Preparation and characterization of Nanoformulated zinc fertilizer by using biopolymer and their effects on cotton

Abstract

Nanoformulated zinc fertilizer with or without zein polymer coating was synthesized as a novel slow or controlled release fertilizer through ionic gelation process. Results of the synthesized nanofertilizer size ranging between 70 – 86 nm for Zn loaded CS/TPP nanoparticle whereas size of zinc loaded CS/TPP nanoparticle with zein was 80 to 300 nm. Shape of the Zn loaded chitosan nanoparticle with or without zein coating was spherical with smooth surface and homogenous in diameter. Surface charge, ie., zeta potential of zinc loaded CS/TPP nanoparticle with or without zein coating was found to be positively charged. A preliminary pot culture experiment was also carried out to determine the effects of foliar application of newly synthesised nanoformulated zinc fertilizer (50 ppm) on 30 day old cotton (var: suraj) plants. A significant improvement was recorded on plant height, number of leaves, no.of squares and root length by application of nanoformulated zinc with chitosan and zein (0.1%) in 7 weeks old plant.