 (7.1149 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1).

Khuzai and Juthery (2020) conducted an experiment on Effect of DAP

fertilizer source and nano fertilizers (Silicon and Complete) spray on some
growth and yield indicators of rice. The studied indicators on the rice plant
included chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD unit), plant height (cm).
Spraying with nano fertilizer habits with significant results on the studied
indicators, especially with the treatment nano (silicon + complete) that
achieved the highest means for the majority of the studied indicators.

Ravikumar et al. (2021) conducted research on significance of nano N,

P, K and ZnSo4 fertilizers on the growth of rice. The experiment results
proved that the combined application of conventional and nano N, P, K along
with different methods of ZnSO4 application had a positive influence on most
of the growth parameters.

Singh et al. (2021) conducted research on cryo-milled Nano-DAP for

enhanced growth of monocot and dicot plants. Cryo-milled n-DAP, with
particle size ∼5000 times smaller but specific surface area ∼14 000 times
greater than that of cDAP, enhanced the growth of monocot (wheat) and dicot
(tomato) plants due to improved bioavailability of Pi even for a far lower input
than c-DAP. Phenotypic observations such as higher leaf biomass, longer
shoots, shorter roots, and less anthocyanin pigmentation manifested the
extraordinary efficacy of cryo-milled n-DAP for 75% lower input than c-DAP.

6
 Zyada et al. (2021) reported that foliar application of nano mixture of
micronutrients (Fe (6%), Zn (6%), B(2%), Mn (5%),Cu (1%), Mo (0.1%) ) at 2
g L-1 in cowpea resulted in highest dry weight (37.13 and 42.13 g) during 2017
and 2018 respectively which is 28.22 and 20.44 % higher over the control.

2.2 Effect on yield and yield attributes

Fan et al. (2012) conducted an experiment in China to investigate the

effects of combined application of nitrogen fertilizer and nano-carbon on
nitrogen use of soil and rice yield to a rice cultivar. The results indicated that
there was significant increase in the crop yield with the integrated use of
nitrogen fertilizers and nano-carbon.

Sirisena et al. (2013) reported that application of nano-K fertilizer

at the rate of 20 kg K2O ha-1 showed significant increase in grain yield over 0
kg K2O ha-1 in rice. Yield difference between nano-K and MOP treated plots
was significant and the yield increase by nano-fertilizer over MoP at 20 kg
K2O ha-1 is 8 percent.

Jafarzadeh et al. (2013) conducted a field experiment on the wheat

crop with three levels of potassium soil application (no application, 150 kg/ha
potassium sulfate and 10 kg ha-1 nano potassium), four levels of nano-
potassium foliar application (no application, foliar application at tillering, foliar
application at stem elongation and foliar application at tillering and stem
elongation) and reported that soil application of nano potassium had
significant effect on tiller number per plant, 100-seed weight, economic yield
and biological yield, but had no significant effect on spike length and seed
number per spike, whereas foliar application of nano potassium had
significant effect on all yield characteristics and biological yield except 100-
seed weight.

Kumar et al. (2014) conducted experiments at Pant Nagar to study the

effect of nano-fertilizers of gypsum and rock phosphate at the rate of 3 kg/ha
on wheat crop and reported that yield parameters and yield obtained at 50 %
RDF with nano- materials was almost statistically similar with 100 % RDF
without nano-materials.

7
 Benzon et al. (2015) conducted an experiment to determine the effects
of nano- fertilizer on the growth, development, yield and chemical properties
of rice. The results revealed that the full recommended rate of conventional
and nano-fertilizer enhanced the grain yield and yield attributes viz.
chlorophyll content, number of reproductive tillers, panicles, panicle weight,
total grain weight (unpolished-17.5 %, polished - 20.7 %), total shoot dry
weight and harvest index than control and other treatments in comparison.

Ghafari and Razmjoo (2015) conducted an experiment to study the

response of durum wheat to foliar application of nano-iron oxide, iron chelate,
iron sulfate and the control on grain yield, quality and yield components and
the results revealed that harvest index, 1000-grain weight, chlorophyll, grain
yield were increased significantly with the application of nano-iron oxide
fertilizers than control and other treatments in comparison.

Aziz et al. (2016) conducted a research to evaluate the effects of nano

chitosan- NPK fertilizer application in the foliar form on wheat plants and
revealed that there was significant increase in spike length, 1000-grain
weight, number of grains per spike, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index
of the wheat when sprayed with nano chitosan-NPK fertilizers as compared
with control yield variables of wheat plants treated with normal non-fertilized
and normal fertilized NPK.

Lemraski et al. (2017) conducted an experiment to assess the

response of rice cultivars to nitrogen and nano fertilizers and observed that
highest grain yield (5000 kg ha-1) was obtained with the application of 34 kg N
ha-1 and nano potassium together.

Gooma et al. (2018) revealed that the foliar application of nano NPK
applied at 75 per cent resulted in increased yield and yield attributes in wheat
when compared to that of conventional fertilizers.

Rathnayaka et al. (2018) conducted an experiment to assess the effect

of urea and nano-nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of rice and revealed
that application of 100% nano nitrogen fertilizer @190 kg ha -1 resulted in
highest grain yield (2.8 ton ha-1) compared to other treatments.

8
 Abdel et al. (2018) evaluated on clay soil, the performance of wheat
crop with application of nano chitosan particles and revealed that foliar
application of nano chitosan-NPK 10% resulted in highest grain yield (6.12 g
plant-1), straw yield (1.51 g plant-1) and 1000-kernal weight (6.02 g)

Das et al. (2018) conducted field study in Orissa, to evaluate the effect
nano pyrite seed dressing on rice production and the results indicated that
highest grain yield (36.3 q ha- 1) was obtained with nano pyrite seed treatment
+ NPK which was par with nano pyrite seed treatment alone (36.2 q ha -1).

Ahmed et al. (2019) obtained the highest number of grain per rows
(46.13), ear weight (260.45 g) and grains plant - 1 (212.06 g) in maize with the
application of 75% nano NPK + 25% mineral NPK and lowest values were
recorded with 100% mineral fertilizer.

Bala et al. (2019) reported that maximum number of tillers (6.00),

number of seeds per plant (294) and 1000- seed weight (22.2 g) in rice with
the application of 5 g L-1 ZnO nano particles treatment.

Burhan and Hassan (2019) reported that highest grain yield (5.93 ton
ha-1) of wheat was recorded with the foliar application of liquid nano NPK
fertilizer with 15% concentration at the level of 750:90:600 mg L -1 which was
48.99 % higher over the control.

Khuzai and Juthery (2020) conducted an experiment on effect of DAP

fertilizer source and nano fertilizers (Silicon and Complete) spray on some
growth and yield indicators of rice. Spraying with nano fertilizer habits with
significant results, especially with the treatment nano (silicon + complete) that
achieved the highest means for the majority of the studied indicators, and that
their interaction between O-DAP + micronutrients fertilizer with nano (silicon +
complete) fertilizers achieved the highest means for the most important
characteristics of the crop represented by the chlorophyll content in leaves,
grains yield, fertilization efficiency for production.

Ravikumar et al. (2021) evaluated effect of nano N, P, K and ZnSo4

fertilizers on yield of rice production. Experiment results revealed that 50%
RDF + 50% nano N, P, K and ZnSO4 soil application @ 25 kg ha-1 (T6) has
recorded the higher grain yield percentage of 10.1 and straw yield percentage
of 8.2 than the other treatment next in order.

9
 Rostaman et al. (2021) conducted an experiment on the effects of nano
inorganic fertilizer application on rice (Oryzae sativa L) productivity. The
results showed that the use of nano inorganic fertilizer application with 400
times dilution on 75% NPK + Urea fertilization recommendation was able to
increase the weight of milled dry grain by 11.3% when compared to 100%
NPK + Urea fertilization.

Yadav et al. (2021) conducted research on Effect of foliar application of

nano-fertilizers on soil health and productivity in transplanted rice (Oryzae
sativa L.). The results of experimental revealed that the highest grain yield
was recorded with T6: 50% N & 0% Zn; 100% P & K + 2 spray of nano N
mixed with nano Zn & nano Cu.

2.3 Effect on nutrient uptake in plant

Prasad et al. (2012) pointed that significant increase in zinc content in

groundnut leaves (29%) and kernels (36.6%) were noticed with foliar nano
spray ZnO @ 2g 15L-1 + NPK over chelated zinc @ 30g 15 L-1 + NPK.

Adhikari et al. (2014) conducted a field study at Bhopal to assess the

efficacy of different nano rock phosphate fertilizers on maize and the results
indicated that highest total P content and its uptake (0.65% and 40.29 kg ha -1)
were recorded in SSP treated plot.

Kumar et al. (2014) based on experiments conducted at Pant Nagar to

study the effect of nano-fertilizers of gypsum and rock phosphate at the rate of
3 kg/ha on the wheat and reported significant increase in nutrient uptake at 50
% RDF with nano- materials which was found to be at par with 100 % RDF
without nano-materials.

Hafeez et al. (2015) noticed from his experiment that application of 25

ppm silver nano particles in wheat crop registered the highest nitrogen use
efficiency (74.3%) and phosphorous use efficiency (89%).

Subbaiah et al. (2016) stated that application of 100 ppm ZnO nano
particles (35.96 ppm) recorded higher Zn accumulation in maize and followed
by 400 ppm (31.05 ppm) ZnO nano particles.

10
 Biswas et al. (2018) conducted an experiment on Citric acid loaded
nano clay polymer composite (CA-NCPC) for solubilization of Indian rock
phosphates: a step towards sustainable and phosphorus secure future. Soil
available P, crop yield parameters and dynamics of soil P fractions were taken
to judge the efficacy of Citric acid loaded Nano clay polymer composite in
solubilizing rock phosphates. Application of CA-NCPC and DAP resulted in
82% and 69% increase in available P over control, respectively under
incubation study. Direct effect of treatment receiving CA-NCPC + RP on yield
and P uptake by wheat was comparable with DAP but residual impact of CA-
NCPC + RP (16.7 g pot−1) was better than DAP (13.8 g pot−1) in rice. The
changes in inorganic P fractions were also significant as inclusion of RP
increased calcium-P from 16.1 to 61.5 mg kg−1. Results indicated potentiality
of RPs treated with CA-NCPC as an alternate P source, which could prove
promising amidst P scarcity.

Ahmed et al. (2019) stated that with the application of 75% nano NPK
+25% mineral fertilizer in maize resulted in highest values of nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium percentage (2.05%, 0.337%, 2.761%) and lowest
values (1.61%, 0.125%, 1.41%) were recorded with application of 100%
mineral NPK.

Burhan and Hassan (2019) observed that the foliar application of liquid
nano NPK fertilizer with 15% concentration at the level of 750: 60: 600 mg L -1
resulted in highest NPK uptake by the plant which is 19.37%, 44.11%, 12.03%
higher over the control.

Mehta and Bharat (2019) revealed that highest nitrogen and

phosphorous use efficiencies were recorded with 50% RDF + 3 Nano NPK (L)
sprays at 20, 35 and 45 DAS @ 3 ml L-1 of water + 2 Nano-K (L) sprays at
grain development stage @ 4 ml L-1 of water) and K use efficiency was
highest in 100% N+ 100%P2O5 + 100% nano-K (G) @ 62.5 kg ha-1).

Ravikumar et al. (2021) conducted experiment on significance of nano

N, P, K and ZnSo4 fertilizers on nutrient uptake in rice plant. Application of
50% RDF + 50% Nano N, P, K + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha1 (T6) showed its
supremacy in enhancing the nutrient uptake of N, P, K (135.4, 24.1 and 126.0
kg ha-1 )

11
 Yadav et al. (2021) experimented the effect of foliar application of
nano-fertilizers on nutrient uptake in transplanted rice (Oryzae sativa L.). The
nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), copper (%) and zinc (ppm)
content in grain & straw are highest in grain & straw content was recorded
under T6: 50% N & 0% Zn; 100% P & K + 2 spray of Nano N mixed with Nano
Zn & Nano Cu of central Uttar Pradesh.

2.4 Effect on chemical properties of soil

Liu et al. (2006) stated that nano formulations were able to improve the
physical condition of the soil because of the reaction between nano composite
and natural organic mineral granules in the soil .

Collin et al. (2012) studied physio-chemical characteristics of nano-

particles (viz., shape, size and surface charge) in soil. They noticed that soil
properties viz., pH, ionic strength, organic matter and clay content would
improve physical and chemical process of NP in the soil resulting in
dissolution and aggregation. The behavior of nano-particle in the soil
determines their mobility and bioactivity to soil organism.

Tarkalson and Ippolito (2010) found that the application of zeolite

mineral clinoptilolite (CL) influenced the amount of NO3-N and NH4+-N in the
leachate and soil. Application of clintoptilolite release available nitrogen slowly
because of decreased activities of microbial immobilization and nitrification.

Fan et al. (2012) conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of

combined application of nitrogen fertilizer and nano-carbon on nitrogen use of
soil and rice yield to a rice cv. Changbai 10 and reported that the nitrogen
uptake of plant was significantly increased owing to combined application of
nitrogen fertilizer and nano-carbon fertilizers.

Rajonee et al. (2016) reported that the release of phosphorus was

actually steeper in nano-fertilizers that the conventional fertilizer. The release
of more amount of phosphorus by nano-fertilizers was due to incorporation of
KH2PO4 onto natural zeolite. The P supply from nano-fertilizer was available
for longer time because of its slow release pattern when compared with that of
the conventional fertilizer.

12
 Dhamsil et al. (2018) showed that application of nano-phosphatic
fertilizers improved nitrogen and phosphorus status of the soil when
compared to conventional fertilizers and also revealed that 40 per cent of the
conventional fertilizers can be reduced.

2.5 Effect of nano-fertilizers on relative economics

Kumar et al. (2014) revealed that the effect of nano-fertilizers of

gypsum and rock phosphate at the rate of 3 kg ha -1 on the wheat and reported
that B: C ratio obtained at 50 % RDF with nano-materials was almost statically
similar with 100 % RDF without nano-materials.

Janmohammadi (2015) pointed that the combined application of nano-

fertilizers along with FYM provided balanced nutrition for the crop and the
facilitated profitable crop production when compared to that of conventional
fertilizers.

Mehta and Bharat (2017) concluded the effect of integrated use of

nano and non nano fertilizers on productivity of wheat and the results
indicated that highest net returns were observed in treatment (100 % N +
100% P2O5 + 50% K + 50% nano-K (G) 31.25 kg ha-1 + 2 nano- K (L) sprays
at grain development stage 4 ml L-1 of water) but highest B:C ratio (2.87) was
observed in (100 % N + 100% P2O5 + 100% K (G) 62.5 kg ha-1).

Ahmed et al. (2019) revealed that the response of maize to different

rates of NPK nano + mineral fertilizer was assessed and concluded that
highest net profit was obtained with maize + cowpea intercropping fertilized
with 75 % nano NPK + 25 % mineral NPK.

13
 Chapter-III
MATERIAL AND METHODS
 MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experiment on “Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and chemical

properties of soil” was directed at the Breeder seed production unit,
JNKVV, Jabalpur during Kharif season of 2021. The details of the practices
followed, conditions used for treatment progress and accepted methods
during complete course of experimentation have been described in this
chapter under following heads:

3.1 Experimental Site

The field experiment was carried out at the Breeder seed production
unit of JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (India). It is situated between
23o90′North latitude and 79o58′East longitude at an altitude of 411.78 meters
above mean sea level and classified as "Kymore plateau and Satpura hills
agro-climatic zone". The experimental plot was provided with assured
irrigation facility having uniform topography and proper drainage.

3.2 Climate

Jabalpur is situated at 23.90ºN latitude and 79.58ºE longitudes at an

altitude of 411.87 m above mean sea level and climate is typically semi-humid
and subtropical with severe winter and summer season. Jabalpur is classified
under "Kymore plateau and Satpura hills agro-climatic zone". The maximum
temperature during the month of March and April reaches up to 45ºC,
whereas minimum temperature goes below 8ºC in the month of December or
January. The average rainfall of this region is 1350 mm which is mostly
received during monsoon season between mid - June to end of October with
little occasional showers in other seasons.

3.2.1 Weather conditions during crop season

The weekly meteorological data on mean maximum and minimum

temperatures, relative humidity, rainfall, and sunlight hours recorded during
the field experiment are reported in Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1. The
maximum temperature varied from 26.8oC to 35.7oC in the crop season of
2021, while the minimum temperature varied from 9.1 oC to 26.7oC in the crop
season. Relative humidity in the morning during the cropping season was

14
lower 50.3% and higher 85.1% respectively, while the evening RH was higher
during the cropping season. The rainfall was maximum 130.40 mm and
minimum 5.60 mm received in five and one rainy days during the cropping
season. The crop was exposed to a maximum sunshine duration of 9.0 hrs
per day during the total life span of the crop in the cropping season. The crop
was exposed to a maximum vapour pressure (mm) in morning 22.8mm to 9.4
mm during the cropping season while, evening vapour pressure (mm) 23.0
mm to 8.8 mm during the crop growth. The evaporation (mm) ranges from 1.7
mm to 5.5 mm during cropping season. The wind speed (Km ha -1) ranges
from 8.0 Km ha-1 to 1.2 Km ha-1 during cropping season. All the weather
conditions were favourable for the growth of rice crop.

15
Table 1: Weekly meteorological parameters during crop season (2021)
T- T- Sun Relative Relative Vapour Vapour
Std Rainfall Wind Evapo Rainy
max. min. Shine humidity humidity Pressure Pressure
week (mm) Speed (mm) days
(oC) (oC) hrs. Mor. Eve. (MM) Mor. (MM) Eve.
27 35.7 26.7 4.7 15.0 74.7 50.3 5.3 21.1 19.7 5.5 1
28 33.3 25.1 5.5 33.2 85.1 58.3 3.3 22.7 21.8 4.2 2
29 33.4 25.4 5.5 35.4 84.1 70.0 3.9 22.8 22.1 3.8 3
30 27.7 23.8 0.2 130.4 94.6 85.1 5.7 22.0 22.5 2.6 5
31 26.8 23.4 0.3 43.7 91.1 84.1 8.0 21.0 21.7 1.7 6
32 28.5 24.2 0.5 11.1 90 79 6.2 22.2 22.6 1.7 2
33 32.6 24.7 4.9 42.3 89 71 3.3 22.6 21.8 3.7 3
34 30.7 24.7 2.6 2.2 87 67 4.3 22.2 21.5 2.4 0
35 31.6 24.5 5.1 2.5 86 68 3.4 22.1 21.9 3.0 0
36 31.4 24.1 4.1 35.7 91 78 3.5 22.6 22.4 3.0 4
37 30.0 23.8 2.3 100.8 93 81 3.0 22.5 23.0 3.1 4
38 30.9 23.6 4.7 16.3 89 68 3.1 21.7 22.7 2.5 2
39 31.9 24.1 5.6 3.8 88 62 3.3 22.4 21.4 2.5 1
40 32.9 23.7 8.2 0.0 84 58 2.3 22.0 20.9 3.7 0
41 33.3 20.0 8.6 0.0 84 48 1.5 18.8 17.1 3.8 0
42 31.9 19.9 8.1 67.0 88 48 2.8 19.4 16.2 3.8 2
43 30.7 16.0 8.3 0.0 87 41 1.4 14.5 12.6 2.7 0
44 28.7 11.0 9.0 0.0 84 33 1.4 10.7 9.6 2.6 0
45 28.7 10.5 7.8 0.0 83.7 33.7 1.2 10.4 9.5 2.2 0
46 27.6 12.8 4.9 0.0 85.4 45.4 2.4 12.0 12.5 1.8 0
47 29.1 15.0 4.3 1.8 86.6 46.0 1.6 13.3 13.3 1.8 0
48 27.6 9.1 8.1 0.0 83 33 1.9 9.4 8.8 2.4 0

16
 Source: Agro Meteorological Observatory, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur

Fig. 1: Details of weekly meteorological data during kharif crop season (2021)

17
3.3. Soil characteristics

Prior to the start of the field experiment, soil samples were collected
randomly from 0-15 cm depth with the use of a soil auger to determine the
intrinsic soil fertility condition of the trial area. The composite sample was
created by properly mixing these soil samples. The required quantity of the
sample was drawn and analysed for chemical properties of the soil in the
laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, JNKVV,
Jabalpur, using a standard procedure. The values estimated from the analysis
are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Chemical properties of soil of the experimental field

S. No. Particular Values Interpretation References
1. Soil pH 7.10 Neutral Jackson,1973
Electrical
2. 0.35 Neutral Jackson,1973
conductivity (dS m-)
Walkley and
3. Organic carbon (%) 0.74 Medium
Black (1947).
Subbiah and
4. Available N (kg ha-1) 252.2 Medium
Asija, 1956
5. Available P (kg ha-1) 15.2 Medium Olsen et al.1954
6. Available K (kg ha-1) 245.0 Medium Jackson,1973

According to the table, the value of Soil pH and Electrical conductivity

(dS m-) were neutral. The organic carbon was medium in soil (0.74%). The
available nitrogen (252.2 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.2 kg ha-1) and potassium
(245.0 kg ha-1) was also in the medium range.

3.4 Cropping history of the field

The crops grown in the experimental field during previous seasons

have been presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Cropping history of the experimental field

Crop season
Year
Kharif Rabi
2018-19 Rice Wheat
2019-20 Rice Wheat
2020-21 Rice Wheat

18
3.5 Experimental details

The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten
treatments and three replications. The details following the treatments given in
each plot is in Table 4.

Table 4: Treatment Details

Symbol Treatment details
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control)
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of water at 30
T5
DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30
T6
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of water at 30
T7
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30
T8
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre of water at
T9
30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre of water at
T10
30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG
FS = Foliar spray, PI = Panicle initiation, MT = Maximum tillering

Other details of experiment

Gross plot size : 5.0 m x 4.0 m

Net plot size : 4.2 m x 3.2 m

Distance between Replication : 100 cm

Distance between plots : 50 cm

Total number of plots : 30

Variety : JR-206

Seed rate : 80 kg ha-1

Row spacing : 20 cm

Recommended dose of fertilizer : 120:60:40 kg ha-1(N: P2O5: K2O.)

19
 Road

R1 R2 R3

T6 T4 T1

T3 T1 T2

T10 T2 T9

T4 T9 T8

T2 T5 T3
54.5 m

T9 T7 T4

T8 T10 T7

T1 T3 T6

T5 T8 T10
0.5 m

5m

T7 T6 T5

1m 4m
14 m
Fig. 2: Layout plan of direct seeded rice

20
3.5.1 Agronomic characteristics of rice variety “JR 206”

The crop variety “JR-206” recommended for cultivation in Madhya

Pradesh which was used in the experimental plot to evaluate the Nano-DAP
effect or capability on rice growth and yield. JR-206 is a dwarf variety with an
average plant height of 95 to 100 cm. It has uniformly high yield and high
tillering. It is a lodging resistant variety with bold grains. It is resistant to bunt
and blast diseases. It takes about 120 to 122 days to mature. Its average yield
is 55.0 - 66.0 quintals ha-1.

3.6 Schedule of cultural operations

3.6.1 Preparation of field for direct seeded rice

In order to achieve good tilth for rice crop in the experimental plot, one
ploughing which was led by two harrowing were done before the sowing of
crop. Ultimately the field was levelled by leveller and was ready for sowing.

Table 5: Schedule of cultural operations conducted during experiment

S.No. Detail of practices 2021

1. Ploughing 02.07.2021
2. Harrowing 02.07.2021
3. Levelling 06.07.2021
4. Layout of the experiment 09.07.2021
5. Soil sampling 11.07.2021
6. Seed treatment and sowing 13.07.2021
7. Application of fertilizers 13.07.2021
8. Hand weeding 05.08.2021
9. Top dressing of urea 1st 13.08.2021
10. 1st foliar spray of nano-DAP 17.08.2021
11. 2nd foliar spray of nano-DAP 02.09.2021
12. Top dressing of urea 2nd 12.09.2021
13. 1st irrigation 04.10.2021
14. 2ndirrigation 23.10.2021
15. Harvesting 20.11.2021
16. Threshing and winnowing 23.11.2021

21
3.6.2 Fertilizer Application

The major plant nutrients i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potash were
given by urea, DAP and MOP respectively. The dose of fertilizer viz. 120 kg
N, 60 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O ha-1 was applied in accordance to the
treatments given in Table 4. Half of total nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus,
and potassium were applied as basal application before sowing according to
the treatments. Remaining half dose of nitrogen in the form of urea was
applied as top dressing in two equal splits, at the active tillering and panicle
initiation stage.

3.6.3 Sowing management

As per the treatments in Table 4, the seeds were treated with nano-
DAP 5 ml kg-1 seed. The seeds were line sowed manually at 20 cm distance
and at a depth of 3 to 4 cm by using seed rate 80 kg ha -1. Slight irrigation was
given after sowing to help proper seed germination.

3.6.4 Weed Management

In weed management, only one hand weeding was done at 20 DAG in

each plot to maintain the weed free environment for the rice crop. The details
are mentioned in Table 5.

3.6.5 Plant protection Management

As the crop was not infested with insect, pest and diseases, hence no
plant protection measure was applied.

3.6.6 Water Management

Slight irrigation was given after sowing to achieve proper germination.

During the month of October irrigation was given twice due to long dry spell.

3.6.7 Harvesting and Threshing

Rice crop was harvested after physiological maturity. Border rows from
both sides were first harvested, thereafter crop of the net plot was harvested.
The harvested crop from each plot was separately bundled, tagged and
brought to the threshing floor. After sun drying for sufficient days the
harvested material was weighed to record the biological yield and then
threshed. The economic yield was winnowed, cleaned and weighed plot wise.
The grain yield was subtracted from biological yield to record straw yield.

22
3.7 Observations recorded

Pre-harvest observations

3.7.1 Plant population m-2 (20 DAS and harvest)

The plants in one meter row length were counted from randomly
selected five places in each plot at 20 DAS and harvest. The average value
was calculated and then converted to plant population m -2.

3.7.2 Plant height (cm)

Height of the rice plant was taken at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest.
Five random plants from each plot were selected. These selected plants were
tagged and plant height was measured from ground level to the tip of the
longest leaf. The average height of the selected plants from each plot was
computed and expressed in cm.

3.7.3 Number of tillers m-1 of row length

The number of tillers of one meter row length were counted from two
rows in each plot. These data were taken at 30 days’ interval from 30 days
after sowing to 90 days after sowing and counting of tillers were done
manually.

3.7.4 Dry matter accumulation (g m-2)

Plant dry weight at 30, 60 and 90 DAS was estimated from randomly
selected five plants of each plot. The plants were oven dried at 70 0C till
constant weight was attained. The weight was then recorded on electronic
balance. Later mean was worked out and expressed as dry weight of plant
samples g m-2.

3.7.5 Leaf area index

In 1947 Watson, described Leaf area index (LAI), which expresses the
ratio of total leaf area to the total ground area in which the crop is grown. The
upper middle and lower leaves of three plants were removed from each plot at
60 and 90 DAS. The leaf area was estimated by leaf area meter. The leaf
area was then divided with the total ground area of the plant to attain the LAI.

Total leaf area of plant

LAI =
Total ground area of plant

23
3.8 Post-harvest observations

3.8.1 Effective tillers m-1 row length

Tillers having grain bearing panicles are known as effective tillers. The
number of effective tillers m-1 row length counted from two lines of each plot
and the mean was calculated. The fertile tillers obtained were multiplied to
numbers of rows in one meter.

3.8.2 Length of panicle (cm)

Five panicles of five plants from each plot were removed at the time of
harvesting. The length of each panicle was measured from the base to tip of
panicle. Thereafter, mean length of panicle was calculated and presented in
centimeter.

3.8.3 Weight of panicle (g)

Five panicles of five plants from each plot were removed at the time of
harvesting. The weight of each panicle was measured. Thereafter, mean
weight of panicle was calculated and presented in grams.

3.8.4 Number of grain per panicle

Total number of grains from the five randomly selected panicles from
the tagged plants of sampling rows were separately threshed, drawn, cleaned
and were counted. The average of all the five spikes were calculated and
were expressed as grains per panicle.

3.8.5 Test weight (g)

From the total produce of each net plot 1000 grains were counted
manually. Thereafter, the grains were sun dried and weight was measured on
electronic balance. After that mean 1000 grain weight was computed and
expressed in gram.

3.8.6 Grain yield (kg ha-1)

After winnowing and cleaning of the produce of each net plot the total
produce was weighted separately on a double pan balance. The value
obtained was converted into grain yield kg plot-1 by multiplying with
appropriate factor and the grain yield kg ha-1 was estimated.

24
3.8.7 Straw yield (kg ha-1)

It was determined by subtracting the grain yield of a plot from the

biological yield of the respective plot. The values so obtained were converted
into straw yield kg ha-1 by multiplying with appropriate factor as done in case
of grain yield.

3.8.8 Harvest index (%)

The harvest index (HI) is the ratio of economic yield to the biological
yield. It was calculated by using the formula suggested by Synder and
Carlson (1984).

3.9 Soil analysis

The random soil sampling was done from experimental field with the
help of auger (0 to 15 cm) before and after harvesting of the crop from each
plot of the study. 10 random soil sampling was done before the start of the
experiment to get the initial status of the experimental field and similar was
done after harvesting. The samples were dried under the shade, grind and
sieved through 20 mm mesh. Initial and post harvest soil sample was used to
find pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon (%), available N, P and K.

3.9.1 Chemical properties

3.9.1.1 Soil pH

Soil pH was determined in a soil water suspension of 1:2.5 w/v, stirred

at regular intervals for 30 minutes using glass electrode pH meter (Jackson,
1973). Twenty g soil was taken in 100 ml beaker and 50 ml deionized water
was added and stirred with a glass rod for about 30 minutes. The glass
electrode of the pH meter was then immersed in the soil-water suspension in
the beaker.

3.9.1.2 Organic carbon

Organic carbon was determined by rapid titration method given by

Walkley and Black (1947).

25
3.9.1.3 Electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity of the sample was assessed in soil-water

suspension (1:25) at given temperature by conductivity meter (Jackson 1973).

3.9.1.4 Available nitrogen

Determination of available nitrogen was done by alkaline

permanganate method given by Subbiah and Asija (1956).

3.9.1.5 Available phosphorus

Available phosphorus was extracted with Olsen’s reagent (0.5 M

NaHCO3, pH 8.5) given by Olsen et al. 1954.

3.9.1.6 Available potassium

Available potassium was calculated by flame photometer after

extracting the soil with neutral normal ammonium acetate as described by
Chapman and Pratt, 1961.

3.10 Nutrient content and uptake

Nutrients uptake by crop

Nutrient uptake for all the major nutrients was calculated by the formula
mentioned below.
Nutrient concentration (%) x Grain/Stover yield (kg ha-1)
Uptake (kg ha-1) =
100
3.10.1 Nitrogen content and uptake in grain

The oven dried grounded grain sample was analyzed for N-content in
grain by Kjeldahl method of digestion and distillation as outlined by Jackson
(1973) and described by Tondon (1999). Nitrogen content of grain was
multiplied with grain yield for obtaining N-uptake (kg ha-1) by grain.

3.10.2 Phosphorus content and uptake in grain

Grounded grain sample was digested in diacid mixture (HNO3: HClO4 )

in 9:4 ratios on volume basis. The phosphorus content in extractant was
determined by spectrometer using 440 nm filter following vanadomolybdate
nitric acid yellow colour method (Jackson, 1973). Then the phosphorus
content of grain was multiplied with grain yield for obtaining P-uptake (kg ha-1)
by grain.

26
3.10.3 Potassium content and uptake in grain

Potassium content in grain was determined by flame photometer from

the same extractant used for phosphorus as described by Jackson (1973).
Then the potassium content of the grain was multiplied with grain yield for
obtaining K-uptake (kg ha-1) by grain.

3.11 Economic Analysis

The cost of cultivation and economic returns were estimated for

different treatments taking into account the prevailing market price of different
inputs and outputs. The net returns were calculated by deducting cost of
cultivation from the gross returns. The Benefit cost ratio was worked out as
follows. Benefit cost ratio was estimated by dividing gross return (₹ ha-1) with
total cost of cultivation (₹ ha-1).

3.11.1 Cost of cultivation

The cost of cultivation for each treatment is determined on the basis of

different inputs used for growing the crop under different treatment on one
hectare area basis.

3.11.2 Gross return

It is the total monetary value of the economic produce (such as grains,

tubers, bulbs, fruits, etc.) and by-products (such as straw, fodder, fuel, etc.)
obtained from the crop. It is calculated by multiplying the yields (of both main
and by-product) with the prevailing market prices and is expressed as Rs ha-1.

Gross return (Rs ha-1) = Yield of product x Price of product.

3.11.3 Net return

Net return (Rs. ha-1) was obtained by subtracting cost of cultivation (Rs.
ha-1) from gross return (Rs. ha-1). It is a good indicator of suitability of cropping
system. It is calculated as follows:

Net return (Rsha-1) = Gross return (Rs ha-1) - Cost of cultivation (Rs ha-1)

3.11.4 Benefit: cost

Benefit over cost ratio is the ratio of gross return to the cost of
cultivation.. It is numerically expressed as:

Benefit: cost = Gross return (Rs ha-1) / Cost of cultivation (Rs ha-1)

27
3.12 Statistical Analysis

The data were analyzed statistically by applying “Analysis of Variance”

(ANOVA) technique of Randomized block design (RBD). The significance of
different sources of variations was tested by error mean square of Fisher
Snedecor‟s „F‟ test at probability level 0.05. Standard error of mean (SEm±)
and critical difference (CD) at 5% level of significance were worked out for
each character and provided in the tables of the results to compare the
difference between the treatment means.

Table 6: Skeleton of analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Fcal
Source of
S. No. d.f S.S M.S.S
variation
5% 1%

1. Replication (r-1)
2. Treatment (t-1)
3. Error (r-1) (t-1)

Total (rt-1)

r = number of replications

t = number treatments

SEm± = √𝐸𝑀𝑆/𝑟

SEd = SEm X √2

CD = SEm × t at 5 % (15 d.f.)

Where,

SEm± = standard error of treatment means

S. Ed± = standard error of difference between treatment means

C.D. = critical difference

edf = error degree of freedom

28
Chapter- IV
RESULTS
 RESULTS

Results emanating from the present investigation entitled “Effect of

Nano DAP on rice yield and chemical properties of soil’’ conducted in the
Kharif season of 2021 has been described comprehensively in this chapter
through appropriate data, bar diagrams and graphical representations,
wherever required. The observations of different parameters of the study were
analyzed statistically wherever feasible, and for some of the parameters the
mean values have been presented. The results of the study have been
presented under the following headings:

4.1 Effect of nano DAP on population and growth characters

The growth of rice crop was measured in terms of plant population,

plant height, leaf area index, number of tillers and crop dry weight.

4.1.1 Plant population

The data for plant population was taken at 20 DAS and harvest. Data
presented in Table 7 showed that integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizer had
no significant influence on plant population at 20 DAS and was found
statistically similar under different treatments. But at harvest stage, a
significant change was seen in the plant population. Among the treatments,
plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10) had higher
plant population (183.30m-2), being at par to 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T9) and 75% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at
30 DAG (T6) which was (182.60m-2) and (182m-2) respectively. However, the
lowest plant population (176.60 m-2) was recorded in control plot where 0% P
as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K was applied (T2).

29
Table 7: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant population m-2 in rice
Plant population
S. m-2 row length
Treatment
No. 20 At
DAS harvest
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 184.00 179.00
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 183.60 176.60
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 184.00 177.00
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 183.60 176.60
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of water at 30
T5 184.60 181.60
DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30
T6 185.00 182.00
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of water at 30
T7 184.30 180.00
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30
T8 184.60 180.00
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre of water at
T9 185.00 182.60
30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre of water at
T10 185.00 183.30
30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG
SEm+ 0.31 0.45
CD (P=0.05) NS 1.32

Plant population m-2

186

184

182

180

178

176

174

172
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10

Plant population m-2 20 Das Plant population m-2 At harvest

Fig. 3: Effect of Nano DAP on plant population m-2 of rice

30
4.1.2 Plant height (cm)

Plant height is a reliable index of growth and development representing

the infrastructure build-up over a period of time. Periodic plant height recorded
at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest is presented in Table 8 and Fig. 4. Data
showed that plant height increased with the advancement in crop age and this
increase was rapid during early crop growth period with a conspicuous
increase between 60 and 90 DAS and thereafter, a slow rate of decrease in
plant height was observed at harvest.

Table 8: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on plant height (cm) of rice

Plant height (cm)

S.
Treatment
No. 30 60 90
Harvest
DAS DAS DAS

T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 31.1 59.9 81.4 79.9

T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 26 55 74.9 73.6

T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 27.2 58.8 80.3 78.8

T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 26.1 58.5 77.8 77

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of

T5 33.7 66 84.7 84.3
water at 30 DAG

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of

T6 34.1 67.6 86.1 85.3
water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of

T7 28.9 60.6 81.1 80.3
water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of

T8 32.9 62.6 82.6 81.8
water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre

T9 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 34.4 68.7 87.5 86.7
DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre

T10 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 35.2 70.5 88.9 88.2
DAG

SEm+ 0.59 0.94 0.51 0.55

CD (P=0.05) 1.74 2.81 1.51 1.64

31
 Plant height (cm)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10

Plant height (cm) 30 DAS Plant height (cm) 60 DAS

Plant height (cm) 90 DAS Plant height (cm) At harvest

Fig. 4: Effect of Nano DAP on plant height (cm) of rice

A significant effect of nano- DAP fertilizer was observed on the plant

height of rice at all the crop growth stages till harvest stage except 30 DAS.
Among the different treatments, maximum plant height (88.20 cm) was
recorded in plot receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +
Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre
of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10) and found
to be at par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) which was
86.7 cm. While in case of 30 DAS T10 was found to be at par to T9, T6 and T5
and was found to be significantly higher than control and other treatments in
comparison. However, lowest plant height (73.60 cm) was recorded in control
plot where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K was applied (T2).

4.1.3 Leaf Area Index

Leaf area index is an important plant growth index which determines

the crop yield and capacity of plants to trap solar energy for photosynthesis.
The leaf area index increased with the advancement of the crop age up to 90
DAS. Data presented in Table 9. showed that the integrated use of nano-

32
DAP fertilizer had a significant effect on the leaf area index of rice. At 60 DAS,
application of 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10) resulted in
maximum leaf area index (3.07) and was found at par to plot receiving 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) which was (3.03). However, minimum leaf
area index (4.28) was recorded in control plot where 0% P as basal + 100% N
+ 100% K was applied (T2). Similar findings were observed at 90 DAS.

Table 9: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on Leaf area index (LAI) of rice

Leaf area index

S.
Treatment
No. 60 90
DAS DAS

T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 2.71 4.58

T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 2.60 4.26

T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 2.65 4.48

T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 2.63 4.34

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of water at 30

T5 2.88 4.72
DAG

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30

T6 2.95 4.81
DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of water at 30

T7 2.77 4.61
DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water at 30

T8 2.79 4.68
DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre of water at

T9 3.03 4.88
30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG

T1 T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre of water at

3.07 4.90
0 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

SEm+ 0.02 0.02

CD (P=0.05) 0.05 0.06

33
 Leaf area index (LAI)
6

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Leaf area index (LAI) 60 DAS Leaf area index (LAI) 90 DAS

Fig. 5: Effect of Nano DAP on LAI of crop

4.1.4 Crop dry weight (g m-2)

Dry matter accumulation is an important index indicating the

photosynthetic efficiency of the crop which ultimately influences the crop yield.
Crop dry weight increased progressively with the advancement in crop age
and the conspicuous increase was observed between 60 and 90 DAS as
presented in Table 10 and Fig 6.

Analysis of data pertaining to crop dry weight of rice crop showed that
in the applied treatments, plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining
N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar
spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG
(T10) resulted in significantly higher crop dry weight (1231.30 gm -2) than
control and other treatments in comparison. However, it was found to be at
par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment
with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30
DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) which was 1202 gm-2. The
lowest crop dry weight (1070.60 g m-2) was recorded in control plot where 0%
P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K was given (T2). Similar observations
were recorded at 30 and 60 DAS.

34
Table 10: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on crop dry weight (g m-2) of rice
Crop dry weight (g m-2)
S.
Treatment 60 90
No. 30 DAS
DAS DAS
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 231.00 627.60 1168.30
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 217.00 590.00 1070.60
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 225.60 619.00 1153.60
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 220.60 605.30 1125.00
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of
T5 240.00 654.30 1189.30
water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
T6 240.60 661.00 1194.60
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of
T7 231.30 630.30 1175.30
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
T8 237.30 643.00 1185.30
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre of
T9 245.00 665.30 1202.00
water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre of
T10 248.00 671.00 1231.30
water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG
SEm+ 1.25 2.98 11.85
CD (P=0.05) 3.75 8.93 35.2

Crop dry weight (g m-2)

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10

Crop dry weight (g m2) 30 DAS Crop dry weight (g m2) 60 DAS
Crop dry weight (g m2) 90 DAS

Fig. 6: Effect of Nano DAP on crop dry weight (g m-2)

35
4.1.5 Number of tiller m-1 row length

The tillers count per running metre row length is an important

parameter for determining the effect of any treatment on growth and yield of
rice. Number of tillers were counted at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. The number of
tillers m-1 row length increased with the advancement of crop up to 90 days as
presented in Table 11 and Fig 7.

Table 11: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizer on number of Tillers m-1 row
length of rice

Number of Tillers m-1

row length
S.
Treatment
No.
30 60 90
DAS DAS DAS

T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 73 76.3 80.3

T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 51.3 56 61.3

T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 68.6 73 77.3

T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 56 59.3 65.3

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of water

T5 79.6 86.3 89.6
at 30 DAG

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water

T6 85.3 90.3 94
at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of water

T7 70.3 75.6 82.6
at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of water

T8 75.6 80.6 84.3
at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@2ml/litre of

T9 91.6 97.3 101.6
water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/litre of

T10 95 100 104.6
water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

SEm+ 5 4.64 4.76

CD (P=0.05) 14.86 13.79 14.15

36
 Tillers m-1 row length
120

100

80

60

40

20

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Tillers m-1 row length 30DAS Tillers m-1 row length 60DAS
Tillers m-1 row length 90DAS

Fig. 7: Effect of Nano DAP on tiller m-1 row length

The application of non- DAP fertilizer had significant influence on

number of tillers at all the crop growth stages. Among the applied treatments,
plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10) resulted in
significantly higher number of tillers (104.60). Thereafter, it was found at par
to plots where 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) and 75% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6) was applied.
However the minimum number of tillers (61.30) was recorded in control plot
where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K was applied (T 2). Similar
trends were seen at 30 and 60 DAS.

4.2 Effect of nano DAP on yield and yield attribute

The data on various yields attributes viz. effective tillers, panicle length,
panicle weight, grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight as influenced by the
use of nano- DAP fertilizers were recorded and presented in Table 12.

37
4.2.1 Effective tillers m-2

Effective tillers has been identified as the most important

component of yield. The data presented in Table 12 revealed that the effective
tillers increased significantly with the application of different treatments.

Among the applied treatments, application of 50% P through DAP and

remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T10) recorded maximum effective tillers (405) and found to be at
par to plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +
Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre
of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 9) and 75% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6) than
recommended dose of fertilizers and other treatments in comparison.
However, the control plot recorded significantly lowest number of effective
tillers (283.00) where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K was applied
(T2)

4.2.2 Panicle length

Data presented in Table 12 reveals that the integrated use of nano-

DAP fertilizers had significant effect on panicle length. Among all the applied
treatments, plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K
+ Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @
4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10)
which was however, statistically at par to 75% P through DAP and remaining
N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray
@ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6) recorded significantly maximum panicle
length (22.85 cm) than control and other treatments. The minimum panicle
length i.e. 19.30 cm was observed in control plot receiving 0% P as basal
dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2).

38
Table 12: Effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield attribute of rice
Yield attribute
S.
Treatment Effective Panicle Panicle Grains Test
No.
tillers m-2 length weight panicle-1 weight
100% P through DAP+ 100% N +
T1 345 22.01 1.65 77 21.2
100% K
0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N +
T2 283 19.3 1.39 67 19.33
100% K(Control)
75% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T3 330 21.37 1.45 73 20
100% K
50% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T4 328 19.7 1.47 70 19.73
100% K
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS
T5 385 22.05 1.73 80 21.3
@ 2ml /litre of water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS
T6 395 22.8 1.77 83 21.5
@ 4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T7 336 21.4 1.72 80 21.45
FS@2ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T8 353 21.52 1.79 83 21.51
FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
First FS@ 2ml/ litre of water at 30
T9 399 22.54 1.89 84 22
DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
First FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30
T10 405 22.85 1.94 86 22.07
DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45
DAG
SEm+ 6.04 0.09 0.02 1.43 0.21
CD (P=0.05) 18.09 0.26 0.07 4.3 0.64

Yield attribute
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Effective tillers m-2 Panicle length Panicle Weight
Grain panicle-1 1000- Seed weight (g)

Fig. 8: Effect of Nano DAP on yield attributes of rice

39
4.2.3 Panicle weight

A perusal of data depicted in Table 12 reveals that the application of

nano- DAP fertilizers had significant effect on the panicle weight.

Among the applied treatments, application of 50% P through DAP and

remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T10) was found at par with the treatment receiving 50% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) and recorded significantly maximum panicle
weight (1.94 g). However, the control plot where 0% P as basal dose + 100%
N + 100% K(T2) was given recorded minimum panicle weight to the tune of
1.39 g.

4.2.4 Number of grain per panicle

The data presented in Table 12 reveals that the integrated use of nano
and non-nano fertilizers had significant effect on the number of grains per
panicle.

Among the applied treatments, the maximum number of grains per

panicle was recorded in plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N
and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar
spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG
(T10) . It was seen to be at par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and
100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray
@ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9),
50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T 8)
and 75% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6).
But recorded significantly maximum number of grains per panicle i.e. 86.00 as
compared to other treatments. However, the control plot 0% P as basal dose
+ 100% N + 100% K (T2) recorded minimum number of grain per panicle to
the tune of 67.00.

40
4.2.5 1000-grain weight (g)

A perusal of data depicted in Table 12 reveals that the use of nano-

DAP fertilizer had significant effect on the 1000 grain weight.

Among the applied treatments, plots receiving 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T10) though at par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and
100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray
@ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 9),
50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T8)
and 75% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T 6)
recorded significantly highest 1000-grain weight (22.07 g) than the control and
other treatments in comparison. However, the control plot where 0% P as
basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) was given, recorded significantly lowest
1000-grain weight (19.33 g).

4.3 Effect of nano DAP on yield parameters

Data on grain yield, straw yield and harvest index as influenced by

integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers were recorded and presented in Table
13 and Fig. 9.

4.3.1 Grain yield (Kg ha-1)

The integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers had significant effect on the
grain yield. The data presented in Table 13 depicts that application of 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) recorded significantly maximum grain yield
(6594 kg ha-1) and was at par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and
100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray
@ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 9)
which was 6332 kg ha-1. The significantly minimum grain yield i.e. 4065 kg
ha-1 was recorded in control plot where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N +
100% K (T2) was given.

41
4.3.2 Straw yield (kg ha-1)

The data presented in Table 13 depicts that plot receiving 50% P

through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) recorded the maximum grain yield (9893 kg
ha-1) followed by 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) (9496 kg ha-1).
However, the treatment T9 was found statistically at par to 75% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T 6). However,
minimum straw yield i.e. 6903 kg ha-1 was recorded in control plot where 0%
P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) was applied.

4.3.3 Harvest Index (%)

The data pertinent to the harvest index in Table 13 reveals the effect
of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on the harvest index was found to
be significant. Plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100%
K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @
4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10)
recorded the maximum harvest index (0.42%) followed by 50% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) (0.41%), whereas the minimum harvest
index i.e. 0.36 % was recorded in control plot where 0% P as basal dose +
100% N + 100% K (T2) was given.

42
Table 13: Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on yield
parameters of rice
Yield
S.
Treatment Grain Straw Harvest
No.
yield ha-1 yield ha-1 index (%)
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 5680 8528 0.38
0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100%
T2 4065 6903 0.36
K(Control)
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 4934 7658 0.37
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 4637 7412 0.37
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml
T5 5825 9012 0.39
/litre of water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS @ 4ml/
T6 6288 9431 0.4
litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/
T7 5480 8561 0.38
litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/
T8 5793 8751 0.39
litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@
T9 2ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray- 6332 9496 0.41
@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T10 FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG; Second 6594 9893 0.42
Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG
SEm+ 92.71 35.98 0.005
CD (P=0.05) 277.6 107.7 0.014

Yield parameters
12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Yield parameters Grain yield ha-1 Yield parameters Straw yield ha-1
Yield parameters Harvest index (%)

Fig. 9: Effect of Nano DAP on yield parameter of rice

43
4.4 Effect of nano DAP on chemical properties of soil

Data on hydrogen ion concentration, electrical conductivity, organic

carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium as
influenced by integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers were estimated and
presented in Table 14 and Fig. 10.

4.4.1 pH

The effect of nano- DAP fertilizer on soil pH was found non-significant.

The value obtained from the soil pH varied from 7.09 to 7.15 though all the
treatments were statistically at par to each other.

4.4.2 Electrical conductivity (dS m-1)

Similar to the soil pH, the EC also did not influence significantly by use
of nano- DAP fertilizers. However the values recorded after the harvest of the
crop were 0.30 to 0.33 dS m-1 though all the treatments were statistically at
par to each other.

4.4.3 Organic carbon (%)

A perusal of data depicted in Table 14 reveals that the use of nano-

DAP fertilizer had no significant effect on organic carbon (%). Among the
applied treatments, the values estimated after harvest of crop ranged between
0.70 to 0.73%. Although all the treatments were found to be at par with each
other, showing no significant change on the organic carbon level.

4.4.4 Available Nitrogen

The data represented in Table 14 depicts that the nano- DAP fertilizer
had a significant effect on the available nitrogen after harvest of the crop. The
lowest amount of available nitrogen (263.80 kg ha-1) was recorded in plot
receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment
with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30
DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) though at par with 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9), 50% P through DAP and remaining N and
100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @

44
4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T8) and 50% P through DAP and remaining N
and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @
2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T7). However, the highest amount of available
nitrogen i.e. 286.20 kg ha-1 was recorded in control plot where 0% P as basal
dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) was given.

4.4.5 Available Phosphorus

The data pertinent to the available phosphorus in Table 14 reveals the

effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on the available phosphorus in soil after
harvest. The control plot where 0% P was given recorded lowest phosphorus
level i.e. 13.9 kg ha -1. However, with the integrated application of nano DAP
the plots given 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) recorded the
lowest available phosphorus (14.60 kg ha-1) in soil though at par to 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9), whereas the highest available phosphorus
i.e. 28.60 kg ha-1 was recorded in T1 where 100% P through DAP + 100% N +
100% K was given.

4.4.6 Available Potassium

The data pertinent to the available potassium in Table 14 shows the

effect of nano- DAP fertilizers on the available potassium was found to be
significant. The plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and
100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray
@ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10)
recorded the lowest available potassium (286.50 kg ha -1) though at par to
50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9),whereas the highest available
potassium 294.30 kg ha1 was recorded in control plot where 0% P as basal
dose + 100% N + 100% K was given.

45
Table 14: Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on chemical
properties of soil

Chemical properties of soil

S.
Treatment
No. N P K
pH EC OC
(kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1)

100% P through DAP+ 100% N +

T1 7.13 0.33 0.71 280.5 28.6 291.5
100% K

0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N +

T2 7.09 0.31 0.70 286.2 13.9 294.3
100% K(Control)

75% P through DAP + Remaining

T3 7.15 0.30 0.71 278.1 18.5 293.1
N + 100% K

50% P through DAP + Remaining

T4 7.15 0.33 0.70 265.2 16.8 293.6
N + 100% K

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed

T5 + FS @ 2ml /litre of water at 30 7.11 0.32 0.72 278.5 18.1 290.2
DAG

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+

T6 FS @ 4ml/ litre of water at 30 7.13 0.33 0.72 277.8 17.9 290.0
DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+

T7 7.13 0.32 0.71 265.6 15.6 288.5
FS@2ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+

T8 7.13 0.32 0.72 265.2 15.1 288.2
FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+

First FS@ 2ml/ litre of water at 30
T9 7.12 0.31 0.73 264.5 14.9 287.1
DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at
45 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+

First FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30
T10 7.12 0.31 0.73 263.8 14.6 286.5
DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at
45 DAG

SEm+ 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.66 0.39 0.63

CD (P=0.05) NS NS NS 1.97 1.17 1.88

46
 Chemical properties of soil
350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Chemical properties of soil pH Chemical properties of soil EC
Chemical properties of soil OC Chemical properties of soil N(kg ha-1)
Chemical properties of soil P (kg ha-1) Chemical properties of soil K (kg ha-1)

Fig. 10: Effect of Nano DAP on chemical properties of soil after harvest

4.5 Effect of nano DAP on Uptake of nutrients in grain and straw of

rice

4.5.1 Nitrogen uptake in grain and straw

The data presented in Table 15 reveals that the maximum nitrogen

uptake in grain (83.41 kg ha-1) was observed in plots given 50% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) being at par with plots receiving 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) which was 81.86 kg ha-1. Although the
lowest nitrogen uptake in grain (62.10 kg ha-1) was observed in control plot
where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) was given.

As shown in Table 15, the uptake of nitrogen in straw was observed to

be highest (22.06 kg ha-1) with application of 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre

47
at 45 DAG (T9) . It was found to be at par with plots receiving 50% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) i.e. 21.08 kg ha-1. The minimum value of
nitrogen uptake was 14.75 kg ha-1 which was recorded in control plot given
0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2).

Table 15: Effect of nano DAP on nitrogen uptake in grain and straw of
rice

S. Grain Straw
Treatment
No. (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1)

T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 67.21 15.9

0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K

T2 62.10 14.75
(Control)

T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 68.14 18.16

T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 78.02 20.23

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml

T5 70.14 20.76
/litre of water at 30 DAG

T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS @ 4ml/ litre

T6 73.52 17.93
of water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/ litre

T7 79.12 19.27
of water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/ litre

T8 80.95 19.27
of water at 30 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@ 2ml/

T9 litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre 81.86 22.06
at 45 DAG

T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/

T10 litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre 83.41 21.08
at 45 DAG

SEm+ 0.54 0.39

CD (P=0.05) 1.60 1.17

48
 Nitrogen uptake
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Nitrogen uptake Grain(kg ha-1) Nitrogen uptake Straw (kg ha-1)

Fig. 11: Effect of Nano DAP on nitrogen uptake in plant

4.5.2 Phosphorus uptake in grain and straw

The integrated use of nano DAP had significant effect on the uptake of
phosphorus. As shown in Table 16, the maximum uptake of phosphorus in
grain (24.21 kg ha-1) was recorded in plots subjected to 50% P through DAP
and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg
seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @
4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) being at par with 75% P through DAP and remaining
N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray
@ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6) which was 24.11 kg ha-1. The lowest
amount of phosphorus uptake (0.43 kg ha-1) in grain was seen to be in the
control plot where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) was applied.

In case of phosphorus uptake in straw, application of 50% P through

DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) recorded highest nutrient uptake i.e. 10.77
kg ha-1. It was at par with 75% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +
Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG (T6). The minimum uptake of phosphorus (0.87 kg ha -1) was
in plots given where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T 2) i.e the
control plot.

49
Table 16: Effect of nano DAP on phosphorus uptake in grain and straw
S. Grain Straw
Treatment
No. (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1)
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 22.54 9.26
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K (Control) 0.43 0.87
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 19.70 9.50
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 14.17 7.08
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml /litre of
T5 23.03 10.27
water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS @ 4ml/ litre of
T6 24.11 10.59
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/ litre of
T7 19.90 9.56
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/ litre of
T8 21.99 9.49
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@ 2ml/ litre
T9 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 22.98 9.72
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/ litre
T10 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 24.21 10.77
DAG
SEm+ 0.10 0.10
CD (P=0.05) 0.28 0.30

Phosphorus uptake
30

25

20

15

10

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10

Phosphorus uptake Grain(kg ha-1) Phosphorus uptake Straw (kg ha-1)

Fig.12: Effect of Nano DAP on phosphorus uptake in plant

50
4.5.3 Uptake of potassium in grain and straw

From Table 17, it can be shown that the maximum uptake of potassium
in grain (25.89 kg ha-1) was recorded with application of 50% P through DAP
and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg
seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @
4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10). The value obtained from the maximum uptake was
found to be at par with 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +
Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre
of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 9) which was
25.52 kg ha-1.The lowest potassium uptake (19.78 kg ha-1) was in the control
plots given 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2).

The maximum uptake of potassium in straw (71.59 kg ha -1) was

recorded in plots receiving 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K
+ Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @
4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 10)
tough at par to 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at
30 DAG (T7), 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T 9) and 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T 8) in particular
order. The lowest potassium uptake was in control plot given 0% P as basal
dose + 100% N + 100% K (T2) which was (69.77 kg ha-1).

51
Table 17: Effect of nano DAP on potassium uptake in grain and straw
S. Grain Straw
Treatment
No. (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1)
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 22.24 70.16
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 19.78 69.77
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 21.65 70.14
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 20.12 70.03
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml /litre of
T5 22.75 71.03
water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS @ 4ml/ litre of
T6 23.89 70.09
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/ litre of
T7 24.12 71.38
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/ litre of
T8 24.57 71.11
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@ 2ml/ litre
T9 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 25.52 71.27
DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First FS@4ml/ litre
T10 of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 25.89 71.59
DAG
SEm+ 0.22 0.16
CD (P=0.05) 0.64 0.48

Potassium uptake
80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10

Potassium uptake Grain(kg ha-1) Potassium uptake Straw (kg ha-1)

Fig. 13: Effect of Nano DAP on potassium uptake in plants

52
4.6 Influence of nano DAP on the economics of rice crop

Treatment wise economic returns were carried out with the help of
operating cost of individual treatment and cost of production. The data
obtained have been presented in Table 18 and illustrated in Fig. 14.

4.6.1 Cost of cultivation

Cost of cultivation was estimated per treatment on the basis of market

price of the various common and variable agro-inputs used (Appendix-1). The
values obtained are presented in Table 18. The data showed that the lowest
cost of cultivation was inferred in the control plot where 0% P as basal dose +
100% N + 100% K (T2) was given. The cost increased in the range of Rs
32800 to Rs 33760 with the increase in DAP fertilizer dose. However, the
maximum cost was found in plots receiving 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T10) which was Rs. 39300 .

4.6.2 Gross returns

Application of 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +

Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre
of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) fetched
highest gross returns (137736 Rs. ha-1) among all the treatment in
comparison. The next best treatment was T9 where 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre
at 45 DAG was given, which resulted in gross returns of 132292 Rs. ha -1. The
lowest gross returns (54264 Rs ha-1) was estimated in control plot where 0%
P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K(T2) was given. There is an increment of
37.80 % gross returns over control (T2). This might be due to the higher grain
and straw yields obtained by the application of nano- DAP fertilizer.

4.6.3 Net returns

The analyzed data from Table 18 and fig. 5.2 disclosed a positive
impact of nano- DAP fertilizer on the net returns of rice.

53
 Among the treatments, plots receiving 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 4ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T10) registered highest net returns (98436 Rs. ha-1) followed by
50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
and second spray @ 2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9) which gained a net return of
94922 Rs. ha-1. The lowest net returns (24397 Rs. ha -1) were estimated in the
control plot where 0% P as basal dose + 100% N + 100% K (T 2) were given.
An increment of 44.87% was estimated over control with 50% P through DAP
and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg
seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @
4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10).

4.6.4 Benefit cost ratio

The worked-out data pertaining to benefit cost ratio presented in the

Table 18 revealed that B: C ratio was influenced by the application of nano-
DAP fertilizers.

Among the applied treatments, application of 50% P through DAP and

remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
First foliar spray @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @ 2ml/litre
at 45 DAG (T9) recorded higher benefit cost ratio of 3.54 followed by 50% P
through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second
spray @ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) which fetched B: C ratio of 3.51. Lowest B:
C ratio of 2.72 was registered in the control plot receiving 0% P as basal dose
+ 100% N + 100% K (T2).

54
Table 18: Effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on economics
of rice
Economics of rice crop
S. Cost of
Treatment GMR NMR B:C
No. cultivation
(Rs ha-1) (Rs ha-1) Ratio
(Rs ha-1)
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 33760 118712 84952 3.50
0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K
T2 31400 85664 54264 2.72
(Control)
75% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T3 33280 103486 70206 3.1
100% K
50% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T4 32800 97436 64636 2.97
100% K
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed +
T5 36780 121918 85138 3.31
FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T6 37780 131456 93676 3.47
FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T7 36300 106397 70097 2.93
FS@2ml/l itre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T8 37300 121086 83786 3.24
FS@4ml/ litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T9 FS@ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second 37300 132292 94992 3.54
Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T10 FS@ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second 39300 137736 98436 3.51
Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

Economics
160000

140000

120000

100000

80000

60000

40000

20000

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Economics of rice crop Cost of cultivation (Rs ha-1) Economics of rice crop GMR (Rs ha-1)

Economics of rice crop NMR (Rs ha-1) Economics of rice crop B:C Ratio

Fig. 14: Influence on economics of the crop

55
 Chapter- V
DISCUSSION
 DISCUSSION

The results of the field experiment entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on

rice yield and chemical properties of soil’’ as presented in the preceding
chapter are being logically discussed in this chapter with appropriate
reasoning, findings of research workers and data obtained on various
parameters during the course of investigation.

5.1 Edaphic variations

The kind of soil and its properties determine the scope of crop growth
in a given area. The soil in the experimental field was loamy, homogeneous in
fertility and soil reactivity, according to the data on physico-chemical
parameters of soil (Table 2). In the soils of the Jabalpur region, certain soil
characteristics predominate. As a result, the findings of this study might be
applicable to similar soil conditions in this location.

5.2 Weather variations

During the crop season, weather parameters such as maximum and

lowest temperatures, rainfall (intensity and duration), relative humidity, and
sunshine hours play a significant effect in crop productivity. Except for rainfall
during the agricultural season, other meteorological indices were close to
normal (Table 1 and Figure 1). The rainfall slightly different from the local
average. Overall, the meteorological conditions during crop season were
favourable for proper growth and development of rice.

5.3 Effect of Nano-DAP fertilizer on Crop growth

The periodical observations of plant height showed a greater increase

between 30 to 90 DAS. While the growth was restricted during harvest stage
due to senescence. The plant height significantly increased with the
integrated use of Nano DAP fertilizer even at a lower application dose
compared to the plots given recommended fertilizer dose (RDF). It was
maximum by application of 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed
treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of
water at 30 and 45 DAG. These suggest that nanofertilizers can either provide
nutrients for the plant or aid in the transport or absorption of available

56
nutrients resulting in better crop growth. Related study by Liu and Lal (2014)
revealed similar findings in soybean. The research showed that employing
phosphorus nano particles enhanced growth rate by 33%. The increase in
growth is due to the rapid cell division influenced by the seed treatment and
foliar spray of Nano DAP. The minimum plant height was in case of the
control plot where 0% P was given. This may be due to phosphorus deficiency
in the control plots. Similar patterns on plant height were also observed by
Khuzai and Juthery (2020).

The number of tillers running meter row length increased gradually with
the crop growth stages. In comparison to the RDF, the number of tillers
increased with application of Nano DAP in combination with conventional
fertilizers. The maximum tillers were in plot given 50% P, remaining N and
100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar
sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG and was at par to the plot where
the dose of Nano DAP foliar spray was reduced to 2ml/l of water. This might
be due to the seed treatment and foliar spray of Nano DAP in rice crops,
which elevates the bioavailability of orthophosphates (Pi). Root development
is stimulated by the application of phosphorus, resulting in increased tiller
production. Similar result was obtained by Singh et al (2021) on the
bioavailability of orthophosphates in plants given cryo-milled Nano DAP.

The LAI estimated at 60 and 90 DAS, showed an increment in leaf area

upto 90 DAS. The plots receiving Nano DAP fertilizer combined with the
conventional fertilizer had significantly higher LAI over the rest. The maximum
LAI was with application of 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed
treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of
water at 30 and 45 DAG being at par to plot where the dose of Nano DAP
foliar spray was reduced to 2ml/l of water. The increased availability of
phosphorus in treatments given Nano DAP had positive effect in increasing
the leaf area and its index. As a result, the amount of surface area exposed to
light and the amount of light absorbed increases. This contributed effectively
in increasing the products of carbon assimilation process on leaf as well as
the other plant tissues. This result is in conformity with the findings of Khuzai
and Juthery (2020).

57
 Dry matter production is the sum total effect of overall growth in plant
height, tillers, leaf area and leaves indicating higher chlorophic area with
improved photosynthetic efficiency of plants which in turn results in a higher
dry matter accumulation. The crop dry weight increased as the growth
progressed at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. When compared to RDF plots the crop dry
weight was significantly higher in plots given Nano DAP fertilizer coupled with
conventional fertilizer even at a lower dose. The dry weight was maximum
where 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP
@5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG was
applied. This was due to the increased height, number of tillers and leaf area
with the integrated use of nano DAP which ultimately increased the dry weight
of crop.

5.4 Effect of Nano-DAP fertilizer on yield attributing characters and

yield

The yield attributing characters like effective tillers, panicle length (cm),
panicle weight (g), number of grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight (g)
were significantly influenced with the integrated use off Nano DAP fertilizer
with conventional fertilizers.

Compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer applied, the maximum

effective tillers (405), panicle length (22.85 cm), panicle weight (1.94 g),
number of grain per panicle (86.00) and 1000-grain weight (22.07 g) was of
the plots receiving 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with
Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45
DAG. This increase in yield attributing characters of the plots given Nano
DAP may be due to higher accumulation of photosynthates. These
photosynthates are stored as reserves and used for higher seed production.
Similar, findings were also observed by Kumar et al (2014) in wheat crop.

In case of the grain yield, straw yield and harvest index, it was
increased with the application of Nano DAP coupled with conventional
fertilizers even at a lower dose in comparison to the plots given only the
conventional fertilizers i.e. RDF. The maximum yield and HI was with
application of 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with

58
Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45
DAG being at par to plots where the dose of Nano DAP foliar spray was
reduced to 2ml/l of water. The increase in the yield is associated with the
increase in number of panicles and test weight. Better vegetative growth
along with higher yield traits was found mainly due to higher absorption of
nutrients with increased photosynthates accumulation and high biomass
production. Phosphorus plays a vital role in ATP synthesis and energy
production thus enhancing the supply of photosynthates available for grain
filling and increasing the grain weight. Similar findings were reported by
Yadav et al. (2021) and Ravikumar et al. (2021).

5.5 Effect of nano DAP chemical properties of soil

The effect of integrated use of nano- DAP fertilizers on soil pH,

Electrical conductivity (dS m-1) and organic carbon (%) were found non-
significant as all the treatments were statistically at par to each other.

The available phosphorus in soil after harvest was minimum in the

control plot as 0% phosphorus was applied. However with the integrated use
of Nano DAP fertilizer, minimum available phosphorus in soil was of the plot
receiving 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with Nano
DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG,
where the conventional P dose was reduced to 50 % of the RDF. It was at
par to the plots where similar treatment was given with reduction in the dose
of foliar spray of Nano DAP to 2ml/l of water. This was due to the higher
uptake of phosphorus by the plants when treated with foliar spray of Nano
DAP. The losses of nutrients are minimized with foliar spray without disturbing
the soil nutrient balance. However, the maximum phosphorus in soil after
harvest was of the plot given the recommended fertilizer dose i.e. 120:60:40
NPK kg/ha respectively where phosphorus was applied as basal dose as the
nutrient uptake by the plant was less.

In case of available nitrogen and potassium in soil after harvest the

minimum was of the plot where 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed
treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of
water at 30 and 45 DAG was given due to higher nitrogen and phosphorus
uptake by the plant.

59
5.6 Effect of nano DAP on uptake of nutrient in grain and straw

The nutrient uptake (N, P, K ) in grain and straw increased with the
integrated use of Nano DAP fertilizer compared to the recommended dose of
fertilizers.

The nitrogen content in grain and straw was maximum in plots given
50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP
@5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG being
at par to plots where the Nano DAP foliar spray was reduced to 2ml/l of water.
This was due to higher nutrient uptake by the plant influenced by seed
treatment and foliar spray of Nano DAP. However the nitrogen content was
minimum in control plot due to low nutrient uptake by the plant. Similar
findings were reported in maize crop by Ahmed et al.( 2019)

The phosphorus content of grain and straw in rice was also higher in
treatments given Nano DAP coupled with the conventional fertilizers. It was
maximum in plots given 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed
treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of
water at 30 and 45 DAG being at par to the plot receiving 75% P, remaining N
and 100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and foliar
spray @ 4ml/l of water at 30 DAG. While spraying with Nano DAP fertilizer,
the nanoparticles of phosphorus are absorbed by the plants as the size of
particles is 5000 times smaller than the commercial DAP( Singh et al. 2021).
Due to the higher absorption rate the nutrient content also increases. With the
foliar spray and seed treatment of Nano DAP more amount of phosphorus is
available for the plant thus enhancing the nutrient use efficiency. The
increased NUE enhances the growth, yield and also the nutrient content in
grain and straw. The plots receiving the RDF has less phosphorus in grain
and straw in comparison to the Nano DAP plots as the uptake of phosphorus
is lowered. However the control plots has minimum P content in grain and
straw as 0% P was applied in these plots. Similar patterns in nutrient uptake
were seen by Mehta and Bharat (2019), Ravikumar et al. (2021) and Yadav et
al. (2021).

60
 The potassium content in grain and straw was maximum where 50% P,
remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed
and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG was applied. This
was due to higher uptake of potassium by these plots which resulted in higher
nutrient content. The minimum potassium content of grain and straw was of
the control plot due to less uptake of nutrient by the plant.

5.7 Effect of Nano-DAP fertilizer on economics of the crop

Economics is the ultimate criteria for acceptance or rejection and

wider adoption of any technology. Maximum cost benefit ratio was the
consequence of gross returns and cost of cultivation. Among the different
indicators of economic efficiency in any production system, net returns have
greater impact on practical utility and acceptance of technology by the
farmers.

The cost of cultivation was minimum in case of control plot where 0 %

P was given. However with the integrated use of Nano DAP fertilizer the cost
increased gradually. The cost was maximum where 50% P, remaining N and
100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar
sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG was applied which was 39300 Rs
ha-1. However the cost was minimum for 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K
with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and foliar spray @ 2ml/l of
water at 30 DAG (36300 Rs ha-1).

The gross monetary return was minimum in control plot (85664 Rs ha -1)
because of lowest grain and straw yield. However, it was increased to the
maximum level (137736 Rs ha-1) in plots receiving 50% P, remaining N and
100 % K with seed treatment with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar
sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45 DAG due to highest grain and straw
yield.

The net return was also minimum in control plot (54264 Rs ha-1). The
NMR for plot given 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment with
Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 4ml/l of water at 30 and 45
DAG was maximum (98436 Rs ha-1) followed by the plot where the dose of
foliar spray was reduced to 2ml/l of water. The integrated use of Nano DAP
increasing the growth and economic yield might be the reason for also
increasing the NMR.

61
 The Benefit over cost represents profitability of the treatment. The B:C
ratio was increased with the integrated use of Nano DAP. It was maximum
(3.54) in plots given 50% P, remaining N and 100 % K with seed treatment
with Nano DAP @5ml/kg seed and two foliar sprays @ 2ml/l of water at 30
and 45 DAG and was minimum in the control plot with zero phosphorus
application.

62
 Chapter -VI
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR

FUTURE WORK

6.1 Summary

The experiment entitled “Effect of Nano DAP on rice yield and

chemical properties of soil’’ was taken up during Kharif, 2021 at Breeder
seed production unit, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur. The
experiment was carried out with 10 treatments and three replications each
viz., 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K(T1), Control (0% P (No basal
dose) + 100% N + 100% K) (T2), 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100%
K (T3), 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K (T4), T3+ST-Nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T5), T3+ST-Nano DAP
@5ml/kg seed + FS @4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T6), T4 + ST-Nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + FS @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T7), T4+ST-Nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed+ FS @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG (T8), T4+ST-Nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + First FS @2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray-
@2ml/litre at 45 DAG (T9), T4+ST-Nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + First
FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray -@ 4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10).
The experiment was laid out in randomized block design. The salient findings
of the experiment were summarized below. The observations on growth
parameters viz., plant population was taken at 20 DAS and at harvest, plant
height at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, leaf area index was taken at 60 and
90 DAS, tillers per meter row length and dry matter production was recorded
at 30, 60, 90 DAS. Effective tillers m-2, panicle length, panicle weight, grain
panicle-1, test weight, seed yield, straw yield and harvest index were recorded
at harvest stage. Available soil nutrient status (N, P and K), soil pH (hydrogen
ion concentration), Electrical conductivity (dS m-1) and organic carbon (%)
was estimated at initial and harvest stage of rice. Nutrient uptake (N, P and K)
were analyzed at harvest stage of the crop. Economics of treatments were
estimated from the data. Salient features of the experimental findings are
summarized below.

63
6.1.1 Effect on crop

Plant population m-2 remained significant with application of Nano-DAP

fertilizer treatments at harvest whereas, non-significant at 20 DAS.

Among all the treatment combined application of 50% P through DAP

and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg
seed + First foliar spray @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and second spray @
4ml/litre at 45 DAG (T10) showed higher plant population at harvest, plant
height, leaf area index, tillers per meter row length and crop dry weight
compared to other treatments as well as 100% RDF and control (0 % P). The
treatment (T10) was however at par to the treatment given 50% P through
DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @
5ml/kg seed + Two foliar sprays @ 2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG
(T9).

Yield attributes viz., effective tillers m-2, length of panicle, weight of

panicle, grains panicle-1 and test weight were significantly influenced by
integrated application of Nano-DAP fertilizers. Among the various nutrient
management treatments, application of 50% P through DAP and remaining N
and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + Two foliar
sprays @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG (T10) showed significantly
higher effective tillers m-2, panicle length, panicle weight, grains panicle-1 and
test weight, over the control plot as well as the plot given recommended
fertilizer dose.

The maximum grain yield of was recorded with application of 50% P

through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP
@ 5ml/kg seed + 2 foliar sprays @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG
(T10) compared to all the remaining treatments and control and it was
statistically at par with 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +
Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + 2 foliar sprays @ 2ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG (T9). The highest straw yield was recorded with
50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with
nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + Two foliar sprays @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
and 45 DAG (T10)

64
6.1.2 Effect on chemical properties of soil and nutrient uptake

Post harvest soil parameters like pH, EC, organic carbon were not
significantly influenced by the integrated application of Nano-DAP nutrients.
The available N, P, K in soil was significantly influenced with application of
Nano DAP. The available N, P, K in soil after harvest was minimum with
treatment 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K + Seed
treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + Two foliar sprays @ 4ml/litre of
water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG (T10).

However, the nutrient uptake of (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) in

grain and straw (kg ha-1) was highest in plots given 50% P through DAP and
remaining N and 100% K + Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed +
Two foliar sprays @ 4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and at 45 DAG (T 10) over the
control plots and RDF plots.

6.1.3 Economics of treatments

Application of 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K +

Seed treatment with Nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + two foliar sprays @ 4ml/litre
of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG (T10) fetched higher values of gross and net
returns ha-1) followed by the treatment where the dose of foliar spray of Nano
DAP was reduced to 2ml/l of water. Whereas, benefit cost (B:C) ratio was
higher in the application of 50% P through DAP and remaining N and 100% K
+ Seed treatment with nano DAP @ 5ml/kg seed + Two foliar sprays @
2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG (T9). Hence, T9 treatment proved to
be the most profitable treatment over others.

6.2 Conclusions

Based on the former discussion, the following conclusions were drawn.

➢ Integrated use of 50% P through DAP remaining N and 100% K

including seed treatment with nano-DAP @ 5 ml kg-1 seed and two
foliar sprays @ 2 ml litre-1 of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG found to be
superior as it attained higher values of growth, yield attribute and yield.

➢ Application of 50% P through DAP remaining N and 100% K including

seed treatment with nano-DAP @ 5 ml kg-1 seed and two foliar sprays

65
 @ 2 ml litre-1 of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG saved 30 kg P 2O5 over
the recommended dose of phosphorus applied through inorganic
fertilizers.

➢ Application of 50% P through DAP remaining N and 100% K including

seed treatment with nano-DAP @ 5 ml kg-1 seed and foliar spray given
twice @ 2 ml litre-1 of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG did not affect the
nutrient balance in soil as the values were nearly same to that of initial
values.

➢ Integrated use of 50% P through DAP remaining N and 100% K

including seed treatment with nano-DAP @ 5 ml kg-1 seed and two
foliar sprays @ 2 ml litre-1 of water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG was found
more remunerative in term of B: C ratio followed by application 50% P
through DAP remaining N and 100% K including seed treatment with
nano-DAP @ 5 ml kg-1 seed and two foliar sprays @ 2 ml litre-1 of
water at 30 DAG and 45 DAG.

6.3 Future Line of Work

➢ Need to evaluate the effect of Nano-DAP in other cereal crops like

wheat, maize, sugarcane and others.
➢ Integrated use of Nano-DAP and conventional fertilizers in crops need
to be studied
➢ In order to arrive at final recommendation, the further studies on
integrated use of Nano-DAP fertilizers in wheat under these treatments
need to be conducted in future.
➢ Other type or kind of Nano-DAP fertilizers and their combination
available in market need to be considered and studied for field
application

66
 Chapter- VII
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70
APPENDICES
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX -I

(A) Common Cost of cultivation (Rs ha-1) excluding the treatment cost
S. No. Particulars Quantity Cost (Rs.)
1. Ploughing 1 pass 1250
2. Harrowing 1 pass 1250
3. Leveling 1 pass 750
4. Seed 80 kg 2800
5. Sowing 1 pass 1200
6. Hand weeding 25 man-day 5000
7. Irrigation 2 pass 500
8. Harvesting 20 man-day 4000
9. Threshing and winnowing 12 man-day 2400
10. Land rent 6 months 10000
11. Other expenditure - 850
12. Total 30000
B) Estimation of variable cost of cultivation of different fertilizer dose
application and Nano DAP treatments (hectare-1 area basis)
T. No. Treatment details Treatment
charges
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 3760
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 1440
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 3280
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 2800
T5 T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of
6780
water at 30 DAG
T6 T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
7780
water at 30 DAG
T7 T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of
6300
water at 30 DAG
T8 T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
7300
water at 30 DAG
T9 T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray- 7300
@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T10 T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray- 9300
@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

i
C) Economic analysis of different conventional fertilizers and Nano DAP treatments in rice

Cost of Common cost Cost of cultivation with

T. No. Treatment details
treatments of cultivation treatment (Rs ha-1)
T1 100% P through DAP+ 100% N + 100% K 3760 30000 33760
T2 0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N + 100% K(Control) 1440 30000 31440
T3 75% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 3280 30000 33280
T4 50% P through DAP + Remaining N + 100% K 2800 30000 32800
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed + FS@2ml/litre of
T5 6780 30000 36780
water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
T6 7780 30000 37780
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@2ml/litre of
T7 6300 30000 36300
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+ FS@4ml/litre of
T8 7300 30000 37300
water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T9 FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray- 7300 30000 37300
@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T10 FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; Second Spray- 9300 30000 39300
@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

ii
D) Economic analysis of Integrated use of Nano DAP fertilizer in rice
Gross Total cost Net
Grain Value of Straw Straw
T. monetary of monetary B:C
Treatments yield grain yield price
No. returns cultivation returns ratio
(kg ha-1) (Rs ha-1 (Kg ha-1) (Rs ha-1)
(Rs ha-1) (Rs ha-1) (Rs ha-1)
100% P through DAP+ 100% N +
T1 5680 110192 8528 8520 118712 33760 84952 3.50
100% K
0% P (No basal dose)+ 100% N +
T2 4065 78764 6903 6900 85664 31400 54264 2.72
100% K(Control)
75% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T3 4934 95836 7658 7650 103486 33280 70206 3.10
100% K
50% P through DAP + Remaining N +
T4 4637 90016 7412 7420 97436 32800 64636 2.97
100% K
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed +
T5 5825 112908 9012 9010 121918 36780 85138 3.31
FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
T3+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T6 6288 122026 9431 9430 131456 37780 93676 3.47
FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T7 5480 106312 8561 8560 106397 36300 70097 2.93
FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+
T8 5793 112326 8751 8760 121086 37300 83786 3.24
FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T9 FS@2ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; 6332 122802 9496 9490 132292 37300 94992 3.54
Second Spray-@2ml/litre at 45 DAG
T4+ST-Nano DAP@5ml/kg seed+First
T10 FS@4ml/litre of water at 30 DAG; 6594 127846 9893 9890 137736 39300 98436 3.51
Second Spray-@4ml/litre at 45 DAG

iii
 APPENDIX -II

A. Mean sum of square for pre-harvest parameters

Plant Number of Tillers m-1

Plant Height (cm) LAI Crop dry weight (g m-2)
Population row length
Source df
20 At 30 60 90 At 60 90 30 60 90 30 60 90
DAS harvest DAS DAS DAS harvest DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS

Treatment 9 0.87 19.04 39.41 78.82 57.30 62.36 0.084 0.142 319.93 2179.22 6071.02 597.56 643.20 597.72

Replication 2 0.10 0.30 0.53 3.54 5.09 3.54 0.001 0.001 4.13 10.00 238.90 133.43 147.10 151.23

Error 18 0.29 0.60 1.03 2.68 0.78 0.92 0.001 0.001 4.73 26.74 421.01 74.10 64.03 68.09

B. Mean sum of square for yield, yield attributing characters and chemical properties of soil

Yield attribute Yield parameters Chemical properties of soil

Source Harvest
Effective Panicle Panicle Grains Test Grain Straw N P K
index pH EC OC
tillers m-2 length weight panicle-1 weight yield ha-1 yield ha-1 (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1)
(%)

Treatment 4638.76 4.42 0.11 126.01 2.76 1935452.08 2842395.47 0.00098 0.0009 0.0003 0.0003 213.27 54.02 23.19

Replication 590.80 0.03 0.02 56.93 0.30 46821.90 5398.23 0.00001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0001 1.48 0.05 1.39

Error 109.58 0.02 0.00 6.19 0.14 25788.34 3884.46 0.00006 0.0004 0.0001 0.0001 1.32 0.46 1.20

iv
C. Mean sum of square for nutrient uptake

Nutrient uptake

Source df Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Grain Straw Grain Straw Grain Straw

Treatment 9 158.69 15.95 158.51 25.87 13.43 1.38

Replication 2 1.25 0.33 0.04 0.08 0.52 0.14

Error 18 0.87 0.46 0.03 0.03 0.14 0.08

v
CURRICULUM VITAE
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Name of the author : Ashi Thakur

Father’s name : Mr. Ashesh Thakur
Place of birth : Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
Date of birth : 17 August, 1998
E-mail : ashithakur19@gmail.com
Institutions attended:

• JNKVV, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur (M.P.)

• Choudhary Mother Care H S School, K Nehru Nagar, Jabalpur (M.P.)

• Christ Church Girls Senior Secondary School, Jabalpur (M.P.)

Educational qualification

Degree Year of
Subject University/Board Percentage
granted passing

M.Sc. Agronomy JNKVV, Jabalpur 2022

B.Sc. Agriculture JNKVV, Jabalpur 2020 80.90

12th Biology MPBSE, Bhopal 2016 83.6

10th All subject CBSE, Bhopal 2014 77.9

For the partial fulfillment of the requirements of master’s degree

programme, she was allotted a research problem on “Effect of Nano DAP on
rice yield and chemical properties of soil”. This is duly completed by her
and presented in the form of this thesis.