Soil Properties Influenced by the Foliar Application of Nano Fertilizers in Maize (Zea mays L.) Crop

The aim of this present investigation is to study the effect of foliar application of nano fertilizers N, Zn and Cu on soil properties including chemical and biological properties after harvest of maize (Zea mays L.) crop. The field experiment was carried out during June-October 2020 season at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur which lies in agro-climatic zone IV-a of Rajasthan, India. The field was designed in a randomized block design having 12 treatments which were replicated thrice. The treatments include the various combination of conventional and nano fertilizers of N, Zn and Cu. The result showed that the plots treated with nano fertilizers found better nutrient and biological status in post harvest soil. The foliar application of two sprays of Nano N + Nano Zn + Nano Cu at 21 and 42 days after sowing (DAS) plus 50% N and Zn through conventional fertilizers along with 100% PK (T12) significantly (P=.05) increased the availability of macronutrients (N and K), micronutrients (Zn and Cu), microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) as well as the dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in post harvest soil of maize over control. The result of this investigation shows that 50% recommended dose of conventional fertilizers can be reduced by 2 sprays of nano fertilizers which reduces the harmful effects of conventional fertilizers and maintained the soil health.