Effect of Nano-Phosphorus Formulation on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Wheat under Semi-Arid Climate

Appropriate phosphorus (P) management techniques increase yield and nutritional properties while minimizing environmental concerns. The widespread use of nano-fertilizers (NFs) in agriculture endangers soil and plants. It is vital to research the behavior of nano-phosphors (nano-P) on plant growth and quality, as well as their technique of interaction with soil properties in order to obtain key ecosystem benefits. With this in mind, a field experiment was conducted using wheat as a test crop to explore the impact of nano phosphorus (nano-P) on soil. The study's goal was to examine how the foliar application of nano-P to wheat affects its growth, yield and nutrient concentration. Treatments consisted of: T-1: 100% NPK (120:137:72 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha(-1)) by RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer); T-2: 100% NPK by RDF + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-3: 100% NK + 0% P (no foliar); T-4: 100% NK + 75% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-5: 100% NK + 50% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1);T-6: 100% NK + 0% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-7: 100% NPK by RDF + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-8: 100% NK + 75% P + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-9: 100% NPK + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1); T-10-100% NK + 75% P + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha(-1). According to the findings, applying 100% NK + 75% P + 2 foliar applications of nano-P at the tillering and panicle initiation stages increased yield over 100% RDF by 37.1%. Additionally, the highest micronutrient concentration (Zn (36.4 mg kg(-1)), Cu (21.2 mg kg(-1)), Mn (22.9 mg kg(-1)) and Fe (61.1 mg kg(-1))) in grain were noticed in T-3 (100% NK + 0% P no foliar spray of nano-P) treatment, which was superior to T-1 (100% NPK). Furthermore, foliar application of nano-P fertilizer in combination with different levels of diammonium phosphate (DAP) slightly increased the amount of N, P and K, as well as micronutrients in post-harvest soil. In summary, the use of 100% NK + 75% + 2 foliar applications of nano-P saved 25% recommendation dose P if supplied as nano-P as a form of phosphorus, and can be a suitable substitute for DAP, especially in smart agriculture, as it possibly reduces P leaching into groundwater, while maintaining or increasing wheat crop yield over the 100% RDF.