Influence of Nano Urea on Growth Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Blackgram

There is no doubt that the enormous increase in global food production is a direct result of greater use of inorganic fertilizers. However, a number of research studies indicate that the rising use of conventional fertilizers has resulted in major environmental risks, including soil and water body contamination. Nanotechnology and nano-fertilizers have recently been used in agriculture to create healthier solutions. Therefore, there is a pressing need to improve the N availability for plants, while reducing its harmful effects to the soil and environment.

Keeping this point of view, the pot culture experiment was carried out to study the “Impact of nano-urea (Liquid) on blackgram (VBN 8) (Vigna mungo L.) productivity” with an objective of study the influence of Nano-Urea on growth and yield attributes of blackgram. The experiment was conducted at Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi during the Kharif (June-September) season of 2022 and 2023. The treatment includes application of various level of nano urea (1.25 litres ha^-1) as foliar spray and soil application along with recommended dose of P and K in comparison with RDF and control (without any nutrient). The treatments were replicated three times in a completely randomized block design.

Among the different treatment combination, application of nano-urea (Liquid) 1.25 litres ha^-1 as Foliar Spray (FS) (IFFCO) + P and K RDF (T₂) resulted in higher pod weight (4.1 and 6.2 g plant^-1) and seed weight (3.2 and 3.6 g plant^-1) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Application of nano-urea (Liquid) 1.25 litres ha^-1 as Foliar Spray (FS) + PandK RDF responded equally with RDF + Urea 1% foliar spray on better growth and development of blackgram. At the critical juncture, adequate nitrogen from nano-urea would have ensured a steady supply of nitrogen, stimulating meristematic activity and cell elongation in plants and improving the crop performance.