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<p>The high cost of fertilizers in developing nations often represents a major constraint on food production. Hence, it is essential to develop technological solutions that enable precise and efficient fertilizer application, thereby reducing costs. In this study, we present a novel slow-release nanofertilizer, chitosan nanoparticle-coated urea (CNCU), synthesized via a simple ionic gelation method. The nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The release rate of urea from the synthesized nanocomposite was examined in water to investigate its various slow-release properties. Release mechanisms were analyzed by fitting the release profiles to five mathematical models: (a) Zero order, (b) First order, (c) Korsmeyer–Peppas, (d) Higuchi, and (e) Hixson models. The Higuchi model indicated that urea release primarily occurs via diffusion from the polymer matrix. A pot experiment using <i>Zea mays</i> L. (maize) as a test crop was conducted to compare the performance of CNCU with commercial urea. Treatments included commercial urea at 5 g/kg and CNCU at 1, 3, and 5 g/kg. Plants treated with CNCU showed significant (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) improvements in growth parameters, including plant height, root and shoot length, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and carotenoids, relative to commercial urea. CNCU-treated plants also exhibited higher levels of total soluble sugars, proteins, proline, phenolics, and free radical scavenging activity. Besides, the fertilizer dose was found to play a crucial role in plant development and productivity. Overall, this study demonstrates that CNCU holds promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional urea in agriculture.</p>

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Improving agronomic performance and biochemical quality of maize (Zea mays L.) through soil application of chitosan nanoparticles coated urea

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月3日

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  • Avimanu Sharma,
  • Nisha Kumari,
  • Sanjeev Kumar,
  • Ritu Singh

摘要

The high cost of fertilizers in developing nations often represents a major constraint on food production. Hence, it is essential to develop technological solutions that enable precise and efficient fertilizer application, thereby reducing costs. In this study, we present a novel slow-release nanofertilizer, chitosan nanoparticle-coated urea (CNCU), synthesized via a simple ionic gelation method. The nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The release rate of urea from the synthesized nanocomposite was examined in water to investigate its various slow-release properties. Release mechanisms were analyzed by fitting the release profiles to five mathematical models: (a) Zero order, (b) First order, (c) Korsmeyer–Peppas, (d) Higuchi, and (e) Hixson models. The Higuchi model indicated that urea release primarily occurs via diffusion from the polymer matrix. A pot experiment using Zea mays L. (maize) as a test crop was conducted to compare the performance of CNCU with commercial urea. Treatments included commercial urea at 5 g/kg and CNCU at 1, 3, and 5 g/kg. Plants treated with CNCU showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in growth parameters, including plant height, root and shoot length, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and carotenoids, relative to commercial urea. CNCU-treated plants also exhibited higher levels of total soluble sugars, proteins, proline, phenolics, and free radical scavenging activity. Besides, the fertilizer dose was found to play a crucial role in plant development and productivity. Overall, this study demonstrates that CNCU holds promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional urea in agriculture.