Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Efficacy of Phosphorus and Potassium Incorporated Nano Fertilizer

Phosphorus and Potassium incorporated nano fertilizer were prepared using zeolite as a carrier material at a laboratory scale. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was done for the characterization and confirmation of the incorporation. Chemical analyses also indicate the sorption of fertilizer material into zeolite. An in vitro incubation study was conducted for 30 days at field moisture condition to see the release of the fertilizer materials and was compared with a conventional fertilizer. The release pattern of nutrients from either source showed a substantial decreasing trend with time although the release of P and K was higher for nano fertilizer than the conventional one. A pot culture experiment with Ipomoea aquatica (Kalmi) was also conducted to see the efficacy of the nano fertilizer in the growth promotion of the plant. Analysis showed higher accumulation of P and K in plants grown with nano fertilizer. Post-effect of nano fertilizer application in soil showed better pH, moisture, CEC, available P and K under nano fertilizer treatment than the conventional fertilizer.