<p>Sustainable nitrogen (N) management is essential for improving wheat productivity while minimizing environmental losses associated with conventional fertilizers. In the present study, a novel nitrogen nanofertilizer using <i>Morus alba</i> leaf extract was prepared and its potential in improving the overall morphological and yield related parameters in wheat plants was assessed. Wheat plants were foliar treated with three different concentrations of nano nitrogen (40, 80 &amp;120 ppm) and compared with conventional nitrogen fertilizer. Of the three concentrations used, most optimal results were obtained after 120 ppm treatment. At this dose, the plant height (10.92%), spike number (18.8%), seed weight (6.28%), and yield (192%), were recorded to be significantly better than what was obtained after the treatment with bulk chemical fertilizer. Additionally, the photosynthetic ability of the plants was elevated by 20.35%, 49.31%, and 44.42% for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content, respectively, at 120 ppm in comparison to chemical fertilizer. An increase of 30.47% and 43.53%, in total protein content was recorded in 120 ppm treated plants in comparison to the control and chemical nitrogen sprayed plants respectively. Further, the availability of nitrogen to plants was also enhanced in the case of nano-N application, as was evident from the leaching study. Surprisingly we also observed beneficial rhizospheric soil enzyme activity, where ‘acid phosphatase’ enzyme activity was increased by 33.26%, and that of ‘alkaline phosphatase’ enzyme was increased by 39.88% after application of nano-N (120 ppm) in comparison to the chemical fertilizer. Our results clearly demonstrate the substantial potential of nitrogen nanofertilizer to enhance wheat growth and overall yield without causing any adverse environmental effects, thereby paving the way for sustainable agriculture in the future.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>