Use of Nano Fertilizer in Rice for Higher Yield and Net Realization under Alluvial Soil

Abstract

Background: Efficient nutrient management is important for sustaining rice productivity while reducing dependence on conventional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. This study assessed the performance of nano urea and nano DAP when integrated with reduced conventional N and P fertilization under alluvial soil conditions. Aim: A two-year on-farm trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2024 and 2025 in ten farmers’ fields to evaluate the effects of nano urea and nano DAP on rice yield, soil properties, and profitability. Methodology: The demonstration comprised three fertilizer combinations: 100% RDF @ 120:60:40 kg N:P:K/ha (N120P60K40); 75% recommended N and P + 100% K with one foliar spray of nano DAP and nano urea at the pre-flowering stage (N90P45K40+NanoNP1FS); and 75% recommended N and P + 100% K with two foliar sprays of nano DAP and nano urea at the active tillering and pre-flowering stages (N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS). Results: N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS significantly improved growth and yield attributes, recording the highest plant height (111.47 cm), number of tillers (15.95/plant), number of effective tillers (13.80/plant), number of grains (147.65/panicle), and test weight (31.88 g). The highest grain yield (50.78 q/ha) and straw yield (70.96 q/ha) were also obtained under N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS. Grain yield was 6.88% higher than under N120P60K40 and 3.11% higher than under N90P45K40+NanoNP1FS. Correlation analysis indicated significant relationships among soil properties, particularly a positive relationship between pH and organic carbon and negative relationships between available phosphorus and EC and between available nitrogen and potassium. Economic analysis showed that N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS recorded the highest net return (Rs. 70,842.98/ha) and B:C ratio despite a slightly higher cultivation cost. Conclusion: The study showed that two foliar applications of nano urea and nano DAP, together with 75% recommended N and P and 100% K, could improve rice productivity and profitability compared with the other fertilizer treatments evaluated.